Comment on Heat push through exhaustion in Jimmy Butler’s return, take down 76ers 106-89

Heat push through exhaustion in Jimmy Butler’s return, take down 76ers 106-89

MIAMI — The Miami Heat easily could have tapped out in this one, suffocated into an early 19-point deficit, exhausted by a schedule that had them playing on the second night of a back-to-back set the day after concluding a six-game trip, against a team coming off of two days of rest. But sparked by the return of Jimmy Butler after a four-game absence, Erik Spoelstra’s team dug deeper, got unexpected contributions from unexpected contributors and pushed past the Philadelphia 76ers 106-89 Monday night at Kaseya Center. “We wanted to make sure we didn’t have any excuses,” Spoelstra said. None needed. Playing in the injury absences of Terry Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr., the Heat went from shaky legs early to something seemingly inspired by the Blood Red Culture jerseys donned for the first time. So what had been a 19-point deficit in the second quarter turned into a 16-point lead in the third, as the defense remained stifling and the shooting came around when needed. Butler led the Heat with a 30-point effort that included a 13-of-13 performance from the line. “I think I did what I’m supposed to do at a decent level tonight,” Butler said. He was supported by 18 points from Tyler Herro and 13 from Duncan Robinson. The 76ers got 20 points from rookie Jared McCain and 18 from Paul George, but just 12 from center Joel Embiid, who started but had been listed as doubtful earlier in the day due to illness. The victory lifted the Heat to 6-7, with the reeling 76ers falling to 2-11. The Heat now finally get to catch their breath, idle until Sunday’s game against the visiting Dallas Mavericks. “I think it’s much needed,” Herro said of the break. Five Degrees of Heat from Monday night’s game: 1.

 

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