Coming from four consecutive wins, the Heat had a tough challenge ahead of the best NBA team in the Utah Jazz. But with Jimmy and Bam doing All-Star performances, they delivered their most complete game of the season. Here’s how it happened:
Bam was amazing at first, hitting easy buckets on floats. The Heat’s attack was clever in choosing its moments, attacking the basket as soon as Gobert replaced him. Despite the solid Miami game, the game alternated leaders several times, even though they were tied for long periods. A testament to the talent on the Utah list.
The Heat did a very good job of controlling the ball to start. In fact, they didn’t have a spin until the 4 minute mark of the first, but another 4 turns to end the quarter made them lag behind a little.
As usual (well, at least recently), Heat struggled to defend ball three. Fortunately, they were able to return fire beyond the bow, thanks to the strong play of Gabe Vincent, Duncan and Dragic. In fact, until Jimmy’s average jump around the 5-minute mark, all of Miami’s field goals in the second quarter were three.
Jimmy was phenomenal in the first half, scoring to the edge and causing fouls, as well as kicking well in midfield. He helped Miami close the first half tightly, actually doing it with a big dunk. When the Heat’s attack is increasing, they are the team that went into the finals last season.
The Heat started the second half hard, with Bam taking straight to Gobert to get things going.
It was Bam and Jimmy’s show, while Miami advanced to a seven-point lead. Jimmy didn’t give up, attacking hard and perhaps looking a little underrated with the All-Star teams.
Still, Jazz struggled to show why it is currently the best team in the NBA. Donovan Mitchell is a special player, his first step and finishing ability is the reason he received all DWade comparisons early in his career.
Not enough is said, but Goran’s ability to produce an instant attack makes him very valuable to this team. Jimmy and Bam can’t do this alone all the time, so Goran’s ability to keep the Heat ahead or at an attack distance is enormous.
Bam had more than nine points in the third, exploring Utah defense whenever he could. Still, the shuttle never stopped keeping things incredibly close by going to the bedroom.
Duncan Robinson and Andre Iguodala hit three huge ones to keep Miami on the rise, but it was Goran Dragic who was spectacular in attack and defense. Absolutely refusing to give up. Still, Donovan Mitchell, Bogdanovic and Mike Conley kept things very close, moving on to a 7-0 streak at the worst possible moment.
With just over 33 seconds to go, Jimmy went to the basket and threw a float. She would fall, putting Miami at 4. Utah had one more chance, but a lack of three and a few desperate fouls from Jazz would seal that off, giving Heat its fifth consecutive victory and a unique statement.