HISTORY MAKERS: MIAMI HEAT ENTERED INTO HISTORY BOOK AFTER FRANCHISE LARGEST WIN.
Following several puzzling home losses, the Miami Heat handled business with aplomb.
How the Heat cruised to the largest win in franchise history.
The Miami Heat have struggled this season when playing at home. Before Friday night’s game, Miami was 18-17 in games played at Kaseya Center after losses to the Washington Wizards and the Memphis Grizzlies, who were decimated by injuries.
But on Friday, the Heat produced a historic performance against the Portland Trail Blazers that every fan will never forget, triumphing 142-82, the biggest margin in the team’s history.
Following several puzzling home losses, the Miami Heat handled business with aplomb.
Anfernee Simons, Malcolm Brogdon, Jerami Grant, and other key scorers and ball handlers were out for the Trail Blazers, but the Heat stifled Portland’s attack, forcing 24 turnovers and capitalizing on those errors for 36 points.
Bam Adebayo’s explosive start helped the Heat take a 29-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. The game truly got out of hand in the second quarter as the Heat continued to play well. The Trail Blazers were outscored by 24 points in the fourth quarter as Miami scored 45 points thanks to a potent bench unit push spearheaded by Haywood Highsmith.
In the second quarter, Highsmith drained three 3-pointers. In the last three games, he has made 12-of-13 shots from beyond the arc.
Indeed, indeed, indeed
-Eric Reidtweet.com/SSu9hdSY4s
— March 30, 2024, Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT)
Adebayo also joined in on the second quarter three-point party, although Highsmith was the most active player, hitting his top of the key three that is beginning to become routine.
Photo: https://twitter.com/I3cvnR8DSQ Scout report
— March 30, 2024, Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT)
With just 26 minutes remaining in the game, Adebayo finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, one assist away from a triple-double. In a tremendous blowout, Thomas Bryant took over and produced his best game as a Heat player. Adebayo was getting his rest.
The most remarkable aspect of Bryant’s rapid development has been his strong drive on both ends of the court.
With respect, TB finished what he started. ✋
With two blocks and eight scores, he has given us a 52–25 advantage.tweet.com/yflu0dhHSl
— March 30, 2024, Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT)
Bryant was the backup five for Erik Spoesltra even with Kevin Love available. Long term, it will be extremely beneficial for the Heat to have someone who can consistently provide energy off the bench at a position where the second unit has struggled. This is even though the minutes may not constantly be in the 20s.
The Heat broke franchise records, set many season highs, and performed offensively like a clinic.
Numbers from video games: pic.twitter.com/YBzR4YPOGD
— March 30, 2024, Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT)
It’s time for Miami to permanently improve their home record, as they have played five of the last nine games at home. What better way to do so than by building on an incredible showing?
