The Miami Heat ended 2022 with a buzzer beater victory over the Utah Jazz.This year they weren’t as lucky, as they lost to the Jazz Saturday night in their last game of 2023.
The Heat tried to keep up with Utah but their lack of key players was just too much to overcome. The Heat were without Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, Thomas Bryant and Josh Richardson. It didn’t help that Jimmy Butler and Haywood Highsmith both exited in the second half with injuries.
“This was bound to happen eventually,” one user said. “Can’t expect them to play great every game short handed. Not a single Heat player had a good game. Flush this game, and get ready for a really tough stretch of games starting on Monday.“
Butler didn’t attempt a shot until deep into the second quarter, ending the first half with just two points, one assist and one rebound with two turnovers. He exited in the third quarter, recording just eight points in his 23 minutes.
Bam Adebayo stuffed the stat sheet with 28 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks and three steals. However, he missed six free throws and turned the ball over four times, much to the dismay of some fans.
Meanwhile, Jazz forward Kelly Olynyk had a near-triple double with 19 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. He and guard Keyonte George combined for 40 points off the bench, frustrating – and frankly confusing – a lot of fans.
The Heat open the new year against the Los Angeles Clippers (19-12) Monday night.
Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat.
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