Q: Ira, you said we would learn about the Heat when everyone is healthy. I learned against the Bucks that you can’t have Tyler Herro and Norman Powell on the court together at the end. What was that? – Michael.
A: What it was was not good, leaving the Bucks with way too many points of attack in a game it became clear they were going to attack mismatches. Look, Tyler Herro closed a -20 in the loss, so not a good night for him, even beyond his shooting, and Norman finished -8. I think what we’re learning is what we already probably knew, that Tyler and Norman are more likely to be either/or than side-by-side, as has mostly been Erik Spoelstra’s rotation since Tyler returned. So that ultimately could turn it into a front-office decision about money best spent. Because if the Bucks could do this against Herro/Powell, imagine what the Cavaliers or an elite playoff team could do in moments of truth. In that regard, this was eye-opening. As Bucks coach Doc Rivers said, “We liked matchups. We went matchup hunting a lot tonight, at least down the stretch.”
Q: Worst loss of the season. – Juul.
A: Um, did you miss the Utah, Sacramento and Indiana games? Look, Milwaukee was playing to win in this one, which makes it a completely different case than when Utah came to Miami and tried to lose and couldn’t. But, to your greater point, Milwaukee minus Giannis Antetokounmpo is one you have to get if you have any ambition of getting out of the play-in.
Q: The Heat need to tank for a lottery pick. – Todd.
A: That ship has sailed, as the Bulls are making abundantly clear. So if you want the Heat in the lottery, it will come down to pulling for the opposition in the play-in.