NBA: The Heat scorched the Wizards at home for four wins in a row
Miami, Florida - The Miami Heat are still hot so far in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, taking it to their division rivals, the Washington Wizards, on Thursday night.
The Heat beat the Wizards 112-97 for their fourth-straight win so far this season and Washington’s second loss in a row.
This was the first of two consecutive scheduled games between these divisional foes, with the rematch to go down this weekend.
Thursday’s game started out close with a tough opening quarter as the Wizards were down only 21-19.
Washington improved upon their point total in the second quarter, but so did the Heat as Miami went into halftime with a seven-point lead.
The Wizards had some trouble playing disciplined basketball, totaling up 17 turnovers by the final buzzer, which definitely didn’t help their cause.
Washington managed to make more adjustments to keep the score close in the second half, but the Heat did just enough to stay ahead, outlasting Washington for the win.
The player spotlight
Miami’s best offensive weapon, forward Jimmy Butler (32), came through for the Heat with a big game.
In just 34 minutes, he put up his fifth 30-point game of the season, also netting the game’s highest point total in the process.
With a team-high 24.8 points per game, Butler showed on the floor why he’s his team’s main man.
Butler finished the night shooting 11-for-19, 32 points, five assists, and four steals.
The big picture
The Heat are sitting in the top spot of the Eastern Conference and have earned it every step of the way, despite not being one of the teams originally thought to be in the top tier.
Most of their 11 wins so far this season aren’t close either. Nine of those wins were by double-digits, so they’re well capable of closing out a team if given the opportunity.
The Heat will get another chance to close out the Wizards, this time on the road on Saturday night from Washington DC.
Cover photo: IMAGO/Agencia EFE