The Heat picked up a surprising win in Game 1 at Milwaukee, but they’ll have to figure out a way to finish off the series without Tyler Herro, writes Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. Herro broke two fingers on his shooting hand on Sunday and is projected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.
The injury happened as Herro dove for a loose ball in the closing minutes of the first half, Chiang notes. He stayed on the court until the buzzer sounded, and the team announced at halftime that he wouldn’t return. He’s Miami’s third-leading scorer at 20.1 PPG and one of its best three-point shooters at 37.8%.
“You can’t fully make up what Tyler has been for our team all year long,” Jimmy Butler said. “But guys got to step up, including myself, including Bam (Adebayo) and whoever (coach Erik Spoelstra) calls upon to do an offensive assignment, a defensive assignment, to bring some energy, to dive on the floor, get a loose ball or rebound. It’s like all hands on deck at all times and now more than ever.”
There’s more on the Heat:
- Duncan Robinson started the second half in place of Herro, but he may not be the best choice for that role going forward, Chiang adds. Max Strus has already taken over a starting job, and Chiang notes that the Heat were outscored by 15.5 points per 100 possessions during the 316 minutes that Robinson and Strus played together during the regular season.
- Chiang cites Victor Oladipo, Caleb Martin, Kyle Lowry and Kevin Love as other choices to replace Herro in the starting lineup. Oladipo fell out of Miami’s rotation over the last month of the regular season and didn’t play at all Sunday; Martin was replaced in the starting lineup after Love signed with the team in February; and Lowry has been effective off the bench since returning from a knee issue. Love would provide more size in the starting lineup, along with outside shooting to help make up for Herro’s absence.
- Love’s transition to Miami hasn’t always been smooth, but he came through in his first playoff game with the team, Chiang states in a separate story. The veteran big man had 18 points off the bench in 23 minutes, hitting 5-of-9 shots from the field and going 4-of-7 from three-point range. “You can just never underestimate the decorated veteran experience of guys that have been proven winners, and that’s what Kevin brought us tonight,” Spoelstra said.
Haslem’s time to shine…
Victor Oladipo. Done.
Losing Herro isn’t the end all be all. He makes things a lot easier, but there are plenty of other guys that are capable of stepping up.
Kurt’s what about our bet?
I thought you had a bet with “Curry’s eight rings by age 50?”
Well Kurt’s wanted to bet on Heat in ECF and Jimmy Butler as MVP but he got real quiet once the subject of money (i.e. real accountability) got brought up.
I also tried to bet with Curtsy8Rings; he also disappeared once accountability came into the picture.
Notice a pattern? Lol. Lot of people like to talk but not back it up. Oh well. That’s why I’m a top 3 commenter and they’re doggie droppins
What you talking about? As far as it stands, Heat are undefeated in the playoffs, right in track for the ECF. Maybe you should think before you speak.
Okay easy to be confident now but a few days ago when I asked for venmo you got real quiet
And you don’t tell me to think or ever tell me what to do. Far as I’m concerned you have zero credibility anyway and I’m a top commenter around here.
I ain’t gonna pretend and act like I got enough of a life to not be on hoopsrumors comment section, but I do got enough of one to not have to refresh the same page 1000 times a day. So you got something to say to me you need to keep up and come find my on the newest article. I ain’t got time for you slow pokes. Destroying minions is a full time job.
That’s cool youre a top commenter here like a G-league allstar, but I’m a top commenter in the universe. My words got galactic importance. The best of the best. God like fool.
You want my Venmo?, easy give me yours and I’ll request my money. Remember hit me up on the next one. This article 6 hours old now, I’m moving on you moldy breaded bum
Your words are galactic? Don’t be dramatic. You come with attacks but come off like a snack. I’m the main course, my words bang down doors, lookin good from every angle like a game of horse.
You wanna play like you didn’t run away, once I said the things you were afraid that I would say? Of course you don’t refresh, you’re too stale to grow mold. Five minutes ago all your takes were too old.
Big in the universe? so is hot air, and now I won’t take your money cuz it wouldnt be fair. Because I no longer care now I see how you’re weak. Now pucker those lips while I turn the other cheek.
Rapping your replies on hoopsrumors really should be a wake up call chief
Why does it not surprise me that I scare you? Too hot 4 tv