Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro revealed after a 105-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night that he learned that a housemate tested positive for COVID-19
Herro said he received the news at the break and was not sure if he would have to be quarantined because of possible exposure. His revelation came the same night, All-Star striker Jimmy Butler returned after losing 10 games due to NBA health and safety protocols established for safe play during the coronavirus pandemic. Butler scored 30 points, the highest of the season, after losing 12 of Miami’s 18 games due to virus-related problems, with the Heat ending a five-game losing streak.
The Heat also did not play Kendrick Nunn on Saturday because he was waiting for the result of the COVID-19 test when the game started. Nunn was released in the second quarter and could have played, but Heat coach Erik Spoelstra chose not to use him.
“We were waiting for the results of your tests,” said Spoelstra, quoted by the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “At that time it was not available in the first quarter, so I went in a different direction … It’s just one of those unfortunate things. I think that if that kind of thing is going to happen, it will happen to us.”
Herro had 15 points and three assists for Heat, who also lacked Goran Dragic and used their 14th lineup in 19 games this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.