(Mandatory Credit: Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Six days ago, the Miami Heat held an eight-point second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Paycom Center. Though they let it slip, getting outscored 64-38 over the next 18:42, making an ill-fated comeback attempt before losing, 124-112.
On Saturday, the Heat met the reigning champions again, this time in Miami, Fla., albeit without one of their best players in Tyler Herro. And the Heat held strong on the home floor, ultimately securing a gritty 122-120 win despite trailing by as much as 12 points in the first half.
The Heat’s win was led by none other than Bam Adebayo, who poured in a team-high 30 points on 6-of-10 shooting from 3-point range, a new career high. He added 12 rebounds — six offensive — and four assists in 32 minutes.
However, it wasn’t just Adebayo who made an impact. All 10 of the Heat’s players — from Adebayo to Myron Gardner, who had 11 points and five rebounds on a perfect 4-4 shooting (3-3 3PT) off the bench — everyone contributed.
It was a collective team effort, with a capital “C” and “T.”
Pelle Larsson scored 16 points on 7-of-15 shooting; Norman Powell tallied 19 points on 5-of-12 shooting from deep; Andrew WIggins had 15 points, five assists and five rebounds.
Additionally, Simone Fontecchio had 13 points and five rebounds on 4-of-7 shooting off the bench; Kel’el Ware had seven points plus nine boards. It was an all around effort.
The win also marked the first time the Heat had at least 34 more field goal attempts than their opponent. The Heat attempted 111 shots, while the Thunder shot just 77. Miami had 21 offensive rebounds to the Thunder’s five. It finished a plus-five on the glass entirely and a plus-24 in second-chance points.
The Heat close their homestand 2-1. At 22-20, they will now embark on a five-game West Coast road trip, beginning with the Golden State Warriors Monday.
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