Miami’s strength is united | NBA

In the shadow of the two favorites of the Eastern Conference, the Nets and the Bucks, which he has already beaten in 2021/22, the Heat is gradually heating up. Still undefeated when Kyle Lowry is dressed, the Florida franchise currently has a record of three wins and one loss. The latest Miami success having taken place last night, on the Brooklyn floor. One way to send a message to the rest of the league.

Because, during this meeting, the players of Erik Spoelstra demonstrated that they had what it took to go far this season, brilliant in particular on the collective level, with five players at least 10 points scored, in addition to ‘a Kyle Lowry at the oven and at the mill (9 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists): Bam Adebayo (24 points, 9 rebounds), Jimmy Butler (17 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals), PJ Tucker (15 points, 7 rebounds), Tyler Herro (14 points, 8 rebounds) and Dewayne Dedmon (14 points, 9 rebounds).

« What we have is a group of players who are on the same page, who treat the competition the same way, with enormous passion. This is how they work and are connected », Delivered Erik Spoelstra to the Sun Sentinel, concerning the strength of his collective.

PJ Tucker, the new Florida soldier

From the Bucks to the Heat this summer, after winning his first NBA title in Wisconsin, PJ Tucker is delighted to have once again landed in a group of blue collar workers, ready to give their all on the field. ” I like our competitive spirit, the way we fight “, Thus slipped the champion 2021.” That’s all you can ask for, this early in the season. »

And the experienced PJ Tucker, who should still prove to be very valuable for his team at the time of the playoffs, does not fail to be already dubbed by his own. Last night, his defense against the indefensible Kevin Durant (25 points, 9/18 on shots) also seduced his coach.

« P.J. [Tucker] is always there, anywhere », Underlined Erik Spoelstra afterwards. ” There’s no way to defend on [Kevin], he’s just too tall, too mobile, too talented, too good a shooter. But you still want to be behind him, to be physical, and to make his life difficult. And PJ is made for just that, he never gets discouraged, even when he gets tagged on him. »

Another area in which PJ Tucker contributed a lot last night: the rebound. Like all the players of the Heat, who have martyred the destitute Nets in this sector (62 catches to 42, including 17 offensives!).

« This is a quality that we noticed from the start in this team. », Confided Erik Spoelstra, on the rebound control of his men. ” We were hoping to be a good rebounding team and that’s something we’re really focusing on. »

Dominate under the panels to compensate for clumsiness

Among the symbols of Miami’s domination in this area, along with PJ Tucker, therefore, or even Bam Adebayo: Dewayne Dedmon. Out of the bench, the substitute pivot continues to be very effective on his playing time, proving to his leaders that they were right to extend it for a year this summer.

« Dewayne [Dedmon] was just outstanding, he went the extra mile, he scratched possessions we needed, he brought baskets, bounces and size in the paint. The presence of all our interiors was felt [hier] evening », Erik Spoelstra analyzed in a post-match interview.

And this interior presence was welcome for the Heat, during this evening when the Florida franchise shot only 40% on shots and 28% on 3-pointers. ” It feels good to be able to win matches, even when we don’t put our shots Jimmy Butler rejoiced to finish.