Heat vs Blazers: Wild Finish & Miami Win

Still without Bam Adebayo, the Heat gets off to a bad start against Blazers. Unlike the previous match, against the Hornets, where Erik Spoelstra’s men broke an offensive record in the first quarter, this time the start was extremely complicated, and Portland led 15-3 after four minutes. Fortunately for Miami, the baskets are starting to fall in…

The pace imposed by the Florida troops had its effect during the second quarter, with a Kel’el Ware very present in defense, even if Donovan Clingan fights under the circle.

Miami seems to have taken control of the match and returned to the locker room at +7 (72-65) but this Portland team has heart, like a Deni Avdija who goes for baskets and free throws. The accelerations of Norman Powell et Nikola Jovic are therefore not enough to make the visitors let go, still firmly attached.

There is only one possession difference (100-97) at the start of the last quarter, which will prove to be epic. The two teams thus go blow for blow, and Donovan Clinga puts the teams back on level terms (127-127) two minutes from the end. Norman Powell then made two free throws, beforeAndrew Wiggins did not achieve the most important shot of the match, with a 3-pointer in the corner which really hurt Portland.

There are still 90 seconds to play and the hold-up is still possible, but the Blazers do not have the strength for a final push, and it is therefore Miami who wins (136-131) at the end of this very big fight.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– A real fireworks display. Between two of the teams playing the fastest this season, this meeting was bound to spark. This was the case, notably with a last quarter marked by cross-scoring. At the end of the effort, it was ultimately the Heat who managed to make the difference.

– Career record for Nikola Jovic. Miami’s new attack offers opportunities for everyone to shine, and it was Nikola Jovic who took advantage this time. Even though he sometimes took too many risks (6 turnovers), he finished with his career high in points (29) to go with his 9 rebounds and 7 assists.

– Deni Avdija, the insurance of the Blazers. The Portland winger continues his strong start to the season. With his 33 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, he hurt the Heat, who had a lot of trouble containing him without making mistakes. Every time the Blazers needed to get back in the game, he was there.

How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.