The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly interested in trading for Lowry too. The Timberwolves could move D’Angelo Russell to Miami for Lowry, and the Lakers have reportedly decided to stand pat at the trade deadline.

The Heat are still finding itself at the moment. Miami (23-20) is eighth in the Eastern Conference standings due to a dearth of injuries to key players like Lowry, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Victor Oladipo. Lowry is averaging 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 39.8 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from beyond the arc.

Miami trading Lowry could help them create a younger backcourt that could help reverse their fortunes for the season. Making a move with either the Lakers or T-Wolves could help them make a move in the offseason in the draft or the free agent.

Miami will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday afternoon.

The post REPORT: Lakers, Timberwolves Interested in Trading for Kyle Lowry appeared first on SLAM.

Crowder hasn’t played this season after he told the Suns he wanted out of Phoenix. Crowder is in the final year of his current deal.

“According to someone who has spoken to the Heat’s front office, the Heat remains interested in Jae Crowder, but only in a buyout situation, barring Phoenix shockingly taking a bad contract off Miami’s hands,” per Jackson.

The Heat is still looking to regain the identity that helped them make a run to the 2020 NBA Finals and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance against the Boston Celtics. As of Tuesday, Miami (20-18) has the seventh-best record in the East. They could use some depth at the forward position after P.J. Tucker left for the 76ers in free agency.

The Heat have also dealt with an avalanche of injuries to their core players.

When Crowder last played, he averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 39.9 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from the three-point line. Crowder has developed a reputation as a three-and-D wing that’s value due to his playoff experience and timely shooting.

Crowder last played for Miami during their run to the 2020 NBA Finals. His familiarity with their system could help negotiations if the Suns and Heat agree on a buyout. He appeared in 20 games that season and averaged 11.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 48.2 percent shooting from the field and 44.5 percent from beyond the arc.

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Robinson accomplished the extraordinary feat late in the first quarter off his first shot of the game. Robinson played 14 minutes and ended up posting nine points, four rebounds, and a steal in Miami’s 113-110 win over Minnesota.

No. 800 on his 1st attempt in the game. Pure shooter. pic.twitter.com/9s6CVxFkyG

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 27, 2022

Robinson is also the quickest player to hit 200,300,400,500,600 and 700 triples in his career. It took him 263 outings to do, 25 fewer than perennial MVP contender Luka Doncic. The previous fastest four players to hit 800 were Doncic (288 games), Buddy Hield (296), Donovan Mitchell (302), and Stephen Curry (305).

Fastest in NBA history to do it! pic.twitter.com/7XicNkQMwS

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 27, 2022

Robinson has knocked down 802 career threes as of Tuesday and is four away from tying Hall-of-Famer Tim Hardaway for the all-time lead in franchise history.

The post Duncan Robinson: the Fastest to Knock Down 800 Career Three-Pointers appeared first on SLAM.

The six-time All-Star expressed how he was grateful that the NBA at least sent Miami to play in Mexico this year since they are not getting any nationally televised games.

“I don’t feel like the NBA rock with the Miami Heat too much anyway,” Butler said per Heat Nation. “At least we get to play somewhere. We don’t got no TV games or nothing.”

The Miami Heat finished the 2021-22 campaign with an Eastern Conference-best 53-29 record. Although Miami was last year’s top seed in the East, the Heat weren’t even in the top 10 for most games televised on the major networks. Surprisingly, teams who were missing key pieces for most of the season, like the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers, had more nationally televised games.

Earlier in December, Heat center Bam Adebayo also chimed in on Miami not getting enough media attention.

“You’ve got to think about: we were No. 1 in the East and people didn’t even pay us any mind,” Adebayo said. “Us being where we’re at, they’re definitely not talking about us. The biggest thing for us is to keep stacking these wins.”

The post Jimmy Butler Finds Motivation in Miami Playing Zero National TV Games appeared first on SLAM.

Herro makes NBA History by becoming the first player to record nine or more three points on back-to-back nights. On Thursday, he tied the franchise record for most three-pointers (10) in a single game against the Houston Rockets, which featured a career-high 41 total points for him.

Wednesday night was a similar performance with a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, as Herro knocked nine 3-pointers to his 35 points. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year has been on a tear lately, but Herro is only focused on what he can contribute to pushing the Heat back into one of the contenders of the East.

“I didn’t know it was the record until last night when I hit nine, and they said I was one short,” Herro said per ESPN. “I didn’t have any intention of coming in to tie the record, but I was just trying to get 3s up. I think shooting more 3s is helping.”

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It’s not like he’s just chucking three balls out there, either. His numbers are looking as efficient as ever from the outside. Herro shot a career-best 10-15 from beyond the arc. While he shot 12-23 from the field against the Thunder, Herro hit the game-winning basket from 15 feet to aid him as the best field goal percentage made shooter among starting guards the last two games.

“Regardless, he’s too good of a shooter for us to not take 3s off the catch,” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said after the game. “He has to continue to be assertive in those opportunities. He’s just a brilliant shooter. He can do it off the dribble and off the catch.”

The back-to-back historic nights for the Kentucky product aren’t one of his first marks in NBA history. Against the Boston Celtics in the 2020 Eastern Conference Finals, Herro recorded a 37-point game in a critical Game 5 that listed him with the second most all-time playoff points for a player 20 years old or younger behind Magic Johnson(42).

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This time around, Herro, at 22-years-old achieves another Heat record by becoming the youngest player to have a 40-point game in the regular season, breaking franchise legend Dwyane Wade‘s at 23.

Herro has lived up to his $130 million contract this season, and more importantly, he earned himself a spot in the starting lineup, a role he was excited to grab this past summer.

With the presence of All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, the Heat may have solidified a Big Three that can contribute at all ends of the court to reach the destiny of a fourth championship.

For now, only one thing is certain; Herro is indeed a Bucket.

The post Tyler Herro Makes History After Hitting Nine Triples in Back-to-Back Games appeared first on SLAM.

The 10-year veteran had a breakthrough in Indiana when he joined in 2017, where he earned All-NBA and All-Defensive Team honors and the Most Improved Player Award.

Victor Oladipo back in Indy pic.twitter.com/F4v9CX5A0M

— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) December 12, 2022

Injuries stopped that momentum and put a pause on Oladipo achieving a higher level of stardom, but Oladipo remains hopeful of returning to his All-Star form.

“The way you build your character and who you are as a person is how you handle those moments. And I’ve always been an optimist,” Oladipo said. “Even though what happened to me was catastrophic, it doesn’t mean that I can’t still be happy, and I can’t still come back from it and be my best self.”

Oladipo hasn’t returned to the production he would have hoped for. When he was traded from Indiana to the Houston Rockets, he played a total of 20 games before being shipped again in March of 2021 to the Heat, where thus far, in three seasons, he’s only played 16 games.

Oladipo averaged 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals in his four years as the Pacers superstar. He became a fan favorite in Indiana during his first year with the team as he led them to the fifth seed of the East while going toe-to-toe in a seven-game playoff series with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Sound up! Welcome back, @VicOladipo pic.twitter.com/95yPHz2A3G

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 7, 2022

Oladipo’s run with the Pacers was a glimpse of true blossom and an emphasis on why he was selected second overall in his draft. Nothing can take away his moment Monday night, and Oladipo hopes the air in the building refreshes his game as the elite two-way player he once was.

“It definitely brings some nostalgia, you know, just walking into the building,” Oladipo said. “But I’m focused on the good energy. And I let the bad energy go a long time ago, in terms of my injury and everything.”

The post Victor Oladipo Set to Play in Indiana For the Time Since He Left in 2021 appeared first on SLAM.

There’s not much to be proud of in their 12-14 record, but the superstardom of Bam Adebayo has finally blossomed, and it’s greatly benefited, Jimmy Butler.

His aggressiveness has been on display, especially in the last six games. The Kentucky product has scored 18.3 points per game in the second half, which is second-best among centers behind Los Angeles Laker superstar Anthony Davis.

Bam keeps getting the job done by any means necessary pic.twitter.com/HIbWrG5Kdk

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 9, 2022

After a tight battle last night against the Los Angeles Clippers, Adebayo (31) and Butler (26) combined for 57 points while showing efficient shooting from inside the three-point line. Even with Adebayo’s point total and improvement in the second half, the center wanted Butler to score the team’s last eight clutch points, which he delivered.

“The ball finds the right places,” Adebayo said, according to Sports Illustrated. “Jimmy had the hot hand. He scored our last eight, and that’s what he does. At the end of the game, if he wants to keep doing, I’m fine with that. I have no problem with him shooting step-back, one-footers.”

JB with a game on the line is just different… the Clippers were the latest to find out. #ClutchJimmy

Popular Moment of the Week // @popularbank pic.twitter.com/Zil4anyaCW

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 9, 2022

The number one option is expected to deliver in crunch time, no matter the circumstance. In his return from a nearly two-week absence, Butler knocked down a stunning fadeaway blow a week ago against the Boston Celtics to steal a victory at TD Garden.

Adebayo quietly recorded 28 points in that same outing and collected seven boards, forcing the Celtics to account for two of the Heat’s superstars.

The tear Adebayo is on right now has made Butler’s job easier. With Adebayo drawing much more attention, the closing minutes rely on no. 22 to take on isolation assignments in which he’s so potent. Another Adebayo eruption with a closing call from Butler is in the possibilities Saturday night as the San Antonio Spurs come into town.

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The aggressive play of star center Bam Adebayo and the leadership of Kyle Lowry have brought the team to four victories in their last five games, with the most notable one being this past Friday against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.

A game that featured the return of Miami superstar Jimmy Butler saw the forward shatter the hearts of the 19-5 Celtics by hitting one clutch shot after another. After the game, he posed high confidence in the Heat and its resiliency in tight situations but most notably made a promise to team President and all-time NBA legend Pat Riley, as he hopes this season shapes up to be Riley’s 10th championship run.

“When you’re talking about the Heat,” Butler said. “Deep run into the playoffs, championship caliber, that’s the second two is about. You put the two together, Pat Riley; we’re getting your 10th championship.”

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Butler came within reach of Riley’s 10th title on two separate occasions, as in the 2020 NBA Finals, the Heat came up short against the Los Angeles Lakers, losing the series 4-2. Last season, the Heat were once again in the Eastern Conference Finals against the rivaled Celtics, and in Game 7, Butler missed a critical go-ahead three-point shot in the final 18 seconds to give Boston the opportunity to ice the game and move on to the championship series against the Golden State Warriors.

Though the Heat hasn’t looked themselves this season, when Butler is on the court, his elite level of play places him in the upper echelon of star players across the League. He’s currently averaging 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.7 steals.

The Heat Culture embodies a ‘bounce back’ mentality through their grit and determination on the floor, and Butler has certainly embraced it. However, at 33-years-old, time is certainly closing on him to achieve the dream of winning a championship.

Butler is capable of taking on the challenge on his own, but basketball is a team game, and Heat fans know that if a championship comes to South Beach, it’ll have to be a high-level team effort.

“We’re still going to win the championship, and I don’t care what nobody says,” Butler said on the early struggle of the Heat. “Count us out. We’re going to win the f—— championship. I’m telling you.”

The post Jimmy Butler to Pat Riley: ‘We’re Getting Your 10th Championship’ appeared first on SLAM.

Butler averaged 25.6 points per game in that series while shooting 47 percent from the field. Butler was clearly on a whole other level in that series, including a 47-point Game 6 performance in TD Garden to force a Game 7 back in Miami.

The Heat and Celtics have matched up in the playoffs twice in the past two years, with Miami getting the best of Boston in 2019-2020 and Boston beating the Heat last year.

So far this year, the Heat (10-12) haven’t looked like themselves, as they currently sit in 11th place in the East. On the flip side, you look at the Boston Celtics, which seem to be clicking on all cylinders. They sit in first place in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 18-4 and are winners of their last five straight games.

The two teams recently played an exhibition together this past Wednesday, but the undermanned Heat was no match for the healthy Celtics and ended up losing 134-121. Celtics star Jayson Tatum went off for a season-high 49 points as well.

Butler took to his Instagram story yesterday with a little hype-up video giving Heat fans hope and Celtics fans flashbacks to last year, saying he is “on the way.” Hopefully, Butler’s return helps to change the course of this Heat team’s record and shifts the momentum to a positive one going into the All-Star break.

We’ll have to wait and see if the Heat can start the month of December off strong.

The post Jimmy Butler’s Message to Boston Ahead of Friday Matchup: ‘I’m On the Way’ appeared first on SLAM.

A left knee tendinosis diagnosis has kept Oladipo sidelined for all 21 games Miami has played. Head coach Erik Spoelstra says, “I do not have a timeline” for when he can return.

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Oladipo could be the difference-maker for a struggling Heat team this season. In the Heat’s playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, Oladipo averaged 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals off the bench.

Although the stats won’t show it, his best performance was against Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics, holding Brown to four crucial turnovers in the second half to force a Game 7 that ultimately highlighted his perimeter defensive skillset.

The guard play of the Heat has taken its strides from last season as Gabe Vincent, Kyle Lowry, and Tyler Herro are all playing to their capabilities, but Oladipo would be a bonus to a bench unit that has struggled to generate turnovers defensively, being third worst in the League.

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The situation for Oladipo can’t be as troubled as it was to start the season, however, as he has now been putting in reps with the squad in their current road trip. With Spoelstra wishing to coach a healthy lineup, adding Oladipo to team practices could help ease him into a minimal playing status.

“He’s on this trip for a reason, to continue to get good work, but also to get the connection piece, the fellowship piece with our guys,” Spoelstra said. “It’s really important. That’s as important for him, being out, just being around the group.”

The post Erik Spoelstra: ‘I Do Not Have a Timeline’ For Victor Oladipo’s Return appeared first on SLAM.

With three of the four losses coming down to the wire, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra feels the quality of his star players on the court, can set a difference in a short amount of minutes.

“At some point, hopefully, we’ll be getting some guys back,” Spoelstra said per Sports Illustrated. “Even if they’re not fully 100 percent, even if they’re close enough, maybe they can give us a little bit of reinforcement, even if it’s just short minutes. That’s where we are right now.”

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The Heat is dealing with a loss of their defensive identity in just one season. They were one of the best defensive teams last season; now, the Heat are currently tied for 14th in the League with the Atlanta Hawks, who both hold a 111.1 defensive rating. They average the second lowest blocks, even with the 16 out of the 18 games Adebayo has played.

Kyle Lowry isn’t the same focal point of an offense as he once was, but he has kept the Heat within reach in the last four games while averaging 18.3 points and 7.3 assists. The resurgence of Lowry is encouraging, considering his struggling performance in last year’s playoffs, but it’ll have to remain once Butler returns and looks to reclaim his spot as Miami’s top scorer.

“Just give us whatever you have,” Spoelstra said. “Whatever you have, just give us. If you’re used to playing 30 minutes, just give us 15. If you’re used to playing 20 minutes, give us eight, so we can kind of manage things right now.”

For now, the Heat remains without several of their former All-Stars, and it may stay that way for the time coming. Questions are piling up, and a fired-up Spoelstra may be the finishing touch to what has been a roller-coaster season for South Beach.

The post Head Coach Erik Spoelstra Awaits The Return Of Star Players appeared first on SLAM.

He is Nikola Jovic, the 27th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Though many speculated he was the steal that night, the opportunity to showcase his talents hasn’t been presented enough until last night against the Toronto Raptors.

“next man up” mentality pic.twitter.com/hniB9AJiE8

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 18, 2022

The absence of Bam Adebayo and Omer Yurtseven made the Heat relatively thin at the front court, and considering their lack of length, Spoelstra had to turn to one of his forwards to fill in the center position. Surely enough, Spoelstra called on the 6’10” rookie out of Serbia for rim protection against Toronto stars like OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, and Scottie Barnes.

In the 24 minutes the 19-year-old played, Spoelstra had nothing but positive things to say about Jovic.

“We felt putting him with the starters would give him the best chance to compliment that group,” Spoelstra during a TV interview, per BallySports. “He was terrific, particularly in that first half. He played with a lot of energy. He gave us some relief baskets. His skill level — all of those things are good.”

Jović already at 9 points, let’s hear those hot takes #HEATTwitter pic.twitter.com/fS6fIDNn4b

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 17, 2022

Although the Heat took another loss, it’s encouraging to see Jovic stride in different positions. His versatility could undoubtedly be used further down the season, but the Heat should strongly consider evaluating him for the starting four spot right now due to their lack of length and offensive firepower.

Jovic’s intentions are where they need to be, stating there’s plenty more he looks to improve upon, specifically on the glass. The Heat is the third-worst rebounding team in the League, and If Spoelstra looks to turn the Heat season around, giving his rookie more minutes may pay dividends to reclaim that top seed in the Eastern Conference.

“I want to be more efficient rebounding,” said Jovic after the 19 rebound margin in favor of the Raptors. “If I’m the biggest guy on the court, someone needs to grab that ball, and it should be me, and I’m going to work on that more.”

The post Nikola Jovic Impresses Erik Spoelstra in First Career Start appeared first on SLAM.

It wasn’t the prettiest of victories to their now three-game win streak, as the Suns held a 13 point-advantage at one point, but the dominance of Bam Adebayo showed up at the perfect time in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 of his 30 points.

His two-way play seems to be pushing the team in the right direction, as his screens and playmaking are getting Caleb Martin and Kyle Lowry in much needed rhythm.

After the game, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra spoke on the value Adebayo provides on both sides of the ball and how his responsibilities can benefit the rest of the team.

“He’s such a winner. He’s an absolute winner,” said Spoelstra. “He can morph into so many different roles for us where he makes it look so much easier to the average fan – everybody just wants him to score 40.”

Adebayo had been off to a slow start for the first seven games of the season, resulting in the Heat winning just two games in October. Now, winners of five of their seven games in November, Adebayo has jumped his averages to 20.7 points per game, 10.3 rebounds, and 40 assists per game on 52.7 percent shooting from the field.

The Heat is doing better once Adebayo takes over a game, but as co-star Jimmy Butler mentioned last week, Miami’s defense is “not where it needs to be.”

With a 111.8 defensive rating, the Heat are 17th in the League in that category, a major drop from their fourth-best rating last season. However, the team is third in the League in points allowed in the paint (44.7), courtesy of Adebayo’s anchoring down inside.

“Understanding how to read defenses and what’s necessary for this team,” said Spoelstra on Adebayo. “when to be assertive, when to create for others, when to set screens for guys, look, I’ve never coached really somebody where there’s been so many different responsibilities,”

Spoelstra has taken leadership over legends like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and of course, Butler, the current face of the team. Encouraging words like the one Spoelstra said on Adebayo should factor into how confident the big man plays the rest of the year.

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The team comes off a 117-112 overtime victory over the Charlotte Hornets Thursday night. In a game that featured the Heat forcing 20 turnovers, nine of them steals, the team just could not put away the Hornets in the regular period, even when their lead was as big as 15.

“Not where we need it to be,” Butler said on the state of the Heat’s defense, per Sports Illustrated. “It’s not all bad, but there are a lot of mistakes, miscommunication, not getting back easily correctable stuff. Hopefully, we start doing that pretty soon and stacking some Ws because we’re in dire need of some wins.”

35 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists last night… and his teammates appreciated every bit of it. #HEATCulture

Popular Moment of the Week // @popularbank pic.twitter.com/Dptz8fiddc

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 11, 2022

Their 110.8 defensive rating puts the Heat near the middle of the pack across the League. It’s not a dramatic drop, but the team did have a 108.4 defensive rating last season, fourth-best behind the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and Boston Celtics.

The Heat was defeated at the buzzer against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, a game where the Heat also had a chance to run away with a sizable victory.

Butler had 16 points to go along with six steals, but leaving Blazers guard Josh Hart open at the corner three-point line left the FTX Arena stunned as he knocked in the winning trey.

HART FOR THE WIN #RipCity | @joshhart pic.twitter.com/kTTLL5dcam

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 8, 2022

Though they’ve managed to give up close ones, the Heat seems to be finding their defensive approach to avoid living in those late-game circumstances, according to head coach Erik Spoelstra.

“It’s part of our identity that we really need to be disruptive and get teams out their comfort zone in a lot of different ways, which requires a big energy and focus commitment,” Spoelstra said. “To be able to be active, get our hands on balls, deny passes, play multiple schemes, that’s our lifeblood defensively.” 

The Heat have a chance to prove they’re back to their pesky defensive habits again against the Hornets tomorrow night.

The post Jimmy Butler Says the Miami Heat Defense is ‘Not Where it Needs to Be’ appeared first on SLAM.

“I really don’t care at all,” Herro said, per the Sun Sentinel. “Maybe if it ended in a loss, but we won — I’m just going to play my game, and if they call a travel, they call a travel.”

The League announced the missed call a day after the game, as Herro picked up his dribble off a pump fake and changed his pivot in the motion of the three-point shot.

We only needed 2, a Herro came to the rescue with 3

Money Play // @FTX_Official pic.twitter.com/jK8EGUzk99

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 3, 2022

That kind of moment has defined Herro’s season thus far. Herro is second on the Heat in scoring, averaging 18.6 points a game to go along with career highs in both rebounds (6.6) and field goal percentage (47.8).

Unwilling to give up a third loss in their last four games, Coach Erik Spoelstra spoke on the call and how sometimes officiating hasn’t gone their way.

“They’re just really tough calls at the end of games,” said Spoelstra. “We’ve been on both sides of it. So I can understand the frustration on their side of it — The game can be decided in so many different ways and not just a whistle at the end of a game.”

Kings Coach Mike Brown was upset the travel wasn’t called but credited his group for putting up a fight to last season’s number one seed in the East.

“I would not be doing my job if I didn’t come up here and protect my guys,” said Brown. “To pump fake on a sidestep, a sidestep or hop, and then one-two and a shot and not make that call, to me, it’s just unbelievable. It’s not why we lost the game, although I don’t think we got a fair whistle.”

Criticizing officiating is a tale as old as sports itself. The scrutiny around the missed call has unforeseen consequences that may not be understood until the season starts to matter in April.

The post Tyler Herro Reacts to NBA’s Call On His Game-Winner Against the Kings appeared first on SLAM.

Last night’s 116-109 victory versus the Golden State Warriors was a huge statement win for Miami, as Kyle Lowry (13 points, nine assists, five rebounds) made history, passing Jason Kidd for 12th on the NBA’s all-time made three-pointers list after going 3-8 from beyond the arc. The Heat’s sharpshooters Max Strus and Duncan Robinson also came alive off the bench to combine for 41 points to power Miami to the win!

Lowry finished the game with 13 points on 50 percent shooting (5-10), nine assists, and five rebounds. The Strus got loose and went for 24 points to lead the team in scoring, making eight of his seventeen shots and shooting forty percent from deep. Then the icing on the cake was Robinson, who contributed 17 points on 62.5 percent shooting from three.

“For us to get a win like that is huge for us with how our season has gone thus far,” Strus said in a postgame interview with Bally Sports Sun’s Will Manso. “To grind one out, out of the mud, and win one like that is huge for our confidence, and hopefully, it pushes our momentum forward.”

Manso also caught up with Robinson postgame and asked about the Heat’s “next man up” mentality. Robinson had this to say following his hot shooting night;

“We’re a deep team, so somebody goes down, different guys are going to step up and try to contribute.”

Miami seems to be heating up at the right time and is looking to keep things rolling tonight versus the Sacramento Kings at home. There are still a lot of games left, which means that the Heat can only continue to improve from here on out.

The post Kyle Lowry Moves Up to 12th On All-Time Made Three Pointers List appeared first on SLAM.

While Vanderbilt has been productive on the glass and in the scoring department, his versatility and ability to defend multiple positions make Miami interested in the 23-year-old.

“They hoped to get Utah to give up Jarred Vanderbilt—they want defense at that spot,” said the executive to Heavy Sports.” They want to see what they have with guys like Caleb Martin, see how he handles that spot.”

Losing P.J. Tucker during the offseason was a significant loss for the Heat, and not bringing in any critical players on top of that did not help their case either. Tucker’s absence is starting to show after Miami opened up the campaign with a disappointing 2-5 record. 

Adding Vanderbilt to this struggling roster can work wonders, and it may just be what this team is missing. The young forward has even shown signs of his new and improved three-point shot, shooting it at a career-best 42.9 percent. Undoubtedly, he would adapt nicely alongside Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt, which operates mainly in the paint. Nevertheless, the Heat have time to make this call. The NBA trade deadline is on Feb.9.

Miami is back in action on Nov. 1 when they take on the defending champs, the Golden State Warriors.

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All four of these games were part of a season-opening homestand. The last of which came in a 98-90 loss to the Toronto Raptors. However, Veteran point guard Kyle Lowry has a fix and a bit of perspective to help keep the Heat on track. 

“We’re just trying to figure it out. I mean, honestly, it’s four games in. I think we’re trying to figure it out. I know we said running it back, and I agree with that, but we still have different guys in different roles in different situations,” Lowry told The Miami Herald in Miami’s locker room following the loss. “So we have to figure it out how to all be on the same page.” 

Lowry is an NBA Champion and 36-years-old in his 17th NBA season, so he knows a lot about figuring it out. He’s averaging 10.8 points per game on 28.2 percent shooting from the field and 28.0 percent from three through four games this season. 

Lowry’s most significant adjustment has been his rise in playing next to Tyler Herro, who has been elevated to a starting position after his Sixth Man of the Year performance last season. Lowry is playing off-ball a lot more and has his lowest usage rate since his days in Memphis. 

“We got guys who can really play basketball. We’ve got guys who can really make plays, and we’ve just got to all find ways to mix and match, not take turns, but figure out how to play off each other a little bit better and play with each other a little bit better,” Lowry said. “Honestly, everybody has a different role this year; things are a little bit different, right? Tyler’s in the starting lineup, and Bam’s more aggressive. We’ve got different lineups with this, that and the other, and we’re just trying to figure it out right now.”

The Miami Heat will have plenty of time to set their season straight, and Lowry believes they have the talent to do so. 

The post Kyle Lowry Says 1-3 Miami Heat Are ‘Trying to Figure It Out’ appeared first on SLAM.

The team has relied on Max Strus and Duncan Robinson to handle the load at the power forward slot, but the team looks to be losing hope in their defensive powers as reports suggest the Heat are looking at trade suitors.

“Kyle Kuzma and Taj Gibson aren’t the only potential moves that the Heat have been linked to recently,” according to Heavy.com’s Thomas Darro. “Link them to PJ Washington from the Charlotte Hornets, as well as finalizing a reunion between Crowder and the Heat. But another has been Bojan Bogdanovic from the Detroit Pistons and Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz.”

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Kuzma of the Washington Wizards is off to a fantastic start to the young season as he’s averaging 19.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and a staggering shooting at 46.5 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc. His size and length could turn him into a problem under the talented Heat coaching staff, but Heat President Pat Riley always keeps the door open to other options.

Washington is a restricted free agent this upcoming off-season due to the inability to negotiate a contract extension. The Hornets may be focused on providing their star point guard LaMelo Ball an enormous deal for the 2024 season, leaving little cap space to work for Washington.

The Heat wouldn’t mind one-year rentals, especially when there’s a lot of talent that needs to be proven out of the group. The 24-year-old would add the floor spacing, agility, and defensive intangibles that much up well against star rivals like Jaylen Brown, Khris Middleton and Demar Derozan.

Finally, the reunion Heat fans would welcome with open arms. Not too long ago, Phoenix Suns’ Jae Crowder was part of the resilient 2020 Heat squad that, as a 5th seed, went six games against the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. The chemistry on display, both offensive and defensively, is in no way bound to be lost in just the two seasons apart.

With this possibly being his 10th straight playoff appearance, a reunion with the Heat opens the door to a final run at a championship.

The post REPORT: Heat Linked to Kyle Kuzma, P.J Washington, and Jae Crowder appeared first on SLAM.

Miami still secured their first win of the season over Toronto 112-109. Following the game and news of his suspension, Martin immediately felt remorseful and had the following to say

“I felt bad that it happened,” Martin said. “I was embarrassed Saturday night; I was embarrassed the next morning about how I handled things because I pride myself on being more professional than that. Anybody who plays sports understands that emotions get high, especially at the highest level. Sometimes it boils over. It’s not the first incident like that in basketball history. But those are things I try to make sure I avoid.”

Martin revealed that since the incident, he had reached out to Koloko and apologized.

“I got to deal with the consequences,” Martin continued. “I reached out to him last night. I talked to him Saturday night and yesterday morning. Just letting him know I apologize, and that’s not the way I carry myself, and I don’t condone that type of stuff. Obviously, he was cool about it. We talked about it, and he understands. He doesn’t hold anything against me. So as long as me and him are good and he understands where I’m coming from, I’m good.”

“I remember being a rookie and scratching and clawing for playing time, too,” Martin added. “You’re going to do whatever it takes, even if you got to climb on somebody’s back. Whatever the case may be, you’re going to try to earn playing time. So I don’t fault him at all for the way he was playing. That’s just their culture, and I respect that.”

Heat rookie Nikola Jovic was also suspended and fined $15,000 for coming off the bench during the altercation. Having only played overseas in Serbia, Jovic was a bit surprised that he was also suspended and fined due to the NBA’s rules/regulations.

“I didn’t know because everything happened near the bench,” Jovic said. “So my reflex was to come out and help my teammate and get people to just move away from him and stuff. It just happened — I felt like they were right in front of me, and I tried to help my friend, and that’s all that happened.”

The Heat take on the Raptors again tonight, but everything seems to have cooled down and been squashed between the players. This is the NBA; sometimes, these things happen. At the end of the day, everyone on every team is competing against the best of the best, so things will sometimes escalate. That’s just basketball.

The post Caleb Martin Felt ‘Embarrassed’ After Altercation with Christian Koloko appeared first on SLAM.

The Heat seemed like the clear landing spot for Mitchell as NBA fans believed they had enough assets to send the Utah Jazz in exchange for the shooting guard. A deal like that would have pushed the Heat toward favorited championship odds, especially considering Mitchell and Adebayo’s chemistry at the Miami Pro League over the summer. Mitchell and Adebayo were also seen working out with one another throughout the offseason

“I said this to somebody, I was like, ‘Man, I’m working out with Bam [Adebayo] and others, and I’m thinking like, ‘This is just preparing. This is what it’s going to look like.'” Mitchell said on J.J Redick’s “Old Man and the Three Podcast.”

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Adebayo wasn’t the only player in the Heat roster that would spark rumors of Mitchell joining the Heat. Jimmy Butler had spent the second week of his off-season with Mitchell at a restaurant in Miami for basketball media influencer Chris Brickley’s birthday

In that same late June period, rival Kevin Durant had requested a trade from his team and the NBA world believed Heat President Pat Riley would pull the trigger for the future Hall of Famer.

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The Heat ended up standing pat during the off-season, but they extended Tyler Herro to a four-year deal worth $130 million. Though securing the young star bodes well for the Heat, the East has gotten much more competitive, especially with Mitchell making the Cavs a potential top-five seed in the conference.

Cleaveland’s future success rides on the play of Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley in order to consider the Cavs the winners of the trade. As for Miami, the team’s lack of trades and signings puts pressure on them to succeed at the same rate they did last season. If this season goes any worse, the question arises of why the Heat didn’t make the effort of making the Butler, Adebayo, and Mitchell big three.

The post Donovan Mitchell Touches On Working Out With Bam Adebayo Over the Summer appeared first on SLAM.

Tyler Herro and Caleb Martin jumped into the starting lineup, moving Max Strus back to the Heat bench. Strus appeared and started all 18 of Miami’s playoff games last season. 

Despite his reserve role on a reconfigured Spoelstra bench, the small forward’s head is high. 

“I think what I do kind of fits in with any lineup,” Strus said per the Sun Sentinel. “So it’s not really hard to adjust to playing a certain way. I think that’s one of my strengths, is just kind of get in where you fit in – I’m just trying to do a good job of that and letting our main guys do their thing and provide spacing. And when I’m open, shoot the ball.”

Given Miami’s legendary organizational culture, it’s no surprise that Strus is embracing his new role and focusing on doing what he can to help his team win. In Miami’s season opener against the Chicago Bulls, Strus scored 22 points, including 5-7 on three-pointers, and grabbed seven rebounds, gobbling up 50 percent of the bench’s total boards.

With new rotations and different players on the floor together, the Heat are playing smaller. When Strus plays power forward, he wants to focus on rebounding.

“There’s going to be smaller guys down there that are going to have to rebound. We need our guards to step up and rebound — I’m capable of doing that. So I’m more than willing to get down there and bang with the bigs and help out on the boards.”

In addition to lasering in on his rebounding this season, Strus believes he is in the best shape of his career. 

Ahead of training camp, he said, “I’m the lightest I’ve ever been and probably the strongest I’ve been. I’m probably like eight pounds lighter, which doesn’t sound like much, but it is a lot. I’m more lean mass. So that was my plan. And I think it’s going to help me be more explosive and less wear and tear on my body.”

Strus looks to once again shine in his new role as the Heat host the Boston Celtics tonight.

The post Max Strus Embracing Reserve Role with Miami Heat appeared first on SLAM.

“The first thing that jumped out when the scouts had us watch edits on him, I literally had never even heard of him, and it was his passing,” said Spoelstra, per the Sun Sentinel. “He was a ballhandling, passing three-man previously in Europe.”

“I think any young player that knows how to pass and is a willing passer is super unique. All these players coming up, nobody’s really looking to pass. They’re looking to score, looking to put points on the board. I think it’s just a really interesting skill set when people can see the floor and can see two plays ahead. And he had a lot of that as a young player playing in an adult men’s professional league; he was developing a lot of those habits. So we’re playing him a little bit more as a passing big, which fits right into his skill set.”

Jovic’s unique passing abilities are not the only thing Spoelstra was impressed with; standing at 6’11 and still being so young, Jovic’s rebounding is another vital quality.

“I mean, he rebounded pretty well over there,” Spoelstra said, referring to Jovic’s time in Serbia “You just don’t know analytically if that translates to the NBA. So I was just kind of open to seeing that.”

It seems like Jovic has settled in quite well to the NBA’s level of play after racking up his second double-double of the preseason. That is an excellent sign for the rookie after facing some struggles during Summer League. According to Spoelstra and Heat scouts, Jovic had never played the four or five in Serbia and was strictly a wing player.

The new positions, environment, and pace of play were more than likely what was contributing to Jovic’s struggles.

“He’s a quick learner,” Spoelstra said. “So he picks up things faster than I probably anticipated for a kid his age. He’s diligent. He works at it, in pre-practice, after practice, watches film. He takes accountability for his mistakes, and he just doesn’t often make the same mistake twice in a row.”

It will be exciting to see how Coach Spo fits Jovic into this playoff-tested Heat core. However, one thing is for sure being a former video coordinator for the team himself, Spoelstra has a natural eye for talent, and we should expect to see more of Jovic this season.

The post ‘Diligent’ Nikola Jovic Making Solid First Impression With Erik Spoelstra appeared first on SLAM.

The second-year man had the opportunity to fill in a roster spot last season, but he suffered a similar injury to the one he’s dealing with now. Although Garrett’s chances of filling the Heat roster spot have slimmed, Coach Erik Spoelstra offered an optimistic outlook to Garrett for when his time will come.

“This is the journey for young players sometimes,” said Spoelstra. “Sometimes you just can’t predict it. Sometimes it doesn’t go how you want it to. But he has that perseverance and grit to get healthy and get back at it.”

As demoralizing as the injury is, Spoelstra doesn’t rule out the possibility of Garrett making the roster. He, and small forward Jamal Cain, have put in extensive hours during practice and proved their worth on the court, making effort plays.

Recent Undrafted players for the Heat, like Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, and Gabe Vincent, had made their impact offensively when the team needed it most. In Garrett’s case, his defensive tenacity during the Summer League put Miami’s front office on notice, leading to his second two-way deal with the South Beach franchise.

“We’re all here getting at it every day,” says Jimmy Butler on the significance of pre-season games. “Whenever you get in the game, I think that’s the easy part. You just need to maintain your conditioning and then make sure you’re in a rhythm.”

Garrett may not be involved in the rotation or even be on the roster to start the season, but his determination has earned the locker room’s respect, and he now presents himself as a ‘Next Man Up’ target.

The Heat opens its 2022-2023 season at FTX Arena against their Eastern Conference rivals, the Chicago Bulls.

The post Marcus Garrett Set to Miss Final Preseason Stretch After Suffering a Wrist Fracture appeared first on SLAM.

“It’d probably be disrespectful to say it,” O’Neal told CNN’s Becky Anderson. “But I would like to go back home. I’ll leave that to the viewers to figure out [what it means]. I would like to go back home.”

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Home can mean many places for O’Neal as he played for six NBA franchises, played college basketball at LSU, and was born in Newark, NJ. O’Neal’s first professional “home” was with the Orlando Magic, where he was selected number one overall in the 1992 NBA Draft. He established himself in just four seasons averaging 27.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game.

O’Neal and his crew brought the Magic to its first NBA Finals appearance in 1995 but couldn’t get it done against Hakeem Olajuwon’s back-to-back Finals-winning Houston Rockets. Nonetheless, the city of Orlando could still have great respect for their best center of all time, and the fans could settle on him taking over the organization.

O’Neal’s next ‘home’ is where many saw him become the legendary figure he is in the history of basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers. O’Neal won multiple championships in Los Angeles with the late-great Kobe Bryant. The pair blossomed into the most dominant duo of their time, and in the 1999-2000 season, O’Neal won his first season MVP award.

The history of the Lakers would undoubtedly be held in good hands with O’Neal at the helm, but that won’t happen any time soon.

A final team to note as one of Shaquille O’Neal’s ownership probabilities is the Phoenix Suns. Though his time in the desert wasn’t the highlight of his career, he still showed what he had in the late stage of his career — making an All-Star appearance in 2009 and averaging 17.8 points as a 37-year-old.

The Suns have been under media scrutiny recently after team owner Robert Sarver was suspended a year after an independent investigation found he helped foster a toxic workplace culture based on racist and misogynistic behavior. Sarver recently revealed he was planning on putting up the Suns and Mercury for sale due to the investigation.

O’Neal has his options, but for now, he can give back to the community and continue investing in the several businesses he owns. No franchise is a long shot for the four-time champion, but an ownership decision may come sooner than expected.

The post Shaquille O’Neal Talks Buying an NBA Team: ‘I Want to Go Back Home’ appeared first on SLAM.

“Me, and I give Draymond [Green] and probably Giannis [Antetokounmpo],” said Adebayo when naming players that can defend the best players at each position to NBA writer Couper Moorhead. “Three guys who can literally guard 1-through-5 and be effective.”

The Heat used Adebayo to matchup against superstar scorers such as Atlanta Hawks‘ Trae Young and Philadelphia 76ers‘ Joel Embiid in their playoff meetings last season. Young shot 31.9 percent from the field and 18.4 percent from beyond the arc, netting an average of 15.4 points a game, while Embiid was 11 of 29 shooting when guarded by Adebayo during the games he appeared in.

“I’m going to always go for the award,” said Adebayo on the Defensive Player of the Year award. “I’m never going to give up on anything that I set my mind to. It’s set in stone.”

Nonetheless, his three-peat in the All-NBA Defensive Second Team speaks for his case and for how far the Heat get every season is in part to his play against the League’s best scorers. As he enters Year 6 of his career, it’s clear that Adebayo is ready to take his defensive talents to all-time great heights as the Heat look to bring a title to South Beach.

The post Bam Adebayo Lists His Top 3 Players That He Believes are ‘Effective’ at Defending Every Position appeared first on SLAM.

Now, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Herro and the Miami Heat have reportedly agreed on a contract extension for four years worth $130 Million.

During the 2021-2022 season, Herro averaged 20.7 points on 44.7 percent shooting from the field, to go along with 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists. Since coming into the League, Herro has gone from averaging 13.5 points per game to 15.1 and, as of last year, 20.7.

Herro had even earned high praise from head coach Erik Spoelstra this past season, who said the Sixth Man of the Year “becoming one of the most skilled players in the League.”

Following the signing of Herro’s extension, Heat President Pat Riley said via NBA.com that, “Tyler is an impact multi-faceted player and we are excited to have him signed for the next five years,” said Riley. “His improvement every year since we drafted him has led to this day. We believe he will continue to get better per the Miami Heat.

Now with Herro officially extended, Heat fans are definitely looking forward to seeing many more performances this season.

The post REPORT: Tyler Herro and the Miami Heat Reach an Agreement on a Four-Year, $130 Million Extension appeared first on SLAM.

When he was asked at Miami’s media day about his contract extension negotiations and the upcoming Oct. 17 deadline to reach an agreement on a rookie extension, the fourth-year guard out of Kentucky offered the typical business-like response.

“I’m just focused on the season and basketball,” Herro said per the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “I’m going to let my agent take care of that.”

Media Day = major “first day of school” vibes pic.twitter.com/DZZJDIdQje

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 26, 2022

Herro also revealed that he was “active early” during extension negotiations but told his agent to “call me when it’s ready” after he realized that the deal wasn’t going to get done “until later.” He also said he’s “not in a rush” to get a deal done. Although Herro said it “be cool” to be the center of attention as a free agent, being recruited in such a fashion isn’t something he’s interested in.

“I was active early in the summer,” he said. “Then I realized it wasn’t going to get done, if it does get done, until later. So I just told my agent to call me when it’s ready.

“So we haven’t really spoken much about the contract. Obviously, I tell him to call me when it’s ready. If it’s not ready, I continue to play my game and figure it out next summer.”

Now the real fun begins.#HEATTrainingCamp @BahaMarResorts pic.twitter.com/q7pgvFDoXM

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 27, 2022

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year also said that he knows his worth and that he ultimately wants to stay in Miami, “but it’s got to make sense for my family.” Herro looks across the landscape and believes he’s better than some players who have gotten big contracts. So, whatever contract extension is offered, “it’s got to be the right number.”

If Herro and the Heat can’t come to an agreement, he will become a restricted free agent on July 1. Miami begins its season with an Oct. 19 home game against the Chicago Bull.

The post Tyler Herro On His Contract Extension: ‘Call Me When It’s Ready’ appeared first on SLAM.

Haslem entered the League in 2003 as an undrafted rookie out of Florida. With all-time great Dwyane Wade, the pair won an NBA Championship in just their third season with the Heat after defeating the star-studded Dallas Mavericks squad. Haslem would make another 17 years of unforgettable memories for the Heat.

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UD was part of the back-to-back championship roster for the Heat from 2012-2013. Haslem started in 59 games in 2013 and proved his vocal leadership from the forward slot would end up making one of the Heat’s best defensive lineups in League history. He still shows that leadership on the bench as he constantly directs where a Heat defender should be on plays. Of course, it worked, as the Heat were one of the best defensive teams last season.

That stout defense had its moments, like when Jimmy Butler and Erik Spoelstra got into a heated argument over a defensive possession. Haslem broke up this matter; and assured the team and press that he wouldn’t condone Butler’s behavior by yelling “I’ll whoop your a–” towards the six-time All-Star.

Udonis Haslem addresses what he says is the beginning of his “The Last Ride.“ pic.twitter.com/qA7OxZSeyC

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) September 27, 2022

Fans thought the team was falling apart, but it was only a wake-up call to get back into their winning ways. Butler would then lead the Heat to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they would end up a Game 7 victory short of playing in the NBA Finals for the second time in three years.

“Got one more in me for Pop,” said Haslem per Heat Nation. “Got one more in me for the city. Got one more in me for the team.”

The Heat forward dedicates his last season to his late father, Johnnie Haslem, who passed away in August 2021. The UD farewell tour starts Oct. 19 against the Chicago Bulls. A lot of emotion heads into this season, but the best thing Haslem and the Heat can do is bring a fourth banner to the 305 and write off Haslem with a legendary career.

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Miami is headed for another season of action as a top contender to come out of the Eastern Conference and is looking to push one of their stars Bam Adebayo, to have an increased scoring role. Doing so can take the team over the hump.

Last year, Adebayo only averaged 13.7 shot attempts a game. For someone that shoots it at 55.7 percent, the expectation is that more volume will cede more outstanding production. Even Butler chimed in about this push on Media Day.

“We know he knows we want him to score more; we want him to be aggressive. He can do it, and he’s going to — He always is and always will be the engine, the key part on both ends of the floor. So we’re going where Bam takes us.”

Adebayo understands that the team wants him to score more, so he is setting a new goal for himself going into the 2022-23 campaign. On Media Day, the Heat star revealed that he wants to average close to 18 shot attempts per game.

“I’m going to try to get it up this year,” said Adebayo. “I feel like we’re a lot better team when I’m scoring the basketball.”

If the Heat star can remain efficient with that many shot attempts this season, we are potentially looking at an early MIP candidate.

The post Bam Adebayo Tabbed for Bigger Role this Upcoming Season appeared first on SLAM.

Sixers star Joel Embiid had an MVP-worthy campaign. Tyrese Maxey had his breakout season. James Harden was brought into the mix on the trade deadline, giving the team a much-needed go-to scoring option to pair alongside Embiid, which can also facilitate. Although this seemed promising enough to go all the way, some pieces of the puzzle had to be filled.

A busy offseason for the organization led to Philadelphia bringing in players like former Sixth Man of the Year winner Montrezl Harrell, sharpshooter Danuel House, and veteran PJ Tucker. The acquisition of Tucker reunites him with Harden. The two had a lethal on-court connection back on the Houston Rockets, where they played four seasons together.

The grit that Tucker provides is something that every team needs. He will harass you on defense. He can stretch the floor. He will even trash-talk you the whole game. Since leaving the Rockets, the veteran played a crucial role for the Milwaukee Bucks on their way to winning a championship in 2021 and the Miami Heat last season when they made it to the Eastern Conference Finals as the first seed. 

On Media Day, Embiid declared Tucker as one of the X-Factors for the Heat in their series against Philadelphia in last year’s playoffs. 

“Obviously, playing against PJ, I thought if you don’t wanna mention Jimmy (Butler), I thought PJ was one of the X-Factors that really had a big impact for them against us. Obviously, Daryl (Morey) went out and did his job.”

As for Tucker’s former teammate and, of course, current teammate, Harden, believes having the veteran on the team this year is significant.

“I feel like we got the right pieces we need on both ends of the ball to make us a legit contender and be the last team standing,” said Harden during Media Day.

The post James Harden and Joel Embiid Fans of Newly Acquired PJ Tucker appeared first on SLAM.

During the 2022 free agency period, after former Miami Heat forward P.J. Tucker opted-out of his player-option with Miami, he then, within just a few short minutes of being on the free agent market, had inked a three-way trade deal with the Sixers.

Tampering is something that the NBA does not tolerate, and teams found guilty of this action are either fined heavily or even end up losing future draft picks. The Sixers are not the only team this offseason to be investigated for tampering; the New York Knicks are also in the hot seat after the NBA announced they’d be looking at New York due to the circumstances surrounding their acquisition of Jalen Brunson before he officially signed with the Knicks.

At the recent NBA Board of Governor’s press conference, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver gave his thoughts and an update on both investigations.

“I think what prompted [the investigations] was sort of just the tick-tock chronology around sort of when the signings are permissible and the announcements of those signings and the information that came out about them,” Silver continued. “[That] was cause for the league office to investigate.”

Silver then wrapped up the topic by stating, “The statuses of those investigations are still ongoing,” and “Hopefully, they’ll be wrapped up in the next few weeks.”

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Despite his personal and team success in South Beach, Hardaway decided not to ask former Coach Pat Riley or Alonzo Mourning to be his presenters at this Saturday’s Hall of Fame ceremony. That honor will instead go to the figures that fostered his love for the game from before his time in Miami teaming up with Mourning and Riley.

Tim Hardaway explains bypassing Pat Riley, Alonzo Mourning as Hall of Fame presenters. https://t.co/mBJsfMaNHQ No, not a Miami Heat snub, but rather a tribute to those who were there for him at the beginning.

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) September 8, 2022

Hardaway’s presenters will be Isiah Thomas (Class of 2000), his Run-TMC teammates Mitch Richmond (’14) and Chris Mullins(’11), longtime friend Yolanda Griffith (’21), and former college coach Nate Archibald (’91).

“There’s one thing I do know I want to tell you; it takes a village to raise a kid; Chicago South Side raised a kid. This is Chicago South Side. This is for them,” Hardaway said of his decision, per Ira Winderman.

“Isiah Thomas, I grew up watching him play, my basketball idol, no question, from the city of Chicago,” Hardaway explained. “Nate Archibald, my college assistant coach, came back to his alma mater and coached me [at Texas-El Paso] and helped me understand. Yolanda Griffith, we went to high school together. We graduated in the same class. And I wanted to acknowledge her as being the first before me and wanted people to understand that. She was a Hall of Famer before me, and she needs to be recognized.”

The choice to bypass Riley, Mourning, and former Coach Don Nelson was difficult. Hardaway knows it and even admitted that he “can’t even mention a lot of people that I want to mention.” As a result, Hardaway’s speech will likely not “mention a lot of people” that he wants to mention.

Instead, the UTEP two-step creator will make a point to mention critical figures during his time in Miami during his HOF media session that’ll be aired on NBA TV.

“I’m sorry, everybody can’t be there,” he said of those standing alongside on stage. “And I’ll tell you this, in my speech, I can’t even mention a lot of people that I want to mention because it’s a lot of us going up this year. So I can’t mention a lot of people I want to mention.”

Hardaway’s Hall of Fame induction class includes four-time NBA champion Manu Ginobli, two-time college Coach of the Year Bob Huggins, sixth-winningest NBA coach George Karl, and veteran NBA ref Hugh Evans. Five-time All-Star Lindsay Whalen, four-time All-Star Swin Cash, and NCAA national champion and former WNBA Coach of the Year Marianna Stanley will be inducted on the woman’s side.

Mourning will attend the HOF ceremony, as well as Coach Erik Spoelstra, GM Any Ellisburg, assistant GM Adam Simon, scouting director and former teammate Keith Askins, and multiple other Heat front office members. Rily will not be able to attend due to a scheduling conflict but heaped heavy praise on Hardaway when he was interviewed for the HOF’s event program that’ll be passed around at the ceremony.

“I had just come from New York, and we had a team that was noted for defense and things of that nature, you know, rough and tumble. I needed to get a point guard, and Tim was available,” Riley said of acquiring Hardaway for the Heat from the Warriors in 1996.

“He was not the explosive, up-and-down-the-court kind of a player. He could keep a team really organized. He was tough as nails, and we were fortunate to have him.”

Hardway’s Hall of Fame induction will begin this Saturday evening.

The post Tim Hardaway Explains Why He Didn’t Pick Pat Riley and Alonzo Mourning as Hall of Fame Presenters appeared first on SLAM.

Patrick McCaw and Norris Cole hope that leading Team USA to their eighth gold medal at the AmeriCup tournament will help them return to the NBA. The two veterans have a combined five championships and plenty of wisdom and championship experience to pass down to any team looking to make that leap.

“I think it’s more about representing the USA for me right now,” McCaw said. “I want to make it back to the NBA. I know that’s a process. And I know one day, whenever, next week, next month, next year, when it’s supposed to happen, it’ll happen. But right now, I’m just focusing on this USA, wearing these three letters, giving my all to this team, and representing the United States of America.

For @pg30_Cole and Patrick McCaw, the priority for the next two weeks is getting @usabasketball an AmeriCup title.

After that, they hope the NBA gives them a call.

The AP story on two champions who believe they have a lot more to offer:https://t.co/7eME1z7jgB

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) August 31, 2022

McCaw last played four games for the Toronto Raptors during the 2020-21 season. The UNLV products career has primarily slowed down due to a slew of injuries he says are no longer concerns. Cole last played for the OKC Thunder in April 2017. Since then, he’s spent the last five seasons playing in Israel, China, Montenegro, Italy, France, and Puerto Rico.

“I still have the ability,” Cole said. “God has still blessed me with the ability. I still have the fire, the hunger, and I still feel like I have something to prove, things that I would like to accomplish as a player. That feeling of winning a championship, the mission, the goal, the work to try to get to that point again, that’s what drives me as a competitor. And I want that feeling again.”

McCaw is 27-years-old, while Cole will be 34 by the time the season starts. Although they are at different points in their professional basketball careers, they both have the tangible of being around winning that makes any veteran attractive to a front office looking to surround their young players with vets that can help push them and a franchise to the next level.

McCaw is a threepeat champion, winning back-to-back titles with Golden State and his most recent championship in 2019 with the Raptors. Cole was a part of the legendary Miami Heatles teams led by LeBron James. Cole was a speedy three-and-D threat who won back-to-back rings with the Heat against the Thunder and Spurs.

“We’ve been around winning,” Cole said. “Patrick has that working for him. He knows what winning looks like, and anytime you’re around winning, it rubs off on you. He has that, he has a fun personality, and I think he definitely deserves another shot. I definitely believe that he deserves to be on an NBA roster.”

Three NBA champs headline Team USA in Cole, McCaw, and Jodie Meeks. They are joined by Zylan Cheatham, Gary Clark Jr., Will Davis II, Anthony Lamb, Frank Mason III, Jeremy Pargo, Elijah Pemberton, Craig Sword, and Stephen Zimmerman.

In training camp, Cole reportedly won every sprint he was in and established himself as the point guard of Team USA. McCaw’s talent shined through amongst a group of highly skilled players who played in the NBA or the G League. The most important thing for McCaw is that his confidence is coming back after battling knee and spine issues that left him off an NBA roster last season.

“I’ve been off the radar,” McCaw said. “I think this is a huge step because people are going to be able to watch these games and see where I’m at now. That’ll help, for sure. It was injuries that set me back. It wasn’t anything else in the way, or life, or me changing the type of person I am. It was injuries. And it was tough dealing with them. But this trip to Brazil, I definitely think it’ll open up some doors again.”

When it’s all said and done, Coel and McCaw will be focused on gold, but they have a glimmer in their eye that the tournament will be the ideal springboard to getting back to the NBA.

The post Patrick McCaw and Norris Cole Hope to Parlay FIBA Play into NBA Return appeared first on SLAM.

The visit to Mexico is the first time the NBA has played the Mexico City games since December 2019.

San Antonio will showcase their newest rookie Tari Eason, recently re-signed Keldon Johnson, and of course, Coach Gregg Popovich. Meanwhile, Miami returns a team that just went to the Eastern Conference Finals led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

San Antonio made their debut in Mexico in 1994, and the Heat will play in Mexico for the first time since 2017.

The 2022-23 game also be the 30th season of the Mexico Games, which began in 1992 between the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets.

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However, at 42-years-old and as the oldest active player in the NBA, the Heat legend has made it clear he’s still figuring out if he wants to play basketball next season.

“I don’t know,” Haslem said, according to Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel. “We’re thinking about it. But either way, I’m always going to be a part of the Heat family. I’m not going nowhere, whether I play or not. I’m always going to impact that organization.”

Last season, Haslem played in 13 games and averaged 2.5 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. After 20 years, Haslem isn’t a major or consistent contributor in the Heat’s lineup. The former Florida Gator added that there’s a laundry list of things he has to consider before making his final decision.

“For me,” he said, “it’s just a lot going on. I have a lot of things that I had to really, really think about. 20 years is a conversation I had with my father.”

If U.D. decides to hang it up, the Heat will be out of a team leader who also played a pivotal part as the veteran who knows what buttons to push. If Haslem leaves, it’ll be up to the Heat’s other vets like Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry to fill in that void Haslem’s absence creates.

The post Udonis Haslem Still ‘Thinking About’ if he Wants to Play 20th Season appeared first on SLAM.

But Lowry doesn’t make much of his injuries and feels he doesn’t have to answer much about them. Despite the criticism he received last year, Lowry doesn’t take to them heavily, if at all. Lowry spoke about his injury woes and more before hitting the links at Raptor Coach Nick Nurse’s celebrity golf event in Toronto.

“If you know me, you know what I do. I don’t talk about it; I just go out there and operate,” said Lowry.

In the 10 games that he played in the playoffs, Lowry averaged 7.8 points and 4.7 rebounds in 29.5 minutes per game. Lowry posted 18 points and 10 dimes in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Look out for Lowry and the Heat to bounce back while reaching for greater heights of NBA glory in this coming year.

The post Kyle Lowry Dismisses Injury Issues: ‘If You Know Me, You Know What I Do’ appeared first on SLAM.

Russell is coming off a season where he averaged 18.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game on 41.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.0 percent shooting from beyond the arc. As the third option behind KAT and Anthony Edwards, D-Lo had some memorable in the regular-season and scored 29 points during Minnesota’s Play-In tournament win over the Clippers.

“Hell yeah,” Russell said per The Athletic. “Obviously every player wants an extension, and you want to be in a position to do that.”

D’Angelo Russell when asked if he wants to finalize an extension before the 2022-23 season begins:

“Hell yeah… Obviously every player wants an extension, and you want to be in a position to do that.”https://t.co/4PWnkfv5qv

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) July 13, 2022

With Gobert in the fold, Russell will likely be able to keep his spot in the offensive hierarchy, but he will be asked to keep up his playmaking chops as the T-Wolves figure out how to best incorporate Gobert into their offense. In Utah, the Stifle Tower was best when he could rumble down the lane off pick-and-rolls and crush the ball on alley-oops or dump-off passes.

D-Lo will also need to keep Ant and KAT happy as the incumbent 1-2 punch Minnesota will rely on to bring them back to the playoffs next season.

If Russell and Minnesota cannot agree on a deal, the former All-Star guard said he wouldn’t have any hard feelings toward the T-Wolves’ front office. He says he likes the team he’s around, and although he doesn’t know how things will unfold, he knows that for now, he is needed in Minnesota to help the team unlock their next level towards earning their first title in franchise history.

“Those are things I can’t really control. I know my value, what I’m capable of, the position I’m being put in now, the players that we got around us, the sky’s the limit,” Russell said. “If we don’t go through with that, I know what position I’m in and if we do, I know what position I seem to be in. So we spend a lot of money. We’ll see how that works out.”

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Durant requested a trade with the team today, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/BkNEHwkrc0

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

The trade request comes on the eve of free agency starting on Thursday. Durant was reportedly mulling his future with the Nets last week as Brooklyn’s front office was negotiating an extension with Durant’s long-time friend, Kyrie Irving. Irving ended up signing his player option to remain with the Nets for at least one more season and to fulfill his four-year commitment to Durant and the Nets.

Woj said that Durant and Irving haven’t been in contact with the Nets since Irving opted into his player option on Monday. Due to the lack of communication, the Nets believed that KD would request a trade.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving had no contact with the franchise after Irving opted into his deal on Monday, and a sense of inevitability existed that Durant would eventually ask for a trade, sources tell ESPN. It happened today.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Durant has reportedly marked Miami and Phoenix as a part of his wish list of trade destinations according to Woj. However, the Nets plan on moving Durant to where they receive the best return. Durant has four years remaining on his current deal and will be a free agent at 38-year-old.

Phoenix and Miami are among two of the teams that Kevin Durant has on his wish list, sources tell ESPN, but the Nets plan to move Durant where they can get the best possible deal. With four years on his contract, there’s no shortage of teams willing to unload assets for Durant.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Durant averaged 29.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game on 51.8 percent shooting from the field.

The post REPORT: Kevin Durant Requests a Trade From the Nets appeared first on SLAM.

Victor Oladipo is expected to leave Miami in free agency, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/FU1DPs1HyI

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 29, 2022

Oladipo has played 27 games as a member of the Heat, including the playoffs. During his time in Miami, Oladipo has averaged 124. points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during the regular season. During Miami’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals, Oladipo put up 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on 36.8 percent shooting from the field.

Oladipo scored a personal postseason-high 23 points twice, first to close out Atlanta in Game 5. The second time came in Game 4 against the NBA Finals runner-up Boston Celtics.

According to Fischer, Washington, Denver, and Detroit have expressed interest in signing Oladipo to the mid-level exception once free agency begins on Thursday.

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PJ Tucker does have an expiring contract this coming free agency period and was one of the critical role players for Miami. His contract has expired, and Tucker is set to be an unrestricted free agency on Thursday at 6 p.m.

According to Marc Stein, rival teams are ‘convinced’ that Tucker will sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The deal would reportedly be worth up to three years, $30 million earning $10 million per season with the team. Tucker made seven million this past year with the Miami Heat and has a $7.3 million player option after signing a two-year, $14 million contract with Miami last summer.

The Heat faced the 76ers in the second round and eliminated Philly in six games. Tucker averaged 8.1 points and 5.1 rebounds, on 52.5 percent from the field and 43.7 percent shooting from three.

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Per Tim Reynolds, Tucker’s decision was expected, but it’s “like Heat will fight to keep him.” Tucker also let it be known within the locker room that he would like to return to Miami.

P.J. Tucker deciding to opt out was 100% expected. This does not mean he’s leaving Miami, source reiterated to AP. It’s likely Heat will fight to keep him, and Tucker made clear to teammates when season ended that he would like to be back.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) June 20, 2022

Tucker is coming off a solid season, which saw the 37-year-old shoot 41.5 percent from behind the arc and average 5.5 rebounds per game. One of the game’s most coveted role players, Tucker was a crucial cog in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 NBA title run and most recently helped Miami reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

A rugged defender who contributes on both ends of the court, Tucker played overseas for five years after a 17-game rookie season with Toronto in 2006. He returned to the NBA in 2012 and became a valued presence on multiple playoff teams. Tucker averaged 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game last season with the Heat.

If Tucker picked up his option with Miami, he would have received a $350,000 pay increase for next season. Instead, the veteran entering his 14th NBA season will test the free-agent market and likely look to join another contender.

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The 36-year-old’s connection to the franchise and city is deep, so much so that Lowry intends to sign a one-day contract to retire as a Raptor when he decides to hang up his sneakers. It’s expected by most that Toronto will retire his jersey, and Raptors president Masai Uriji suggested a statue honoring the Villanova product is possible too.

Looking to the near future, Lowry will be getting a new road named after him in The 6, aptly named Kyle Lowry Road, according to David Rider of the Toronto Star.

As a member of the 2019 title team, Lowry will also be honored with a street titled Champions Way during a ceremony. Lowry left Toronto for Miami in a sign-and-trade deal last summer.

Lowry is entering his 18th season and second with Miami. He has two years remaining on his current deal.

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Oladipo is on the verge of free agency and could draw legitimate outside suitors after playing well in 15 playoff appearances. The former Indiana Hoosier is also headed towards the first offseason where he could have an offseason where he can work on his game and conditioning for the first time in years after he’s worked his way back from rehabbing a few quadriceps procedures, most recently going under the knife in May 2021.

“He’s going into the summer physically able to work at his craft,” Spoelstra said. “He’ll get back to the player that people were accustomed to seeing.”

That player is the one who is the 2018 Most Improved Player. The one who averaged over 20 points per game for the Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets. After Oladipo showed, he’s still got some motion in him during Miami’s playoff run, and he’s likely to garner a better deal than the League-minimum deal he signed last year.

According to Ira Winderham of the South Floria Sun-Sentinel, the New York Knicks could be looking to sign the 2018 Most Improved Player of the year. The 2022 free agency market beings July 1, and Miami owns Oladipos Bird Right, which means the Heat can match a contract worth $20 million-plus this summer.

“So we’ll see where that goes,” Heat President Pat Riley said this week, “because Vic’s obviously a free agent, and we have his Bird Rights, and we’ll definitely be talking to his agent.”

Miami must ask themselves whether Oladipo would be worth that kind of money after showing enough playoff flashes of brilliance. With Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, and Tyler Herro already in tow, it could be challenging for Heat president Pat Riley to rationalize that decision. Herro is entrenched after bouncing back from a tough sophomore season and winning the 2022 Sixth Man of the Year. Lowry is 36-years-old but is still as cerebral as ever at point guard.

If Miami is to keep Oladipo, they could use him as a combo guard off the bench. He’s impressed Riley and Spoelstra with his hard work since coming back from being cleared for court work in January. He’s already got fans rooting for him within the organization, like assistant coach Chis Quinn, who has reminded Spoelstra just how unique Oladipo’s play has been after playing just 60 games over the last three years.

“Coach Quinn showed me — look, I’m aware of this, I’m fully aware because I’ve been with him for a full year — but that stat, in the last three years, how many games that he had missed, and then how many regular-season games he’s played in the last three years,” Spoelstra said, with that total at 60 over the three years, compared to a standard 82-game regular season. “For him to do what he did in this playoff run is really unheard of.”

The two-time All-Star has played 12 games in Miami since Houston traded him to South Beach in 2021. He averaged 12.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during that time.

During the Heat’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals, Oladipo averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 dimes per game, scoring 23 points twice against Atlanta (Game 2) and Boston (Game 4).

“There’s a great story in watching him work, watching him come back, and then watching him get into games,” Riley said of Oladipo’s progression this past season. “It wasn’t easy at the beginning. When he had 21 in Toronto, then 40 in Orlando, and you started to see some of the things he could do again, like you saw in the past.”

“And then in the playoffs, I thought he had some great moments for us. He was the kind of player that I felt as the series began to grow, and all of them began to grow and became more competitive defensively, that you do need players that can break down a defense on their own or with their quickness and slashing can create their own shots.”

The post Miami Mulling Re-Signing Victor Oladipo This Summer appeared first on SLAM.

The controversial call came nearly a minute into the third frame. Strus knocked down a corner three-ball to cut Boston’s lead to 56-54. After the Celtics went on a run, League officials at the NBA replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey, elected to overturn the ball because Strus’ heel was out of bounds on the ball. The call left Spoelstra “in shock” as Miami’s points were taken off the board.

“I was in shock,” Spoelstra said. “I was asking [assistant coach] [Chris Quinn] about that. The fact that it happened three to four, five minutes in-game time, that does change the context of how you’re playing. We were starting to gain some momentum. You feel like it’s a seven-, eight-point game, and you look up, and it’s a 13-point game, and there’s no other explanation for it other than it’s gone back to the league offices. You feel like if it happens like that, it should happen immediately, and you can adjust accordingly.”

Although the call was a major source of frustration, Spoelstra repeatedly reiterated that the overturned play wasn’t the reason Miami lost.

“Look, that’s not the reason we lost,” he said. “We still had plenty of opportunities. We just couldn’t get control of the game. A lot of that was Boston. We didn’t stop grinding, and we gave ourselves a shot at it at the end. We just couldn’t make enough plays during the course of the game. It felt like most of the game we were grinding from an eight-to-10-point deficit.”

However, because of the nature of the game and how high-profile the controversial the call was, Spoelstra knows it will be discussed at future League meetings.

“I’m sure they will look at that, and we’ll probably be the case study for it,” Spoelstra said. “I’m OK if it happens the way it used to. They would look at it at the next foul or break and look at it and notice it, but it was probably 10 minutes of real-time — somebody check on that.

“I’m not crying or whining. Come on; we got beat. This was two competitive teams going at it. We had a crack at it at the end. Even as uneven as the game seemed, we had a crack at it. Our guys are never going to, like, not think we have a chance at it.”

After Strus’ three was waved off, Miami still had a chance to win in the waning seconds after cutting a seven-point deficit to two with just over a minute to go. Butler’s potential game-winner was shot, and Boston iced their 100-96 win with two free throws from Defensive Player of the Year winner Marcus Smart.

In the aftermath, Spoelstra had no issue with the best player on the Heat taking the possible game-winner, calling it a clean look and “better than anything we could have designed.”

Butler played all 48 minutes of the win-or-go-home Game 7 tilt, finishing with 35 points and nine rebounds.

“My thought process was go for the win,” Butler said. “Which I did. Missed a shot. But I’m taking that shot. My teammates liked the shot that I took. So I’m living with it.”

As tough as it is for Miami, their season is finished. Boston and the Golden State Warriors take center stage for Thursday’s Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Warriors will host Game 1 of the series at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

The post Erik Spoelstra in ‘Shock’ After Overturned Max Strus Three-Pointer appeared first on SLAM.

10. 2012-13 Miami Heat

Coach: Erik Spoelstra

Record: 66-16

Roster: Ray Allen, Chris Andersen, Joel Anthony, Shane Battier, Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole, Josh Harrellson, Terrel Harris, Udonis Haslem, Juwan Howard, LeBron James, James Jones, Rashard Lewis, Mike Miller, Dexter Pittman, Jarvis Varnado, Dwyane Wade

After LeBron James made his famous announcement that he had decided to play for Miami, he sat on a stage with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade and talked about how many championships the trio would win with the Heat. “Not two. Not three…” And so on.

Well, after two years in South Beach, James had one title, not two. Nobody was restless, but there was clearly an expectation that after winning it all in 2012, Miami was about to start rolling.

The Big Three was on hand to try for a repeat, but the Heat had also added sharpshooter Ray Allen, who, though 37, provided some needed long-range production and finished the season making 41.9 percent of his three-point attempts. The formula worked. Miami rampaged to 66 wins, 12 better than any other Eastern Conference team.

James once again was the biggest star, leading the team in points, rebounds and assists. But Wade and Bosh were big every night, too. And while Allen was past the days when he could dominate with his long-range shooting, he was an undeniable weapon, as was do-everything forward Shane Battier, who actually shot a higher percentage from behind the arc than Allen did.

The regular season presented few hurdles for the Heat, and neither did the first two rounds of the playoffs. Miami swept Milwaukee in the first round and dusted away Chicago in five after that. But things got interesting in the Eastern Finals, when Indiana—led by Paul George and Roy Hibbert—extended the Heat to seven games in a series so heavy on defense that only one time did a team hit triple figures. In the finale, James scored 32, and Miami routed the Pacers, 99-76, to earn a Finals meeting with San Antonio.

The Eastern Finals series was great, but the Heat-Spurs showdown was even more dramatic. After five games, the Spurs held a 3-2 series lead, and it looked as if Pop’s bunch would close things out in the sixth contest. With 28.2 seconds left, the Spurs led, 94-89, but an Allen three-pointer with 5.2 left forced overtime, and the Heat ultimately prevailed. Game 7 was similarly dramatic. With San Antonio trailing by 2, Duncan missed a pair of shots close to the hoop, and the Heat held on to take the title. Though Miami wouldn’t win seven, as James had insinuated, the Heat had put up back-to-back banners, and that was still pretty darn good.

Get your copy of SLAM Presents TOP 75 NBA Teams Of All Time

Photos via Getty Images.

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The Celtics’ Eastern Conference Finals series win was largely thanks to their efforts of inaugural Larry Bird winner, Jayson Tatum. Tatum finally helped the Celtics get over the ECF hump after three tries since Boston drafted him third overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. The Celtics have made four conference finals appearances since 2017.

Jayson Tatum hoists the Larry Bird Trophy awarded to the Eastern Conference Finals MVP #PhantomCam #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/vRMUNs1sqm

— NBA (@NBA) May 30, 2022

The former Duke Blue Devil finished Game 7 with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in 47 outstanding minutes. He averaged 24.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game for the series, never ceasing to make the most critical plays when Beantown needed him to make them. Tatum put together the sublime Game 7 performance while wearing a No. 24 armband in honor of mentor Kobe Bryant.

“It’s a great honor,” Tatum said. “This is my third time, and to get over the hump with this group, it means everything. So i couldn’t be prouder of these guys — the road that we took to get here, not a lot of people believed in us. We took the toughest route, and it worked out.”

Jayson Tatum discusses winning the First-Ever Larry Bird Trophy awarded to the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, and getting to the #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV. pic.twitter.com/CrM0vfBjMj

— NBA (@NBA) May 30, 2022

The 2022 NBA Finals begin on June 2, with Golden State hosting Game 1 taking place in Chase Center. It will be the Warriors’ sixth appearance since 2015 and the 10th they’ve made in franchise history. The Celtics have made the NBA Finals 20 times in their history, winning 17. Their most recent title run came under the leadership of Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.

The Celtics’ improbable road to the Finals comes after Boston finished the regular season with the best defense in the League and won 26 of their last 32 games after going .500 in the first 50 games of the season. Boston (51-31) earned the No.2 seed in the playoffs, eliminating the Nets in a four-game sweep, finishing the defending champion Bucks in seven, and beating the Heat in seven games.

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Wednesday’s Game 5 was perhaps their best chance to head back to Boston with a 3-2 lead. The Heat was up by five coming out of the halftime break, but Boston outscored Miami 56-38, with their suffocating defense forcing the Heat to miss their first nine shots of the third quarter. The Celtics grabbed a lead they wouldn’t surrender with an 8-0 run, taking a 69-58 lead into the final frame.

From there, Boston blew the game wide open, creating a 23-point cushion in the fourth quarter. Jaylen Brown (25 points) took over in the fourth, knocking down a trio of three-pointers, slamming the door shut on any Miami comeback when he drove down the late and threw down this hammer in the half-court.

“As disappointing and as frustrating as this game can be,” Spoelstra said per Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “We get on to Boston and just come together.”

JB RELAX (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/GPksWm5fuG

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 26, 2022

Now, the Heat have one more night to keep their season going, and should they win Friday’s Game 6, they host a win-or-go-home Game 7 in FTX Arena.

Miami’s consecutive losses have been flustering, starting with an uncharacteristic blowout loss 102-82 Game 4 loss in Boston after getting outclassed in the first quarter 18-1. In Game 5, Boston’s decisive 24-2 run in the third quarter put any notion of Miami taking a 3-2 lead into Boston to bed.

Miami’s problems are punctuated by the sudden ineffectiveness of their veteran leaders, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry.

Both have been a step slow in the ECF due to respective knee and hamstring injuries, especially Butler, who hasn’t played with his typical relentlessness. Lowry is 5-23 from the field in the conference finals, going 0-6 from the field and 0-5 from long-distance. Butler finished with 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists, but he’s only attempted six free throws in the past three games after shooting 26 in Games 1 and 2.

To top it off, Sixth Man of the Year winner Tyler Herro has missed the last two games due to a groin injury. Miami’s numerous injuries make it challenging to thrive against a physical defense that ranks No. 1 amongst the final four teams in the playoffs.

“We’re not making any excuses for any kind of health or anything like that,” Spoelstra said. “We’re just going to figure it out and get on up there to Boston and enjoy that competition.”

BAM ON CLEAN UP DUTY!!! (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/oF9dSGWtPS

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 26, 2022

Now from this point on, it’s about surviving, taking it one game at a time

Lowry has held himself accountable, telling reporters that he has to play better while he’s out there.

The message is similar is from Butler. The six-time All-Star said that his bothersome knee is okay, but he needs to play better while on the court and help find ways to win. Bam Adebayo also said it’s time to adapt, not accepting the excuse that the Heat is injured when every team is dealing with the same bumps and bruises this late into the season.

“We’re still alive,” Spoelstra said. “We have an opportunity to play in front of a great crowd and an opportunity to make a memory that you’ll remember for a long time. That’s all we’re thinking about right now.

“And we have the kind of warriors that are going to tape up, brace up, do whatever we’ve got to do to get ready for the next one, and just embrace and enjoy that competition.”

Boston has a chance to close the ECF out on Friday when they host Miami for Game 6.

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After Wednesday’s Game 5 93-80 win over Miami to give Boston a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, any notion of separating Tatum and Brown can be put to rest. The 1-2 punch combined for 47 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Brown provided the scoring punch with a game-high 25 points on 10-19 shooting from the field, 5-9 from beyond the arc, while Tatum took over playmaking and rebounding duties, making sure to make an impact in other ways since his shot wasn’t falling at its usual clip.

“We just got to come out and play basketball,” Brown told reporters of his partnership with Tatum after Wednesday’s 93-80 victory. “We feel like there’s not a lot of people who can play basketball with us two. When he gets going, when I get going, we know that we’re going to put ourselves in a good spot to win.”

Coming out of a tough first half down 42-37 after turning the ball over 10 times and allowing 16 second-chance points, Boston came out of the break with a different mindset. Led by a tough conversation amongst the Boston core of Tatum, Brown, and Marcus Smart, Boston knew that in order to turn Game 5 around in their favor was winning hustle plays, toughness, and taking care of the ball.

“Basically just talked about how much does it mean to us,” Tatum said about Boston’s ugly first half, per The Athletic. “We know all the plays and things like that, but saw the 50/50 balls and hustle plays and things like that are about toughness and effort. That’s what we talked about, us playing better, taking care of the ball, just competing. Because we know what’s on the line.”

From there, it was a tale of two halves. Boston raced out to an 8-0 lead to grab a lead they wouldn’t surrender, forcing Miami to miss their first nine shots of the second half while holding a nine-point lead heading into the final frame. As for the play of Tatum and Browm, the duo combined to score 15 points on 6-10 shooting, committing just one turnover during the decisive third quarter.

When reporters asked Coach Ime Udoka what changed for Brown after he coughed the ball up four times in the first half, Udoka offered a simple explanation. Brown stopped turning the ball over. Brown ended up scoring 19 points in the second half, throwing down the powerful hammer in the half-court to give Boston a suffocating 18-point cushion.

“This is a great opportunity,” Brown said per NBCSports. “Leave everything on the floor. You don’t want any feelings of regret. We’ve got an opportunity to do something with this group that’s special, so let’s not take that for granted. Let’s come out Friday on our home floor and play the best version of basketball we played all season.

“It’s a big game for us. At the same time, just breathe, relax. Sometimes we can be a little bit too tense because we know how important these moments are. But just come out and play our game, and we’ll be fine.”

JB RELAX (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/GPksWm5fuG

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 26, 2022

The Celtics will look to close the ECF out and punch their ticket to the NBA Finals when the series shifts back to Beantown for Friday’s Game 6 in TD Garden.

The post Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum Shine In Game 5 Win Over Miami Heat appeared first on SLAM.

The Heat scored just 11 points in the first quarter and immediately found themselves down 18 at the end of one. Miami then went on to only reach 33 points at the end of the second quarter and was down by 24 points at halftime.

Heat star Jimmy Butler scored just six points on 3-for-14 shooting as Miami’s starters scored a combined 18 points in an underwhelming performance.

“This is part of the playoffs; there are these extreme highs and lows,” Coach Erik Spoelstra said, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “We’ve proven that we can find solutions offensively in a lot of different ways.”

The Heat is struggling with multiple injuries, as Butler (knee inflammation), point guard Kyle Lowry (hamstring), and power forward P.J. Tucker (knee contusion) are all playing through nagging injuries. Tyler Herro, the 2022 Sixth Man of the Year winner, is also hobbled and missed Game 4 with a groin injury.

“We are not making any excuse,” Spoelstra said. “We can do it in the mud. We can win it ugly. We can win it when the floodgates come open, hitting threes. We can do it with Jimmy taking over a game. We can do it when he’s facilitating. We have the mental fortitude and the collective toughness to be able to embrace what we have. It’s just a very competitive, good series.”

“No excuse for how I played tonight. It don’t got nothing to do with my knee,” Butler said. “I’ve just got to be better. I will be better. I’m not too worried about it.”

On the other side, Boston star Jayson Tatum scored 31 points on 8-of-16 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds. Big men Al Horford and Robert Williams III combined for 22 rebounds and six blocked shots.

Both teams will look to take a 3-2 advantage as the series heads back to Miami for an 8:30 tip-off at FTX Arena Wednesday night.

The post Erik Spoelstra On Game 4 Performance: ‘We Are Not Making Any Excuse’ appeared first on SLAM.

White grabbed his hamstring after Udoka sat him down in the fourth quarter. White played a game-high 41 minutes Monday night and finished Game 4 with 13 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished six assists starting in place of the injured Marcus Smart.

In the post-game press conference, Udoka said that White “had a little cramping, but he’s fine.” Boston’s head coach went on to say that White’s contribution was crucial for the injured Celtics, who put on a dominant display in a 102-82 victory over Miami to tie the series at two apiece.

“Understanding the urgency with Marcus being out and the position he’s put in,” Udoka said. “Obviously, starting the game, [White’s] going to have the ball in his hands a lot more. [I| wanted him to be confident, aggressive, and he picked his spots well early on. They guarded him a certain way; we told him look for his shot but also get downhill and facilitate, and he does that extremely well.

“Just happened that he got the right looks, took the shots that were there, and then started finding other guys. And so, we wanted to be aggressive at all times. Talked about his jump shot may not be falling, but he does so many other things for the team, and he did that tonight.”

White’s provided Boston with depth and defensive versatility since he was traded from the Spurs in February. After feeling adhesive when he first joined the Celtics, White says the players and coaches have helped him become a pivotal cog in Boston’s playoff run.

“The team’s done a great job of just being like, be you. Smart said to me this morning, Rob [Williams] said it. I’ve just gotta do that. That makes it a lot easier.”

The Celtics will hope to take a 3-2 series lead when they travel to Miami to take on the Heat Wednesday night at FTX Arena.

The post Ime Udoka Provides Derrick White Injury Update After Game 4 Win appeared first on SLAM.

Buckets in Boston.

31 PTS
8 REB
5 AST
2 STL
8-16 FGM pic.twitter.com/WD9VOT2ipM

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 24, 2022

Boston never looked back after racing out to a quick 8-0 run to begin Game 3. They eventually grabbed a 20-point lead in the first quarter, preventing Miami from scoring a field goal until the 3:22 mark, the longest drought in playoff history. The Celtics’ defense also held the Heat to 33.3 percent shooting from the field, including 38.9 percent from deep. Miami ultimately missed 15 of its first 16 shots.

“I think just starting off better,” Tatum said when asked about Boston’s stifling defensive effort. “Obviously, last game, we were down 20 in the first quarter; they were just a little too comfortable. They’re a really good team; they got great players. With great players, you can’t just make it easy. You gotta make it tough, stay connected and communicate.”

Jayson Tatum fading away is art.
(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/HEDU60m8yY

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 24, 2022

Boston also held Miami’s starters to just 18 points on 7-36 combined shooting from the field., Bam Adebayo led Miami’s starting five with nine points and six rebounds. Victor Oladipo led all Heat scorers with 23 points, four rebounds, and six assists.

Meanwhile, Tatum had a redeem game after being held to 10 points in Saturday’s Game 3 loss. Tattum scored 12 points in the opening frame, including this crafty reverse layup nearly four minutes into the game.

“We just came back and redeemed ourselves,” Tatum said. “We knew this was a game that we really needed to protect home court. Just following the last game, we were just ready to play; everybody was just ready to get back out here and play better.

Ain't no lay too tuff for Tatum.
(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/7Wl2eQlFPf

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 24, 2022

As Tatum rose to the occasion, so did the rest of his teammates, who kept up the defensive pressure and smothered Miami, and prevented the Heat from getting comfortable at any point. Robert Williams (12 points, nine rebounds, two blocks) and Al Horford (five points, 13 rebounds, three assists, four blocks) recorded six combined blocks, with Tatum contributing two of his own.

“Al is our leader,” Tatum said about the veteran out of Florida. “I’ve been fortunate to have AL as a teammate for three years. He’s been great for me and my development, just the ultimate professional. It’s no surprise how he takes care of himself and the way he performs in big games.”

“Nah.” – Al Horford probably. pic.twitter.com/OwtfIKpu3U

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 24, 2022

Game 4 was never close on Monday, and now Boston and Miami will be wrestling for control when the ECF series shifts back to Miami for Game 4. From this point on, the seven-game series is now a best-of-three series.

The post Jayson Tatum Leads Boston to 102-82 Win Over Miami, Tie ECF Series At 2-2 appeared first on SLAM.

#MIAvsBOS INJURY UPDATE: Tyler Herro (groin) has been ruled out of tonight’s Game 4 vs the Celtics.

Jimmy Butler (knee), Kyle Lowry (hamstring), Max Strus (hamstring), Gabe Vincent (hamstring) & P.J. Tucker (knee) will all warm up with the intent to play.

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 23, 2022

The injury preventing Herro from playing is a groin injury. The Heat also announced that Jimmy Butler (knee), Kyle Lowry (hamstring), Max Strus (hamstring), and P.J. Tucker (knee) would warm up and likely play, barring any setback.

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year has averaged 12.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game during the Eastern Conference Finals. He finished the season averaging 20.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 dimes per game.

The post Miami Heat Announce Tyler Herro Will Miss Monday’s Game 4 appeared first on SLAM.

The Heat have thrived in the regular season, the No. 1 seed in the East with a 53-29 record, and have made it to the ECF due to their veterans ensuring that the teams’ most significant strength is their communication with one another. Vets like Kyle Lowry, P.J. Tucker, Jimmy Butler, and Udonis Haslem have made sure that the Heat has held each other accountable while also letting each other know something they noticed on the court.

Having a team with solid veteran leadership makes life easier for you guys like Max Strus or Bam Adebayo, who is coming into his own as a veteran voice on the team. Haslem encouraged Adebayo to be more aggressive on Game 3, leading to the former Kentucky Wildcat scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds on a career-high 15-22 shooting from the field.

Strus (16 points on 4-7 threes) knocked down a clutch triple with two minutes left in Game 3 to stretch Miami’s lead from one point to four moments after Lowry suggested Coach Erik Spoelstra should run a play for Strus.

“To me, it’s a good thing everyone has an opinion instead of Spo always doing the talking and trying to figure everything out,” Adebayo said per the Miami Herald.

“It’s good that we have four or five guys communicating and talking about schemes so we can all get to a comfortable place where we can all agree on [things].”

Lowry has also been a critical mentor for backup point guard Gabe Vincent (11.3 points per game in the ECF). Vincent said Lowry has made sure to speak with Vincent about what he see’s on the court as an OG lead ballhandler and encourages him to maintain Miami’s preferred pace of play.

Spoelstra has solidified and encouraged the Heat’s culture of players leading the players. According to Tucker, Spoelstra permits his veteran circle so much leeway to speak up because they are high IQ players with substantive ideas to contribute to the game. Tucker further gave Spoelstra credit for not being “the dictator-type that he expected.”

“It’s about smart guys respecting each other, knowing what each other brings, and being able to bring that out of each other,” Tucker said. “Each of us calls each other out for not doing something right[but then] respect [each other] and keep going and not take it personally.”

Second-year center Omer Yurtseven summed up the Heat’s leadership structure as so: Tucker is the defensive guy, being more vocal on that side with some bits and pieces for the offense. Lowry is “very detail-oriented and very smart — he will see something and relay it to the team exactly, a clear picture.” Butler and Adebayo are vocal on both ends, and Haslem is “always talking, especially during timeouts.”

Having too many cooks in the kitchen could be a problem for some players. However, according to Strus, it helps “having a lot of guys that keep us stable.”

“All our veterans are really great about that,” Spoelstra said. “You can develop young guys all that you want, and we do — But what really kicks into another gear is just the veteran leadership of infusing confidence. That’s what Kyle has done the entire year.”

The Heat and Celtics will play Game 4 on Monday night, with Miami looking to leave Boston with a 3-1 series lead and home-court advantage heading back to FTX Arena.

The post Miami’s Veteran Voices Power 2-1 Series Lead in Eastern Conference Finals appeared first on SLAM.

Gabe Vincent and Victor Oladipo scored 14 each, and Tyler Herro followed up with 11 points of his own. The loss drops Miami to 7-1 at FTX Arena during the 2022 playoffs.

“This only counts as one,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what the experienced players in the locker room and staff understand. We don’t like it. They played extremely well. You have two really good teams, and we just have to figure some things out.”

The Miami Heat will have to have a short memory before Game 3 after this blowout loss. Everything that could’ve gone wrong did after Miami raced out to a 10-point in the opening minutes of the first quarter. That was about the only bright spot of the night before Boston went on a 17-0 fueled by five made triples in six possessions. The superstar duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined to score 51 points, including 33 in the first half.

Boston eventually outscored Miami by 39 points in the next 18 minutes and headed into the locker room with a 70-45 lead at halftime. After the break, Butler did everything he could to bring Miami back into the game, cutting the lead to 17 after scoring 16 points in the third quarter.

However, Boston responded with a 12-2 run to shut the door on any comeback bid, restoring a 27-deficit while heading into the final frame with a 96-71 lead that was never threatened. Had Miami not gone on a late run, Game 2 of the 2022 Miami-Boston ECF series would’ve set a Miami record for the biggest loss in their franchise history. Miami avoided that historic achievement, but Boston broke their franchise record for the biggest road playoff game lead at halftime (25).

“It has to hurt,” Butler said. “They tried to embarrass us. They did embarrass us. — Overall, we just have to be better.”

The next time Miami and Boston meet will be Saturday’s Game 3 in TD Garden. Whoever wins Game 3 will leave with a 2-1 series and home-court advantage.

The post Erik Spoelstra On Miami’s Game 2 Loss: ‘This Only Counts As One’ appeared first on SLAM.

“Wake up,” Udoka told his team.

And boy, did they wake up. The Celtics tied the series up at 1-1 with a 127-102 win in FTX Arena, stealing home-court advantage as the series shifts to Boston for Games 3 and 4. Jayson Tatum (27 points, five rebounds, and five assists) and Jaylen Brown (24 points and eight rebounds,)rebounded from their disastrous Game 1 performances and combined to score 51 points.

The return of Marcus Smart (24 points, nine rebounds, 14 dimes) and Al Horford (10 points, three rebounds, three assists) also helped Boston roll past Miami on Thursday. Boston knocked down 20 three-pointers also, with Smart hitting 5-12 and Tatum and Brown combining to hit eight triples.

“I got to get my rest, got to get my health back, got to watch and see some things and come out and execute in this game,” Smart said.

MARCUS SMART DROPPED EM! (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/4rChRnG6mL

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 20, 2022

The Celtics used a 17-0 run late in the first quarter, fueled by five triples in six possessions, to take control of Game 2. The momentum-shifting run helped Boston outscore Miami 60-21 over the next 18 minutes, which turned into a 70-45 halftime lead. Brown led the surge with 11 points in the opening frame, Boston shot 9-11 from beyond the arc in the first quarter, and Tatum added fuel to the fire by scoring 17 points in the second quarter.

20+ in the 1st half. Tatum came out HOT! (via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/FRkgqt5Giy

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 20, 2022

The 25-point halftime lead was the largest lead the Celtics have had in a road playoff game, topping the previous record of 22 against the Chicago Bulls in 2009. Miami cut the deficit to 17 off Jimmy Butler’s 16 points in the third quarter, but Boston went on a 12-2 run to close the door on any comeback bid. By the time the final frame began, Boston was 96-71.

“Guys have pride and looked at a golden opportunity that we kind of lost (in Game 1) and thought we could do much better,” Udoka said. “And we did that tonight.”

The Celtics are 4-0 following a loss this postseason. The ECF shifts to Boston on Saturday with both Eastern Conference foes looking to leave Game 3 with a 2-1 lead.

The post Celtics ‘Wake Up’ and Win Game 2 of ECF 127-102 appeared first on SLAM.

Strus came out of DePaul in 2019 and thrived with Boston through the Summer League, even making it past the final preseason cut before former coach-now team president Brad Stevens cut him in favor of Javonte Green another undrafted prospect per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

“I think they went with the more defensive-minded player,” Strus said, per Windeman. “But they said it was a tough decision for them to make. And everything happens for a reason.”

Now facing the team he took a cup of coffee with three years ago, Strus has a chance to make sure Stevens and the Celtics know how wrong they were in cutting him. When you peel back the curtain just a bit more, Strus sees one organization, Boston, giving up on him before his NBA career could start.

While the other, Miami, saw his potential and decided to take a gamble on Strus despite the former DePaul Blue Demon coming off a severe knee injury. The perspective allows Strus to seemingly play in the Eastern Conference Finals without much hate for Boston in his heart.

“No,” Strus said. “This isn’t about me. This is bigger than me. It’s the Eastern Conference finals. There’s no personal vendettas here. We’re just trying to win a series.”

However, Strus revealed that he had a Plan B after being cut by Boston. His hometown Bulls signed him to a two-way contract. Strus played two games with the Bulls before his rookie season ended after he suffered a bruised bone and torn ACL in his left knee while playing with Chicago’s G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. Strus averaged 18.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 13 G League games.

Strus signed a training camp deal the following offseason, performing well enough to earn another a two-way contract. Strus scored 6.1 points per game in 39 appearances, dropping 21 points against the Rockets on 5-8 shooting from three-point range. Strus then proved that he was worth more after playing well with the Heats summer league team in 2021, and the Heat rewarded that performance by signing him to a two-year deal worth $3.5 million to stay in Miami.

Since then, Strus has averaged 10.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 41.0 percent from distance. The 26-year-old shooting guard has shined in the playoffs, hitting three triples in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals to help Miami gain a 1-0 lead.

Technically, Strus didn’t play for Boston, but the memory of being cut by Boston wasn’t something he could control. The politics of the 2019 Celtics training camp led to him being kept off the Celtics roster. The front office decided to keep Tacko Fall, leaving Stevens and then-GM Danny Ainge to choose to keep either Strus or Green. A decision that Strus was told was difficult during that fateful meeting with Boston’s brain trust.

“Danny said it was a hard decision to make,” Strus said. “And I met with Brad, too, and he said the same thing. So it happens. It’s part of the business.”

While his teammates like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro had no recollection of Strus playing in the legendary green Boston jerseys, he is seemingly in a better place, playing for an organization that, from the outside looking in, appreciates him.

Strus says he won’t play with any lingering bad feelings against Boston or his former, but he doe shave a chip on his shoulder from that fateful day. In hindsight, the move worked out. Coach Erik Spoelstra caught wind of Strus after assistant GM Adam Simon put him on. Spoelstra reportedly watched the film and was impressed enough to want to sign Strus, and a week later, they brought Strus to South Beach. The rest is history.

“Of course, always,” Strus said. “I have multiple chips on my shoulder, not just that. I have a lot of things that I could fall back on for motivation and to provide energy for me, so it’s not just that.”

Strus may have been willing to bleed green, but for now, he’s soaking in the radiant Miami sunshine, up 1-0 on the Celtics in the ECF. Game 2 will be on Thursday in FTX Arena, and it’ll be another chance to write another page about his time in Boston and a chance to gloss over his time in Beantown.

The post Max Strus’ Journey From Near Boston Celtic to Key Miami Heat Contributor appeared first on SLAM.

Not only did Butler drop 41 points, 27 of which came in the second half, but he also posted nine rebounds, five assists, four steals, and three blocks, including a block on Jayson Tatum when the Duke alum attempted a three-pointer in the left corner. Butler is now the first player in NBA history to put together a 40/9/5/4/3 game in the playoffs, according to Statmuse.

“Jimmy Butler is an elite competitor,” Spoelstra said, per ESPN. “There’s a lot of guys in this League that are playing basketball. He’s competing to win. That’s a totally different thing, and he does that as well as anybody in this League.”

Masterful in the midrange.
(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/Q57Dh8Pgtx

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 18, 2022

Butler has now become the second player in franchise history to score 40+ points in five games this postseason, the first being Dwyane Wade. Butler has also recorded his fifth career playoff game with 40 points on 60 percent shooting, tied with Charles Barkley for third-most in the last 30 postseasons, followed by Shaquille O’Neal (8) and LeBron James (12) via ESPN Stats and Info.

The only other players to have a 40-5-5-4 playoff game are James, Russell Westbrook, Paul Pierce, Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, and Larry Bird, according to ESPN Stats and Info. Per Statmuse, Jimmy G. Buckets surpassed James and Wade for most 40/5/5 playoff games in Heat history.

“I don’t do this to score 40 points; I play the way that I play to win,” Butler said following the game. “It just so happened I scored 40, but if I scored 40 and lose, I’m gonna be really ticked off.”

Jimmy Butler is everywhere.
(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/d8eKSNt2CK

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 18, 2022

Miami will look to take a 2-0 lead on Thursday’s Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

The post Erik Spoelstra Praises Jimmy Butler After 41 Point Effort in Game 1 Win appeared first on SLAM.

Butler’s 41-point effort is his fifth of the postseason. He is the second player in franchise history to record five 40+ point efforts.

Jimmy Buckets enacted an all around MasterClass.

41 PTS
9 REB
5 AST
4 STL
3 BLK
63% FGM

: @MiamiHEAT pic.twitter.com/2R7iyMoMTQ

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 18, 2022

Coming out of the break, Boston was up by eight; just three minutes into the third quarter, Miami took a lead they would never surrender after Butler knocked down a put-back layup. The lead-changing layup was a part of a game-changing 22-2 run punctuated by back-to-back-back steals from Max Strus and Butler to take a 10-point.

That double-digit lead eventually grew to 20 points after Tyler Herro hit three free throws a 1:15 into the fourth quarter after getting fouled on a three-point attempt.

“Keep the game easy,” Butler said about what was said in the locker room during halftime. “Simple. We gotta learn how to capitalize off of their mistakes, and we gotta get back. I think that’s what changed in the second half.”

Masterful in the midrange.
(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/Q57Dh8Pgtx

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 18, 2022

Butler was the catalyst for Miami imposing their will in the second half. The Marquette alum scored 27 points in the second half, along with three assists, three steals, and four rebounds (two on the offensive glass).

When Boston tried to capitalize on a 10-0 run that cut Miami’s lead to nine points with 7:35 seconds left on the clock, Miami continued to impose their will, silencing Boston each time they made it a single-digit game with triples from P.J. Tucker and Strus.

Their job on Jayson Tatum illustrated Miami’s second-half effort. Miami held the Duke alum to eight points after Tatum scored 21 in the first half, tied for a career-high in the first half. The defensive intensity on Tatum was highlighted by Butler blocking Tatum on a three-pointer from the left corner pocket. Miami also forced the St. Louis native to turn the ball over seven times.

“Contesting every shot,’ Butler said about Miami’s key to defending Tatum in the second half. “Try not to foul; he’s crafty as hell and just putting multiple bodies in front of him.”

Jimmy Butler is everywhere.
(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/d8eKSNt2CK

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 18, 2022

Boston will look to tie the Eastern Conference Finals when they face Miami on Thursday’s Game 6.

The post Miami Heat ‘Keep the Game Easy’ in Game 1 Win Over Boston appeared first on SLAM.

The Celtics announced Marcus Smart and Al Horford are both out tonight. Horford is in the health and safety protocols, and Smart suffered a foot sprain in Game 7.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 17, 2022

Smart (right mid-foot sprain) suffered a foot sprain in Game 7, while Horford is out due to Healthy and Safety protocols.

Smart has averaged 15.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game on 35.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Horford has averaged 13.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 52.4 percent shooting from the field and 45.1 percent from deep. Horford was the star of Boston’s Game 4 win over Milwaukee after scoring 30 points, including a poster over two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Celtics are prepared for the likely scenario that Horford will remain in the League’s virus protocol through Game 2 of the ECF.

Boston is prepared for the likely scenario of Al Horford remaining in the league’s Health and Safety Protocols through Game 2 on Thursday, sources said. https://t.co/QsWWjKDRcq

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 17, 2022

The post Celtics Announce Marcus Smart and Al Horford Are Out For Game 1 appeared first on SLAM.

Boston is coming in hot after blowing out the Bucks in Sunday’s Game 7 thanks to the hot scoring of Jayson Tatum, who has emerged as a top superstar as he averaged 28.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists per game in 41.2 minutes per game. The man who will likely be taking on the challenge of guarding Tatum will be Jimmy Butler, who has reclaimed his spot as a top superstar, averaging 28.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.

“Either team that we were to end up facing, whether it be Milwaukee or Boston, is a really, really, really good team,” Butler said per ESPN. “It is Boston. We’re looking forward to it. I guess you got to beat the best to be the best.”

Slowing down Tatum, who’s scored 30+ in four games and scored 46 points in Game 6 of the Boston-Milwaukee series, will be pivotal to Miami advancing to their NBA Finals since 2020.

Meanwhile, Butler has scored at least 40 points twice and dropped 30+ points three times.

Locking in on the two featured weapons of their respective weapons will be pivotal for the success of both Eastern Conference titans.

“He’s one of the best in the game right now,” Butler said. “As much attention as he draws on the offensive end — and then I think what’s really impressive is the way that he’s picked up his defensive intensity. You got to tip your hat to that and respect him; I think those are the guys that you want to go up against.”

The post Jimmy Butler Looking Forward to Matchup With Jayson Tatum appeared first on SLAM.

“Pat’s [Riley] probably is going to enjoy this,” Spoelstra said on Monday. “This is like a throwback series. If both teams are really on top of their games, this should be a series where neither team is scoring 130 points. Both teams hang their hats on rock-solid team defense, and making multiple efforts, and being disciplined to schemes. So it will be a lot of plays and things in the margins. That’s what you expect. Really, we were the two best teams in the East most of the season, and it’s fitting that we’re moving into the conference finals.”

The ECF series will feature the two best teams in the conference, with the Heat saying they see a lot of similarities between themselves and the Celtics, especially on the defensive side of things. The main thing that helps Heat remain confident in themselves is that they found a way to win games in different ways throughout the year.

With different guys out of the lineup due to injury or COVID-19 being able to win a game no matter, the circumstance bodes well for a team looking to get back to the Finals for the first time since 2020.

Going into Tuesday’s Game 1, Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler echoed a similar sentiment of the Heat loving competition and looking forward to the challenge of playing Boston.

Both Spoelstra and Butler echoed a similar sentiment with Game 1 looming on Tuesday night.

“Our guys love competition and love being challenged,” Spoelstra said. “They love taking on big challenges. That’s what we’re facing. Boston has played as well as anyone in the entire league once they got to 2022. It’s not by accident. They’re playing very strong basketball. They do it on both ends.

“I say throwback; I really want to clarify. It’s not going to be like football. We don’t need the extra officiating, or we don’t need anyone thinking they need to clean it up. It’s not going to be like that. It’s just that you have two really committed defensive teams that should lend itself if both teams are playing at a high level; it shouldn’t be 150-point games.”

The post Erik Spoelstra Anticipates ‘Throwback’ Heat-Celtics ECF Finals appeared first on SLAM.

However, President of basketball operations Daryl Morey said on Friday that the organization will have him back as head coach next season.

Daryl Morey says Doc Rivers will be back as coach next season.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 13, 2022

Over his career, Rivers has lost three series in which his squad initially had a 3-1 lead but lost. With Joel Embiid’s facial fracture and James Harden’s continued integration into the Sixers system, the playoffs were rocky for the fourth best team in the East (51-31).

After Thursday’s loss, Rivers was asked about his comfortability with his job security having repeated shortcomings in the postseason.

“I think I do a terrific job and if you don’t, then you should write it. Because I work my butt off to get this team here. When I first got here, no one picked us to be anywhere, and again this year the same thing,” Rivers told reporters.

Doc Rivers response about his job security. Question is from Howard Eskin. pic.twitter.com/EBHupc2j11

— David Grzybowski (@DavidGrzyTV) May 13, 2022

Morey continued today saying that his belief is that the Sixers will and can win a title with Doc as their head coach.

“I just think he’s a great coach. I love working with him,” Morey said, via CBS Sports. “I feel like I’m learning from him. I think Elton [Brand] and I and him make a great team and we’re going to see where this journey takes us. But we feel very good about where it’s going to take us. It’s going to be where we have a very good chance to win a title.”  

The post Daryl Morey Says Doc Rivers Will Return as Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach appeared first on SLAM.

The two All-Stars grew a close bond while Butler was with the 76ers, helping complete the infamous process by helping Embiid lead Philly to a second-round playoff series in 2018, their first appearance since the 2012 postseason. In the 2019 offseason, Butler left Philly during the 2019 offseason, choosing to play in Miami after agreeing to sign and trade deal.

Miami pulling away (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/oyskAqcSve

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 13, 2022

According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the decision boiled down to Philly choosing to invest in Ben Simmons, who was reportedly growing disenfranchised with Butler’s leadership and playstyle. Butler and Simmons are ball-dominant players, which pitted them against each other, per Shelburne. Eventually, the Sixers chose Simmons due to his youth and cheaper contract. Philly also believed Simmons had a higher ceiling.

Since then, Butler has led Miami to two Eastern Conference Finals as of Friday and one Finals appearance in 2020, losing the 2020 championship to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

“I’m happy for him,” said Joel Embiid. “I won’t sit here and say I didn’t wish he was my teammate. I still don’t know how we let him go. I wish I could’ve gone to battle with him still, but it is what it is. Just gotta keep building and keep tryna reach that goal.”

“That’s my guy, that’s my brother. It’s tough, but I’m proud of him. He’s playing at an unreal level. He’s something else right now, and I’m proud of him for being at this level and carrying them and what he’s been able to do.”

During his live TV interview, Butler revealed what he said to Embiid as The Process left the court.

“That I love him,” Butler said. ” I’m proud of him. Yes, yes, yes, I wish I was still on his team; I definitely love the Miami Heat, though; I’m glad that I’m here, but I got so much respect and love for Joel Embiid.

“Still don’t know how we let him go”

Embiid on Jimmy Butler no longer being a 76er pic.twitter.com/kyGhZ4dLuI

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 13, 2022

The Heat will play the winners of the other Eastern Conference semifinals series between the Celtics and Bucks. The Bucks are in the driver’s seat with a 3-2 lead heading into Friday’s Game 6 in Milwaukee.

The post Jimmy Butler and Joel Embiid Both Reveal They Wish They Were Still Teammates appeared first on SLAM.

After James Harden finished the season-ending loss with 11 points, four rebounds, and nine assists, easily one of the worse performances of his playoff career, the talk amongst Philly fans will gravitate toward Harden and if the front office made the right decision in trading for him at the trade deadline.

When Joel Embiid was asked about Harden’s performance by reporters, he pointed out that this version of Harden isn’t The Beard at the peak of his powers.

“Obviously, I’m sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden, Embiid said. “But that’s not who he is anymore. He’s more of a playmaker. I thought, at times, as with all of us, could’ve been more aggressive.”

Joel Embiid on James Harden: "Obviously, I'm sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden, but that's not who he is anymore. He's more of a playmaker. I thought, at times, as with all of us, could've been more aggressive." pic.twitter.com/DGf7cXqfoH

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 13, 2022

When Harden was at his best with the Rockets, Harden averaged 36.1 points per game at his peak, averaging 31.6 points per game during the 2019 playoffs. As a 76er, Harden averaged a playoff career-low 19.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game.

During his press conference, the 2018 MVP indicated that he wanted to stay with the 76ers and plans on being with the team next year.

The post Joel Embiid On Playing With Current Version of James Harden: ‘He’s More of a Playmaker’ appeared first on SLAM.

The Heat had seven scorers in double-figures, led by Jimmy Butler (23 points), Max Strus (19 points, and Gabe Vincent (15 points). Victor Oladipo scored 13, followed by a 12-point effort from Bam Adebayo and 10 points apiece from Tyler Herro and P.J. Tucker.

Jimmy Buckets.

23 PTS
9 REB
6 AST

(via @MiamiHEAT) pic.twitter.com/Q07uFchjN7

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 11, 2022

Defensively, the Heat held the Sixers to 36.5 percent shooting from the field and 28.1 percent from beyond the arc. As for the superstars of the Heat, Joel Embiid was held to 17 points (7-12 shooting) and five rebounds, while James Harden contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists on 5-13 shooting 2-6 from the three-point line.

BAM JAM!

(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/hzLqkmDuvb

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 10, 2022

The 76ers had a rough night; overall, Miami came out firing on all cylinders, outscoring Philly in all four quarters. Miami shut the door on any comeback hopes immediately in the fourth quarter when they went on a 12-0 run powered by a 7-0 spurt from Herro and Struss, who scored five straight points to open the fourth frame. Adebayo stretched the lead to 25 with a three-point play, forcing Coach Rivers to sub out Embiid since Game 5 was no longer in question.

“We did what we were supposed to do once again,” Butler said during his postgame interview with Chris Haynes of YahooSports. “We won at home, we’re a different team when we make shots, and I don’t like that. I want us to be able to get spots no matter what, and then we worry about making shots. Right now, we’re cool.”

This interview is gold

(via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/RlR8OdXRsd

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 11, 2022

The post Jimmy Butler on Miami’s 120-85 Win in Game 5: ‘We Did What We Were Supposed to Do Once Again’ appeared first on SLAM.

Heat say Kyle Lowry is out tonight for Game 5.

— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) May 10, 2022

The 2019 champion reinjured his hamstring during Sunday’s 116-108 Game 4 loss. The semifinal series is now tied up 2-2. Lowry declined to say when the tweak occurred, but it’s known that he went to the locker room midway through the second quarter to get it checked out and didn’t play in the final nine minutes and 42 seconds of the game.

“Put it this way, you don’t want to play with it,” Lowry admitted after the Game 4 loss, per ESPN. “But we’re in a situation in the playoffs where we’re in a hostile environment; we’re in this together no matter what. Just trying to be out there for my guys, no matter what happens, no matter what the situation is.”

Lowry was undergoing treatment in Miami and said he would “go from there,” adding that he didn’t think another MRI was necessary. Lowry said the hamstring injury is the first time hes’ suffered a soft tissue injury.

The Miami-Philly semifinal series shifts back to Miami for Tuesday’s Game 5. They will face the winner of the Boston-Milwaukee series in the Eastern Conference for the Eastern Conference Finals title.

The post Heat Say Kyle Lowry Is Out For Game 5 Due to Hamstring Injury appeared first on SLAM.

“A lot of it comes to us making shots,” Butler said. “We make shots; we tend to play defense. When we don’t, we don’t. We’ve got to get back to being a defensive-minded team, and then our offense comes to us second.”

“We’re gonna take the same shots next game, and they’re gonna fall.”

Jimmy Butler remains confident after the Heat’s Game 4 loss with the series headed back to Miami tied at 2…#HEATCulture pic.twitter.com/BafGRh2x3P

— Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT) May 9, 2022

While his 40 points, six assists, two steals, and two blocks helped keep Miami alive, James Harden carved up their defense late with a 16-point fourth-quarter performance that stripped away any hope of getting a stop.

As a team that averaged 110 points per game in the regular season, putting up just 79 points in their Game 3 loss to Philly was a shock for a team that’s capitalized off of turning turnovers and defensive pressure into offense all season long.

“I think every shot that we shoot we think is going in. And we’re going to take the same shots next game and they’re gonna fall because that’s the way we’ve been playing all year long,” Butler said.

The Heat will face off against the 76ers at home for Game 5 on Tuesday before traveling back to Philly for Game 6 on Thursday.

The post Jimmy Butler Says the Heat Need to ‘Get Back to Being a Defensive-Minded Team’ appeared first on SLAM.

James Harden finished with 31 points in Sundays win against the Heat.

It snapped a streak of 15 straight games with fewer than 25 points (reg. season & playoffs).

That was his longest such streak since 2011-12. pic.twitter.com/OwueutbiGk

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 9, 2022

The eight-time All-Star’s 16-point fourth quarter propelled the Sixers to a tied series in which he’s averaged 21.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.2 dimes per game. His 31-point performance marked his 45th playoff game with 30+ points, becoming just the 12th player in the League’s history to record that many games.

James Harden was a floor general in Game 4, operating as a facilitator for the first 3 quarters and taking over with his scoring late! @JHarden13: 31 PTS, 7 REB, 9 AST, 6 3PM

Game 5: Tue. 7:30pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/mB3kiFThs6

— NBA (@NBA) May 9, 2022

With Joel Embiid making steady progress back out on the court since Game 3, the Sixers will be riding their momentum into Game Five in Miami on Tuesday.

The post James Harden Snaps Streak of 15 Games with Fewer Than 25 Points with 31 in Game 4 Win appeared first on SLAM.

It was either sink or swim for a Philly team down 0-2 to the No. 1 seeded Heat. To this point, Miami has been able to do everything they wanted, finding ways to dismantle the 76ers whenever they flipped that switch to do so. However, a 99-79 defensive masterpiece from the 76ers has now left Miami stunned and searching for answers after Philly answered the bell and seemed to be energized by the return of MVP candidate Joel Embiid.

“You’ve merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it.” pic.twitter.com/S9XcttaMIm

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 7, 2022

Embiid missed the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinal series after suffering a concussion and broken face during Game 6 of the 76ers-Raptors first-round series. This Friday afternoon, the Process was finally cleared for action but was reportedly still not set to go until he was given the green light about two hours before gametime.

Donning his Phantom of the Process black mask, Embiid wasn’t the two-way bully he typically is, but in 36 minutes of action, the former Kansas Jayhawks finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds. According to James Harden, Embiid didn’t need to be superman to help the 76ers close their series deficit to 2-1; his physical presence and leadership were the missing ingredient for Philly.

“It’s not about him scoring 30 or 40 points—His presence alone gives us energy—His communication, his dominance is very important to this team,” Harden said.

EMBIID GOT PHILLY LIVE.
(via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/GP29ZIdYi5

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 7, 2022

Although Embiid admittedly wasn’t happy with his conditioning but could walk away happy with how much his presence dissuaded the Heat from attacking the rim like they did in Games 1 and 2 while simultaneously galvanizing his teammates into forcing Miami into scoring 79 points on 35.1 percent shooting from the field and 23.3 percent from beyond the arc.

“But it was game time. It was winning time. It’s the playoffs.” Harden elaborated, per ESPN. “Joel knew how much we needed him, and he delivered. His dominance on both ends of the ball is very important to this team; it’s very valuable to this team. That’s why he’s the MVP, and we fed off that, and we got to just continue to keep pushing.”

You are watching a master at work. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/qMlwCFfcw4

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 7, 2022

Now down 2-1, the 76ers will look to tie their second-round series with Miami on Sunday.

The post James Harden on the Joel Embiid Effect: ‘His Presence Alone Gives Us Energy’ appeared first on SLAM.

On First Take on Thursday, Brian Windhorst reported that it is highly likely that Harden will opt-in to his player option.

In the event that Harden signs a super-max contract with the Sixers in the 2023 offseason, Philly would be paying the former MVP $61 million in his final year at the age of 37.

Trailing 0-2 in the Eastern Conference semi-finals to the Miami Heat, Harden has averaged 18.8 points, 9.4 dimes, and 5.4 boards on 40.2 percent shooting from the field. With Joel Embiid remaining out for tonight’s Game 3 despite clearing concussion protocols, the Sixers will rely on Harden’s playmaking and increased shot production to climb back from their series deficit.

The post REPORT: James Harden Highly Likely to Opt Into $47.4M Player-Option appeared first on SLAM.

After Wednesday nights 119-103 loss, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers reiterated his uncertainty surrounding the five-time All-Star’s return to the court.

“I really don’t know. We talked [Tuesday], and we talked [Wednesday],” Rivers said in his postgame press conference.

“He looked good, as far as talking. But he’s got so many steps to go through, and I don’t think he’s cleared any of them right now. So we just have to wait and see.”

Mid-way through the third quarter of Game 2, Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reported that Embiid had told him he’s feeling better, but Tuesday was the first day since the injury that he was able to use his phone as the brightness of the screen was causing discomfort.

This was a great piece of reporting by @ChrisBHaynes at the Sixers game. Says Joel Embiid could not even look at the screen of his cell phone without it irritating him as of Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/2s7sp1BUsm

— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) May 5, 2022

On Tuesday, Rivers added that he didn’t want to provide any “false hope” toward his star big mans’ return. But with Game 3 back at home in front of the Philly fans on Friday night, the fourth year coach for the Sixers third-year coach said, “That’s what the film is for, and that’s what adjustments are for.”

The post Doc Rivers and Sixers to ‘Wait and See’ On Joel Embiid’s Return For Game 3 appeared first on SLAM.

“It’s not a desirable job, man. Nobody wants to guard anybody. But from a competitive standpoint, I love the way I came into League, and I made myself in the League being that. It’s like, ‘Nobody wants to guard him. I got him,” Tucker said.

Tucker showcased his elite defense against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. While guarding James Harden, Tucker allowed him to score just five points all game, with the rest of Harden’s points coming from the line or against another Miami defender.

While Harden shot 66.7 percent against Tucker, he got only three shots up on him in four minutes and 42 seconds of action; the largest timeframe spent guarding the Beard by far in Game 1.

Tucker elaborated on the behind-the-scenes necessities it takes to be an effective defender:

“I got to study film. I got to study tendencies. I got to study everything. I got to know everybody on the floor. You got to talk. You got to be vocal. You got to be physical. You got to understand the game. You got to understand how games are being read.”

However, he believes defense takes more than just understanding the game and what your opponent wants to do. Using Draymond Green as an example, Tucker gave another golden requirement of being an elite defender:

“He’s [Draymond Green] one of the most competitive people in the League, but he does his job just as good if not better than anybody in the highest level, championship level. And that’s what it’s about for me. Being a defender’s being the most competitive person out there.”

Tucker and the Heat play Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the 76ers tonight at the FTX Arena.

The post PJ Tucker Shares What it Takes to be a Defensive Ace appeared first on SLAM.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro has won the 2021-22 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 3, 2022

The Kentucky product won the award over fellow finalists Kevin Love and Cam Johnson. Love finished as the runner-up for the award after receiving 214 total votes from award voters. Herro received 488 total votes, including 96 first-place votes.

Herro pulled the flamethrower out. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/069VqQ5lnl

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 3, 2022

Herro averaged 20.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 44.7 percent shooting from the field and 39.9 percent from beyond the arc. He was the second-leading scorer for the No. 1 seeded Miami Heat. Herro thrived coming off the bench a season after he was maligned for not meeting expectations coming into his second season. He put up 15.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game during his up and down sophomore season.

The Boy Wonder's range is limitless. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/HGyraBkjF9

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 3, 2022

Herro became the first Heat player in franchise history to be named Sixth Man of the Year. He also broke up a streak of six straight Western Conference players earning the honor, with the Clippers winning four of them.

Herro is coming off a 25-point, seven-dimes performance in a 106-92 Game 1 win over the 76ers. Game 2 of the Heat-Sixers second-round series will take place on Wednesday.

The post Tyler Herro Wins 2021-22 Sixth Man of the Year Award appeared first on SLAM.

That’s been Victor Oladipo’s mantra since undergoing two major surgeries to repair a right torn quadricep. 11 months ago, Oladipo couldn’t walk, let alone bend his leg. But in Miami’s Game 5 win over the Atlanta Hawks last Tuesday, Oladipo was more than ready; he was itching to remind the world of the type of player that he is.

After pouring in a team-high 23 points, three dimes, and three steals, Oladipo reveled in his performance with the Miami crowd as his resurgence as a critical piece in Miami’s lineup can’t be denied.

I’m just trying to ball and live. How can I lose when we the who’s who’s? pic.twitter.com/XlaJD69cBp

— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) April 27, 2022

On Monday, Oladipo sat down with Stadium’s Shams Charania to chop it up about his road to recovery, his return to the court, and how he views his game today compared to his All-Star years.

“I would be a fool not to feel like I’m still there,” Oladipo said about being an All-Star talent. “That’s my goal is to show everyone that I’m still elite.

Heat’s Victor Oladipo sits down with @Stadium: “From why me, to giving up, what do I do next, to should I just stop. Go through every single emotion…then look yourself in the mirror and say: Man, keep going.” On revival, goal to regain All-Star status, new album, more. pic.twitter.com/TeMYcqLRVb

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2022

While the unknown still lingers as to how often Oladipo will be inserted into lineups and the length of time he sees on the hardwood, in just two playoff appearances so far, Oladipo is focused on “controlling the controllable” while averaging 17.2 points, 4.5 boards and 1.5 steals per game.

“I know it’s going to be a process. I know it’s not always going to be easy, but I’m willing to put in the work. I don’t shy away from it, so I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings,” Oladipo said.

The post Miami’s Victor Oladipo is Ready to Show He’s ‘Elite’ in Return appeared first on SLAM.

Through it all, Oladipo has worked hard to regain his All-Star form and provide some production to the No. 1 seeded Miami Heat. In their 97-94 Game 5 win, the resilience of Oladipo paid dividends after the two-time All-Star finished the elimination game with a team-high 23 points, three assists, and three steals.

Victor is hooooping rn.

(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/IoeooP25ks

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 26, 2022

His big-time performance helped lift a Heat team that was missing Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively.

“There’s nothing I can’t handle,” Oladipo told NBATV. “At the end of the day, I feel like I can come back and get through anything. So when they told me I needed to start tonight, I just stepped up to the plate and did everything I could to help my team win.

“I credit my coaching staff and my teammates for believing in me, my family, my God in heaven for getting me through. It’s only the beginning.”

“There’s nothing I can’t handle.”@VicOladipo talked to @RebeccaHaarlow after the Heat close out the Hawks in Game 5. pic.twitter.com/l6fuHbQlCy

— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 27, 2022

The Heat also relied on their fourth-ranked defense to bottle up Trae Young (11 points, eight rebounds, six assists on 2-12 shooting from the field, 0-5 from the three-point line) and secure the series-concluding win on Tuesday. Miami was down for most of the first half before the Heat went on a 17-0 run late in the second quarter, never surrounding their lead.

However, the Hawks still put their head down and kept making pushes to make a comeback, going on 8-0 and 10-0 runs. Atlanta closed a deficit as large as 15 to within 95-93 before Oladipo closed the door on the comeback after diming Bam Adebayo for a clutch dunk with 59 seconds remaining on the clock.

Vic Oladipo dimes it to Bam to push the lead back to 4!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel on NBA TV
https://t.co/rTTQ9EtLON pic.twitter.com/afYL5sVV39

— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2022

The Heat advanced to the second round and will play the winner of the 76ers-Raptors series.

I’m just trying to ball and live. How can I lose when we the who’s who’s? pic.twitter.com/XlaJD69cBp

— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) April 27, 2022

The post Victor Oladipo Leads Miami to Series Closing Win Over Atlanta appeared first on SLAM.

#ATLvsMIA INJURY UPDATE: Kyle Lowry (hamstring) has been ruled out of tomorrow’s Game 5 vs the Hawks.

P.J. Tucker (calf) and Caleb Martin (ankle) are questionable.

Gabe Vincent (toe) is probable.

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 25, 2022

Miami also stated that P.J. Tucker and Caleb Martin were questionable for Game 5 due to calf and ankle injuries, respectively. Gabe Vincent is probable to play on Tuesday as well.

It will be Miami’s second straight game without Lowry in the lineup after the 2019 champion missed Game 4 due to the same hamstring issue. He initially suffered the injury during Game 3.

The Heat is up 3-1 in their first-round series with the Hawks.

The post Miami Heat Announce Kyle Lowry Out For Game 5 appeared first on SLAM.

Playoff Jimmy always brings that energy.

(: @_theeyeg) pic.twitter.com/QRAEh79qO0

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 20, 2022

Last season, the Heat could not recreate that magic from their Orlando Bubble and fell to the eventual champion Miluwake Bucks in a first-round sweep. The playoff failure led to the Miami office bringing in Kyle Lowry to relieve Butler of playmaking duties. That change led to the Heat earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference after going 53-29 in the regular season.

Since he doesn’t have to be as ball-dominant as he was during the bubble, Butler has been able to focus more on getting buckets, which led to Butler being able to score 45 points in a 115-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks to grab a 2-0 lead as the first-round series shifts to Atlanta. A personal 7-0 run punctuated the primetime performance in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter to increase Miami’s lead from three to 10 to cement the Heat’s win.

“I am a different player now than I was then,” Butler said per ESPN. “I just always want to play basketball the right way and do whatever it takes to help this team, this organization, win. That’s why they brought me here.”

JIMMY BUTLER.

45 PTS
5 REB
5 AST
2 STL

(via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/914leJRDH9

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 20, 2022

Butler’s big-time outing arrived on the strength of some hot shooting. Butler finished the game shooting 15-25 from the field, 11-12 from the free-throw line, and hit 4-7 three-pointers as well. During the regular season, Butler shot 23.3 percent on triples; Jimmy G. Buckets is a career 32.1 percent shooter from beyond the arc.

Erik Spoelstra, head coach of Miami, said that Butler’s shooting from outside reminded him of the exploits of franchise legends Dwyane Wade. Wade, James, and Butler are the only Heat players to finish a playoff game with 40-points three times.

“It actually is a good comparison because if you get in those pressure moments and the moments of truth, if you’re on the other side, would you ever want to just give Dwyane Wade an open 3? You would not,” Spoelstra said. “Because he’s a killer. He’s going to seize that moment. And Jimmy has a lot of those same qualities. You can say whatever the percentage is — throw those all out when it becomes about winning. He’ll find a way to kill you.”

The Heat-Hawks first-round series resumes on Friday in Atlanta.

The post ‘Different’ Jimmy Butler Drops 45 to Lead Miami to 115-105 Win appeared first on SLAM.

Bam Adebayo says he didn't know he wasn't a DPOY finalist until talking to media after practice. His response:

"Disrespectful… I can do anything those other guys can do."

Goes on to cite the lack of national TV games as a reason. pic.twitter.com/E8wzs3MrqD

— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) April 18, 2022

Adebayo seemed to have no idea he was snubbed until assembled media made him aware, per Wes Goldberg. Rudy Gobert, Mikal Bridges, and Marcus Smart earned the spots for DPOY finalists instead.

“Disrespectful,” Adebayo said about being overlooked for DPOY. “I feel like I can do anything that two out of the three can do. Besides, I mean, I can’t teach height. But they all three play on TV more than me. So I would expect that. They get more TV games, and they get more exposure. People like to talk about them more. Don’t nobody want to talk about us. So, it’s whatever at that point.”

Adebayo has also been the lynchpin of a Heat defense that finished the regular season fourth in defensive rating (108.4). Adebayo owns a defensive rating of 104.9. Adebayo finished the regular season averaging 7.6 defensive rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.

Coming into the season, the Suns had 34 nationally televised games scheduled. The Celtics had 32, the Jazz had 26, and the Heat had 22. Miami going 17-9 in the games he missed would also suggest that the Heat’s team defense was a major factor in Adebayo’s success within it.

No. 1 seed Miami will look to build a 2-0 lead when they take on No. 8 seed Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

The post Bam Adebayo On Defensive Player of the Year Snub: ‘Disrespectful — I Can Do Anything Those Other Guys Can Do’ appeared first on SLAM.

As great as limiting Young to that low of output is, the Heat are also aware that Young and the Hawks coaching staff led by Nate McMillan will find a way to unlock their star point guards offensive talent. Young sat out the final 14 minutes of the game to gather his thoughts on what went wrong and the adjustments he could make for Game 2.

According to ESPN Stats and Information, Ice Trae’s 8.3 percent shooting from the field was the worst single-game shooting performance of his career spanning the regular and post-season. Despite bottling Young up like they did, the Heat are aware that a shifty guard that can shoot the three-ball like Young will never be bottled entirely up for at least four losses.

“Miami played at another level,” McMillan said per ESPN. “We have to get to another level. There is another level of intensity where you are locked in on winning every possession. We have to execute and value every possession in these games.”

The Heat finished the regular season fourth in defensive rating. The game plan from Coach Erik Spoelstra was to switch longer, rangier defenders onto Young whenever the Hawks ran pick-and-roll. According to Second Spectrum, the scheme resulted in the Heat switching 21 times against Young in Game 1, allowing 0.8 points per direct pick.

The Oklahoma product scored 0.96 points per direct pick against all opposing defenses that switched against him during the regular season.

“Keep him in front,” explained Jimmy Butler. “He is constantly breaking down defenses and causing you to help, and if you don’t help it’s a layup, [or] it’s a floater. And if you do help, he’s hitting the right guy every single time [with a pass]. I think we did a great job of not fouling and just moving our feet and staying in front of him.”

Young acknowledged that fatigue set in after a short turnaround from playing in the play-in tournament.

“You definitely feel the heavy legs, but you have to give them credit,” Young said. “They came out aggressive; they came out with a lot of energy.”

Game 2 of this first-round series will take place on Tuesday in Miami.

The post Miami Heat Limit Trae Young But Know He’s Capable of Big Game appeared first on SLAM.

The NBA PLAYOFF PICTURE!

The #MetaQuestPlayIn Tournament starts Tuesday, April 12 & the #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel starts Saturday, April 16. pic.twitter.com/M6p9PqBLj8

— NBA (@NBA) April 11, 2022

The mad dash for the Larry O’Brien trophy starts with the Play-In games beginning on April 12, while the Playoffs begin on April 16. The matchups in the Play-In Tournament are the Cavaliers/Nets and Hawks/Hornets. The Cavs/Nets contest winner will take the seventh seed and take on the Celtics, while the loser will take on the winner of the Hawks/Hornets game for the right to take on the Heat as the eighth seed.

In the West, the Timberwolves play the Clippers for the seventh seed, and the loser will take on the winner of the Pelicans/Spurs for the eighth seed and the lovely task of playing the Suns in the first round of the playoffs.

Mark that calendar

Game 1 dates for the First Round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel

More information will be provided as it is finalized. pic.twitter.com/qyqgbI2Bcl

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 11, 2022

The defending champion Bucks will start their repeat bid against the Bulls on Sunday.

The post NBA Releases Playoff and Play-In Tournament Schedule appeared first on SLAM.

As the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Eastern Conference playoffs, the Miami Heat will possibly play against the Brooklyn Nets if the Nets win their Play-In tournament matchups. The Nets are headlined by perhaps the greatest scorer of his generation, Kevin Durant. Durant is also the same player Adebayo says is the toughest to match up with on defense.

“Hardest dude to guard? I would say Kevin Durant,” Adebayo said. “I mean, 7-foot and can do the things that he do, like that’s not an easy matchup for anybody at any moment on the court.”

Durant is again one of the most gifted and smooth scorers in the history of the Association. The Slim Reaper has posted 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game this season and has finished games with 50+ three times, including dropping a career-high 55 points against the Hawks last weekend. KD has also scored at least 30 points 24 times this season.

The Heat (52-28) will host the Hawks (42-38) on Friday, and the Nets (42-38) take on the Cavs (43-37) in Barclays Center to end their final back-to-back series of the season on Thursday.

The post Bam Adebayo Names Kevin Durant ‘Hardest’ to Guard in the League appeared first on SLAM.

The 22-year-old shot 61 percent from the field and 6-10 from three-point range to give the Heat their fifth straight win in the final week of the NBA season.

In a press conference after the game, Herro told reporters, “I’m playing the best I’ve ever played in my life.”

Herro is averaging 20.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game off the bench, making him a clear favorite for the sixth man of the year award. Lou Williams is the only other player to average at least 20 off the bench in the last 30 years.

As the season winds down to its final two regular-season games, the Heat are 2.5 games ahead of the Boston Celtics for first place in the Eastern Conference. With a playoff ticket already punched the Heat will end the season hosting the Atlanta Hawks on Friday and traveling to Orlando to face the Magic Sunday.

The post Tyler Herro After Tying Dwyane Wade’s Scoring Record: ‘I’m Playing the Best I’ve Ever Played’ appeared first on SLAM.

Familiar face in attendance pic.twitter.com/FMquIbOMOE

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 3, 2022

“It’s a place I called home for a long time,” Lowry said told NBA.com. “I won a lot of basketball games here, set a lot of records here. I’ve got a banner hanging up in there. It’s just a special place.”

Lowry last played in Toronto when the then-defending champs lost to the Hornets on Feb. 28, 2020. Lowry could not play in Miami’s three prior contests against Toronto after missing nearly a month, Jan. 15-Feb. 3, of action because of personal reasons.

On Sunday, before the Heat and Raptors tipped off, Lowry, with his two young sons by his side, was given a standing ovation after the Raptors aired a video tribute to one of the most, if not the most important Raptor of all time. The Raptors fans and organization weren’t the only people to give Lowry his flowers either. The Mayor of Toronto, John Tory, officially proclaimed Sunday “Kyle Lowry Day” and praised Lowry for his on-court exploits and charitable work away from the hardwood.

“I know if I cry, DeMar’s going to make fun of me, and it’s going to go viral and all that stuff,” Lowry said, referring to teammate and close friend DeMar DeRozan. “I’m looking forward to just being in the moment.

Lowry spent nine seasons with the Raptors, leaving as the franchise leader in assists (4,227), steals (873), made three-pointers (1,518), and triple-doubles (16). Lowry was a crucial piece of the Raptors’ 2019 championship as well.

The post Kyle Lowry Showered With Love From Raptors Fans appeared first on SLAM.

San Antonio Spurs icon Manu Ginobili will be a first-ballot induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame @Hoophall Class of 2022, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 31, 2022

WNBA legend Swin Cash – a four-time All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist – will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame @Hoophall Class of 2022, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Cash is currently part of the New Orleans Pelicans front office.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 31, 2022

On the NBA and WNBA side, Spurs legend Manu Ginóbili will be inducted into HOF for his first time on the ballot. Heat and Warriors legend Tim Hardaway will also be inducted. Swin Cash, a four-time All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist who is currently working in the front office of the Pelicans, will be inducted too.

Two longtime coaches in the NCAA and NBA will be enshrined as well. Bob Huggins, head coach of the West Virginia men’s basketball program and two-time Coach of the Year winner, and George Karl, the sixth-winningest head coach in League history, will be entering the HOF.

Finalists must receive 18-24 votes from the HOF committee to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The class of 2022 will be announced on Saturday during the men’s Final Four in New Orleans, with the ceremony taking place on Sept. 10.

The post REPORT: Manu Ginobli, Swin Cash Elected to 2022 Hall of Fame Class appeared first on SLAM.

After battling the Warriors to a 50-50 halftime tie, the Heat gave up a 19-0 run to start the third quarter to a Golden State team without the services of Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Green.

Then during the timeout, it looked as if Jimmy Butler and Coach Erik Spoelstra had words. It was then when long-time veteran Udonis Haslem got into an altercation on the sideline with Butler. After teammates separated them, Spoelstra got angry with Butler as well, and then Heat players had to separate them.

Jimmy Butler was HEATED in the Miami huddle after the Warriors went on a big run to start the second half pic.twitter.com/6waBmHlL1r

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 24, 2022

Just moments later, the combative situation woke Miami up and sparked them to go on a momentum-shifting run to cut the lead to 81-80 by the end of the third quarter before the Warriors pulled away again to win 118-104.

So, to recap. Tied 50-50 at halftime. Warriors 19-0 run to 69-50. Then Haslem and Butler go at it. Now Heat within 81-80 going into fourth. Bananas.

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) March 24, 2022

“You can use moments during the season to catapult you,” Spoelstra said about the potential effects of the event going forward via ESPN. “You can galvanize together over frustration and disappointment. Teams can also go the other way. I don’t see that with our group. I don’t see that with our locker room. But we have needed a kick in the butt.”

Wednesday night’s loss was the Heat’s second straight to a short-handed opponent. The Philadelphia 76ers beat them Monday night without James Harden and Joel Embiid in the lineup. 

When Heat point guard Kyle Lowry was asked about the heated moment, he downplayed the incident as not as big a deal as some make it out to be.

“It’s crazy, but it’s passion. … It’s good sometimes to get some anger and frustration out and just talk about it,” Lowry said via CBS Sports.com. “We’re gonna have situations that make people uncomfortable, but at the end of the day, as long as we’re comfortable and we figure it out, that’s all that really matters as long as we’re together. And we are.”

Miami has a chance to show their unity against the New York Knicks on Friday.

The post Heat Inspired by Altercation Despite Loss to the Shorthanded Warriors appeared first on SLAM.

#HOUvsMIA UPDATE: Victor Oladipo, Kyle Lowry and Caleb Martin will all warm up with the intent to play in tonight’s game vs the Rockets.

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 7, 2022

After three years of dealing with surgeries and rehabs due to some troubling leg injuries, Victor Oladipo’s play status has been upgraded to questionable, heading into the Heats game against the Rockets on Monday.

With the Heat saying he’s questionable to play, that means there’s a coin flips chance of the two-time All-Star will make his season debut on Monday. Oladipo last played competitive basketball last year on April 8. Since then, he’s undergone a second surgery on his quadriceps tendon. He first suffered the injury in January 2019 while he played for the Pacers.

“He has great fortitude,” Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra said per ESPN. “That’s the toughest thing for a professional athlete is to get injured, and most of your time is away from the team. Probably, when you talk about mental health, that is the most challenging thing for an athlete.

“You don’t necessarily always feel like you’re a part of it. You have doubts; you don’t know what it’s going to look like on the other side when you do get healthy; you’re not sure if all the work is really mattering. That’s a tough place for an athlete.”

With the Indiana product back in the lineup, the Heat have another layer of depth to rely on with 17 games left on the schedule. For his career, Oladipo has averaged 17.5 points per game, 19.5 with the Heat, Rockets, and Pacers before going down with his knee injury.

Oladipo has missed 89 games since last season, including the Heat’s playoff run. Since his initial surgery three years ago, he’s made 56 appearances, missing 201 games within that same timeframe.

“He looks great,” Heat forward Jimmy Butler said. “He’s been working for, whew, a long time, countless amounts of hours, rehab, in the gym, in the weight room. And I’m excited for him to get back.”

Oladipo has ramped up his rehab with the Heat’s G League affiliate in Sioux Falls in anticipation of his return.

“Through this entire process, I’ve really respected and admired how Vic is able to keep his positive spirit,” Spoelstra said. “It really is a unique quality. I love that quality about him.”

The post Heat Announce Victor Oladipo Will Warm Up Against Rockets With ‘Intent’ to Play appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo is set to return to the court for the first time this season.

Oladipo has been out for 11 months, playing most recently in April of 2021 when he suffered a right quad injury against the Los Angeles Clippers.

It was a weird 2020-21 season for Oladipo, as he ended the year being traded twice, playing for three different teams and only getting four games with the Heat before his quad injury. Despite the wackiness of his season, Oladipo still had a solid statistical year, averaging 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

Over his career, Oladipo has averaged 17.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in nine seasons in the NBA.

The Heat have created a bit of distance for themselves atop the Eastern Conference standings, currently holding a 2.5 game lead over the second-place Philadelphia 76ers (38-23)with a record of 42-22.

For Oladipo’s first game back, he’ll be suiting up against his former Rockets at home at 6:30 p.m.

The post REPORT: Victor Oladipo to Make Season Debut for the Heat on Monday appeared first on SLAM.

KD’s first appearance in SLAM? Issue #92 in November of 2005.

Subscribe now for more gems like this in the SLAM Digital Archive: https://t.co/bjzCbjnqmw pic.twitter.com/Mc9IyV8mWl

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 3, 2022

After missing almost a month of basketball due to a sprained MCL, Kevin Durant was surely ready to get back to work. Coming into the contest against Miami, the nine-time All-NBA selection made it clear he didn’t want to be deemed the savior of the Nets’ title hopes.

Easy Money Sniper dropped 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists in the first half of action. His first bucket of the night was a smooth mid-range jumper over Heat center Omar Yurtseven.

After scoring nine points in almost nine minutes of play in the first quarter, Durant didn’t touch the floor again until late in the second quarter when he strung together a vintage scoring outburst, starting with a two-dribble middy over Bam Adebayo.

Moments later, Durant knocked down another mid-range jumper from the right elbow over Duncan Robinson and Caleb Martin.

Then the former MVP turned the temperature up a notch on the Heat after cashing in a hesi pull-up triple with ninety seconds left in the 2nd quarter over Martin, AGAIN!

As expected, the Durants second half was just as good as his first. With the Nets trailing the Heat, 88-84, Durant continued to do what he usually does, get buckets.

Durant tried his best to bring his team back during a gritty fourth quarter during the final frame. The Heat built a lead as large as 10 after two free throws from Tyler Herro. Durant made it interesting late after burying a 13-foot jumper and sinking a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to two, but that’s as close as the Nets would get.

Adebayo slammed the door shut after making a short jumper, and Herro iced the game from the line to give the Heat a 113-107 win.

Although the performance felt sweet to most, winning would’ve put the icing on the cake. Durant ended his comeback game, scoring 25+ for the 30th time this season.

There’s no doubt that Kevin Durant was locked-in and eager to play in front of a jam-packed Barclays Arena, debuting what looks like a new signature colorway for his 14th signature shoe.

After putting on an outstanding performance, Kevin Durant and the eighth seed Brooklyn Nets (32-32) will look to break their four-game losing streak when they take on the sixth-place Boston Celtics (38-27) on Sunday afternoon.

The post Kevin Durant Pours in 31/4/4 in Return Against the Miami Heat appeared first on SLAM.

Sources: Miami Heat's Victor Oladipo could make season debut by second week of March – via @ESPN App https://t.co/XkNPhCIolC

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 25, 2022

Oladipo has yet to play with the Heat this season after undergoing surgery on his quad tendon in January 2019. He arrived in South Beach after the Rockets traded him last season at the trade deadline. He played four games before re-injuring his knee in April. Oladipo has been rehabbing from going under the knife since May. The 29-year-old guard will be a free agent this summer after his one-year deal with Miami ends.

The two-time All-Star has averaged 17.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game across a nine-year career.

The Heat are on the road and will play the Knicks on Friday.

The post REPORT: Victor Oladipo Could Make Season Debut in March appeared first on SLAM.

According to Greg Sylvander of Five Reasons Sports, there’s three forwards in particular that the Heat have expressed interest in. Sylvander says Miami has some level of interest in Rui Hachimura, PJ Washington and Nic Batum. 

All three would certainly raise the ceiling of this Heat team. Currently the top team in the Eastern Conference, they’ll still have a ton of competition in the postseason. 

With just three days until the trade deadline, it appears Miami could be active on the open market as buyers. It appears that the forward position is one they’re directly looking to target, with those three names at top of mind.

The post REPORT: Heat Have Expressed Interest in Hachimura, Washington and Batum Ahead of Deadline appeared first on SLAM.

Despite not having the services of superstar Kawhi Leonard this season and losing Paul George in December to an elbow injury, they now stand at seventh place in the West with a 26-26 record. The team hasn’t closed the door on either player being shut down for the season and is looking for point guard help just in case.

According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Clippers are in the market for a point guard in a trade with possibly six players being targets.

“If the Clippers dip below .500, it should come as no big surprise. But this isn’t a lost season without Leonard and George. Not at all. In fact, the Clippers found their identity on defense by examining their roster and trying to find out who will fit with their stars in the years to come.”

Despite all the good vibes on the court this season, no team is ever fully complete. Change is inevitable. And the next step for the Clippers is to find a new point guard.

While Reggie Jackson currently covers the position, the Clippers see him as more of a scorer. What they want by his side is a playmaker. Someone like Fred VanVleet or Kyle Lowry for Leonard in Toronto, or even George Hill was for a young PG-13 in Indiana. L.A. wants a point guard on that level, someone who can manage the game or provide a spark depending on the situation.

So, what kind of point guard can the Clippers reasonably obtain? Over the past few weeks, numerous reports have cited names like Jalen Brunson, Dennis Schröder, Kemba Walker, Goran Dragic, Spencer Dinwiddie, and John Wall as targets.”

The team plan’s on moving potential expiring contracts such as Serge Ibaka, Ivica Zubac (team option for 2022-23 season), or Nicolas Batum (player option for 2022-23)

The Los Angeles Clippers made team history by making Western Conference Finals last season before falling to the eventual conference champion, Phoenix Suns.

The post REPORT: The Clippers Make Multiple Players Available For Point Guard Help appeared first on SLAM.

After right thumb surgery six weeks ago, Miami Heat All-Star center Bam Adebayo is targeting a return vs. the Toronto Raptors on Monday, sources tell ESPN. Adebayo – who averages 18.7 points and 10.2 rebounds — has been ramping up on the court this week.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 14, 2022

Adebayo has missed the last six weeks after undergoing surgery on his right thumb in December. The 24-year-old forward has reportedly been ramping up his conditioning for a return in practice, which comes as the Heat jumped the Brooklyn Nets (26-15) for second place in the Eastern Conference after winning seven of their last nine games.

When he last played, Adebayo averaged 18.7 points and 10.2 rebounds this season.

Bam Adebayo is targeting a return on Monday after right thumb surgery six weeks ago, per @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/yPskZNq7OW

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 14, 2022

The Heat plays their next three games at home, including a back-to-back this weekend when they take on the Hawks (17-23) on Friday and the 76ers (23-17) on Saturday.

The post REPORT: Bam Adebayo Targets Monday For Return appeared first on SLAM.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Spurs are signing Tyler Johnson and Anthony Lamb to 10-day hardship contracts.

The pair of signings come on the back of several Spurs pers entering health and safety protocols on Thursday. Wojnarowski reported that Keldon Johnson, Derrick White, Devin Vassell, Thaddeus Young, Lonnie Walker IV, and Doug McDermott have all been placed in COVID-19 protocols.

As a short-term replacement, Johnson has seven years of NBA experience with four different teams. Johnson most recently suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this season, playing in three games and scoring 11 total points.

Johnson’s best years came with the Miami Heat, where he played in 257 games over five seasons and averaged 11 points per game. Over his career, Johnson has averaged 9.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while suiting up for the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, 76ers, and Heat.

Lamb will be involved in his second NBA season after going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft. Lamb played four seasons at the University of Vermont. He averaged 16.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game his senior season and won the American East Conference Player of the Year twice.

In his lone season in the League, Lamb played 24 games with the Houston Rockets, starting three of them, and averaging 5.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Lamb was waived by the Rockets before the 2021-22 season began.

These absences come at a difficult time for San Antonio, as they currently sit 10th overall in the Western Conference, the final play-in spot, with a record of 15-22, just a half-game up on the Sacramento Kings (16-24).

The post REPORT: Spurs Sign Tyler Johnson, Anthony Lamb to 10-Day Contracts appeared first on SLAM.

The Heat superstar returned to action against the Memphis Grizzlies after missing four games with a tailbone injury only to reaggravate it in a 105-90 loss Monday night.

Butler reinjured himself in the first quarter driving to the basket and landing on his back at the tailbone area.

Heat Coach Eric Spoelstra spoke on the matter after the game via ESPN.

“He drew contact and got shoved and landed on his tailbone again,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said after the game. “There could not have been a worst scenario for us to start the game. It is a contact sport. It’s an unpredictable thing. Insult to injury, we didn’t get the call on that either.

“But he definitely re-aggravated it. You can tell from that point on he was not his usual self. So we’ll reevaluate him [Tuesday] and see where we are.”

Butler returned to the game after the fall but eventually left for good in the third quarter with 10 points.

The team will hold Butler out for Wednesday’s home game against the NBA champion, Milwaukee Bucks.

Butler’s injury is just the latest of a long list of players who are banged up or unavailable for the game.

Heat injury update for Wednesday vs. Bucks:
Jimmy Butler (tailbone) out
Markieff Morris (neck) out
Bam Adebayo (thumb) out
Victor Oladipo (knee) out
Marcus Garrett (G League) out
Caleb Martin (knee) questionable

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 7, 2021

Markieff Morris will miss his 16th consecutive game because of a neck injury. At the same time, All-Star Bam Adebayo is reportedly expected to miss four to six weeks after undergoing right thumb surgery last week.

The post Jimmy Butler Held Out Of Miami Lineup Due to Lingering Tailbone Injury appeared first on SLAM.

The following has been announced by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/SDE7TcwtmE

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 1, 2021

According to reports from ESPN League insider Adrian Wojnarowski., The League started its investigation back on August 7 after the start of the free agency on August 2. They conducted numerous interviews with team executives and player agents and gathered electronic messaging of the front office’s executives of Chicago, New Orleans, Miami, and Toronto over the past four months.

Both Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls have since made a statement on the League’s news.

The Miami Heat said, “While we disagree, we accept the league’s decision.”

The Bulls released a statement, saying, “We are glad this process has concluded and look forward to the rest of our season.

Despite the news, both the Chicago Bulls (14-8) and Miami Heat (13-8) are off to a great start to the 2021-22 season due to the play of their offseason signings.

Miami negotiated a three-year, $85 million deal with Lowry in the sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors that sent guard Goran Dragic and forward Precious Achiuwa to the Raptors. At the same time, the Bulls traded veterans Garrett Temple and Tomas Satoransky to the Pelicans in a sign-and-trade deal for Ball, who signed a four-year, $85 million contract with the Bulls.

The post Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat Forfeit Second Round Draft Pick appeared first on SLAM.

And though the Heat has been an excellent start to the season, Shooting guard Duncan Robinson has struggled so far.

Robinson, who signed a massive five-year, 90 million dollar contract, is currently shooting 32.8 percent from three, short of his historic 44.6 percent from the season prior. He struggled during Monday’s games against the Denver Nuggets, shooting 1-9 from the three-point line.

Although Duncan has struggled to get his shot to fall, people throughout the franchise are still confident in Robinson’s abilities.

“I know Duncan is a heck of a shooter,” Heat guard Kyle Lowry said to the Miami Herald. “We all understand what he is, what he’s doing and how he can get the ball off, and how many shots he can make.

“Duncan knows exactly what he’s doing,” Heat teammate Max Strus said of Robinson per the Miami Herald, “He just got paid $90 million, I think he’s good enough. So he’s an unbelievable shooter. He’ll be fine. Trust me, it will all come around. It’s just a slump and he’ll get out of it.”

Robinson is still a lethal weapon in the Heat offense and should be more of an asset moving forward with Bam Adebayo out with a thumb injury.

The post Heat Confident Duncan Robinson Shot Will Fall appeared first on SLAM.

Raptors guard Goran Dragic will be away from team indefinitely due to personal reasons.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 28, 2021

In a statement made by General Manager Bobby Webster on Sunday, Webster said that Dragic has been “a complete professional in the time that he has been with the Raptors “and that the veteran point guard has been a “great mentor to our younger players and a valued teammate for our veterans.”

Statement from GM Bobby Webster on Goran Dragic. pic.twitter.com/g9oJxtsAhp

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 28, 2021

Webster also said that the Raptors will give updates about Dragic when appropriate and that Dragic has support from” (President) Masai (Ujiri), (Coach) Nick (Nurse), and the entire organization, and we wish him nothing but the best.”

Dragic last played November 18, posting 16 points, five rebounds, three dimes, and two steals box score in a 127-121 loss against the Pistons. In the five games he has played so far in the 2021-2022 campaign, Dragic has averaged 8.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

For his career, Dragic has played for the Phoenix Suns in two separate tenures, the Rockets, and the Miami Heat, reaching the NBA Finals against the Lakers in the 2020 Bubble, losing in six games. In his 14th season in the League, Dragic has put up 13.9 points, 3.1 board, and 4.8 assists for his career.
The Raptors (9-11) play against the Celtics (10-10), Sunday.

The post Raptors Announce Goran Dragic Is Stepping Away Indefinitely From Team appeared first on SLAM.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Miami Heat have expressed interest in Wall, but some complications exist.

“Though the Heat would have interest in adding point guard John Wall if he’s bought out by Houston, ESPN said that’s not happening because Wall doesn’t want to give up his $47.4 million player option next season, let alone his $44.3 million salary this season,” Jackson wrote.

Wall’s salary keeping him tied to the Houston Rockets is an issue because, at the moment, Wall is not playing for Houston, and reports indicate that the Rockets have no interest in playing Wall at any point this season.

With this year plus Wall’s player option left on his contract, he could be inactive on Houston’s roster until 2023 unless a team agrees to trade or Wall agrees to a buyout, and he gives up his salary.

Wall has struggled to stay on the court for the past few seasons, not playing more than 41 games since the 2016-17 season. But when Wall is healthy and playing, he’s one of the most dynamic point guards in the league, holding career averages of 19.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.

The Rockets have had an abysmal start to the season, sitting dead last in the NBA with a record of 1-14. The Heat have had the exact opposite start to their season, currently tied for first in the Eastern Conference at 11-5.

The post REPORT: Heat Have Interest in John Wall if he is Bought Out appeared first on SLAM.

Porter Jr. was going for an easy dunk in the first quarter during a Nuggets’ 95-94 win over the Houston Rockets (1-9) over the weekend. After gathering a loose ball near midcourt, the young forward somehow fumbled the play, readjusted for a layup, and smoked it.

Michael Porter Jr. really missed this layup pic.twitter.com/kFlZ2zvUau

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 6, 2021

Porter Jr. appeared to suffer the back injury on the play and attempted to fight through it but left for the rest of the game midway through the first quarter. The team described the injury as low back pain. An injury that held him out of practice and the next game against the Miami Heat (7-2) on Monday, according to Harrison Wind via HoopsHype.

Nuggets say Michael Porter Jr. (low back pain) is out for tomorrow vs. the Heat.

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) November 8, 2021

According to the Denver Post, Porter Jr. will be receiving ongoing treatment and could possibly miss the next several games as he recovers.

Porter Jr. and the Nuggets will look to be careful considering his history of back injuries dating back to his lone college basketball season at Missouri. The fourth-year forward had to sit out his entire rookie season recovering from back surgery.

The Nuggets signed Michael Porter Jr. to a five-year contract extension worth up to $207 million in the offseason. He’s struggled to start the season with averages of 9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 35.9 percent from the field.

The post Michael Porter Jr. Out Indefinitely With Lower Back Pain appeared first on SLAM.