Observations and other notes of interest from Thursday night’s 128-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers: – No, we’re not going to go through the Heat mantra that last season was painted on the court during City Edition nights. – You know, the one about, “Hardest working . . . ” – But do consider each one of those touchstones and then consider Jimmy Butler’s performances the past two nights. – Yes, illness can sap. – And 13 days off requires a degree of build-up. – But after missing 10 of the season’s first 30 games, something more could, would and should be expected. – This, of course, comes after Tuesday’s comments about trade speculation. – With no clear statement of commitment at that stage. – Which certainly is within his rights. – And then these two games following. – With lots and lots and lots of standing in the corners. – In other words, hard not to read between any lines. – Yes, a career resume superior to Bam Adebayo at this point. – And to Tyler Herro. – But also the team’s highest-paid player. – So therefore expectations. – Significant expectations. – Pat Riley addressed the trade rumors. – Is it time to address this, as well? – Because a trade simply cannot be off the table. – At least while this is being served up. – The Heat need Jimmy Butler to be present. – And engaged. – Not 48 hours of this. – This isn’t about whether Butler wins with a potential trade. – This is about the rest of the roster. – And the rest of the season. – And the future. – The Heat stayed with their preferred starting lineup of Butler, Herro, Adebayo, Duncan Robinson and Haywood Highsmith. – Entering with a 9-4 record with that group, including Wednesday night’s victory over the visiting Pelicans. – The Pacers opened with a lineup of Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner. – Kel’el Ware and Terry Rozier were the first two off the Heat bench, entering together. – Those two entered when former Heat center Thomas Bryant entered for the Pacers. – With Bryant then promptly draining a 3-pointer. – Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Comment on Winderman’s view: Without a fully engaged Jimmy Butler an outlook as bleak as loss to Pacers
Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Thu, 01/02/2025 - 7:56pm
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