Winning streaks against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings were encouraging, but in reality it wasn’t a full Miami Heat.
In Tuesday’s win over the Warriors, the Heat’s rotation had to be reset after the Tile Heroes lost to a bruised eye in just 9:57 of court time. Wednesday’s victory over the Kings came as Jimmy Butler sat out with a sore back.
But what victory has shown is that when he needs to step up, when he needs to make the canvas again, Kyle Lowry is still capable enough in his moment.
He had 13 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds against the defending champion on Tuesday. He needed more on Wednesday, posting a season-high 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
“Kyle was really like training camp,” says coach Erik Spoelstra of the last two Rowley Lift games. “We’re trying to understand some things and develop continuity and flow with the starting units. He’s really taken a toll and the other players have really stepped up and established themselves. I’m trying to help you do
“And sometimes, as Chris Bosh used to say, it gets lost in the sauce. We will continue to be all parts of the person.”
With Butler down, Lowry said he knew it was time to step up Wednesday night.
Lowry said as the Heat turned their attention to Friday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, “When one of our players is out, we have to play more aggressively. ‘ said.
For Spoelstra, Wednesday seemed like a statement to those who suspected Lowry, 36.
“I don’t even know how he was feeling,” Spoelstra said. “But he’s probably doing his best because he’s inventing a challenge in his own mind that’s like, ‘I’m really going to make it happen tonight.’ ‘ makes a big play, and with Jimmy out there, I thought he really kept us afloat and put pressure on the defense.”
All part of an ongoing process, Lowry said, the hero was added to the opening mix along with himself, Butler, Bam Adebayo and Caleb Martin.
“Honestly, I think we have really young, really good basketball players, Tyler and Bum. And they’re going to continue to be our big arsenal, and Jimmy. It’s not just about finding a way to be, but it’s also about helping them get better, look better, and become All-Stars, All-NBA players, and championships.
“That means you have to find a balance. And sometimes it takes time. And trying to figure it out takes energy and effort.”
no butler
Butler didn’t travel with the team to Indiana on Thursday and was still dealing with a strain in his left hip. He will be given at least four more days of vacation.
Also not traveling were Victor Oladipo, who has ongoing knee problems, and forward Nikola Jovic, who suffered a nose bruise at FTX Arena on Thursday.
Omer Yurtseven is still listed as out due to ankle impingement.
Adebayo also has a suspected knee bruise.
roster set
The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced their roster on Thursday, after the Heat’s G League affiliate kicks off the season on Saturday.
This is a mix that includes both on-team and off-team players.
For example, listed on Skyforce’s opening night roster are two-way guard Dol Smith, who remains in the Heat, and guard Marcus Garrett, who is out due to a broken wrist.
Featured on the Skyforce roster are Heat two-way forward Jamal Kane and two undrafted prospects cut at the end of Heat camp: guard Jamalie Bouillah and center Orlando Robinson.
The roster also includes former NBA players Mychal Mulder and Chandler Hutchinson, as well as former Broward and Barry guard Landon Kirkwood, coached by former Heat forward Kasib Powell. I am making a list to serve.
