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After four straight wins, the Heat had a tough challenge ahead of them against the NBA’s top team in the Utah Jazz. But with Jimmy and Bam putting on All-Star performances, they delivered their most complete game of the season. Here’s how it went:
Bam was amazing at the start, scoring easy buckets on floats. The Heat offense was smart in picking their moments, attacking the basket as soon as Gobert pulled out. Despite Miami’s solid play, the game has alternated in the lead several times, even being tied for long stretches. A testament to the talent on Utah’s roster.
The Heat did a really good job controlling the ball to start. In fact, they didn’t have any turnover before the 4 minutes of the first, but 4 more turnovers to end the quarter got them a little behind.
As usual (well at least recently), the Heat have struggled to keep all three balls. Fortunately, they were able to strike back beyond the arc thanks to strong play from Gabe Vincent, Duncan and Dragic. In fact, until a mid-range jumper by Jimmy around the 5-minute mark, all Miami field goals in the second quarter were three.
Jimmy was phenomenal in the first half, slicing to the rim and shooting fouls as well as shooting well from the midrange. He helped Miami finish the first half strong, doing it with a big dunk. When the Heat offense increases, it’s the team that made it to the final last season.
The Heat started the second half strong, Bam taking on Gobert to get things going.
It was the Bam and Jimmy show, as Miami took a seven-point lead. Jimmy didn’t let go, attacking hard and maybe a little looked down on from the All-Star selections.
Still, the Jazz fought hard to show why they are currently the best team in the NBA. Donovan Mitchell is a special player, his first step and finishing ability is the reason he received all these DWade comparisons early in his career.
It isn’t talked about enough, but Goran’s ability to produce an instant attack makes him so valuable to this team. Jimmy and Bam can’t do it on their own all the time, so Goran’s ability to keep the Heat up front or within striking distance is enormous.
Bam had over nine points in the third, tapping into Utah’s defense whenever he could. Still, the back and forth never stopped keeping things incredibly close, heading for the fourth.
Duncan Robinson and Andre Iguodala hit huge three to keep Miami thriving, but it was Goran Dragic who was spectacular in attack and defense. Absolutely refusing to let go. Still, Donovan Mitchell, Bogdanovic and Mike Conley kept things tight, scoring 7-0 at the worst possible time.
With just over 33 seconds to go, Jimmy made it to the basket and threw a float. He would fall, putting Miami in the top of 4. Utah had one more chance, but three missed fouls and desperate fouls by the Jazz would seal it by giving the Heat their fifth straight win and one more statement.
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