Heat depth shines as Powell thrives, Herro returns and Spoelstra hits 800 wins
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Norman Powell’s transition to Miami has been seamless. The 32-year-old wing, obtained in an offseason trade, is averaging a career-best 24.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 49.4% from the field, 44.1% from three and 88.4% at the line through 15 games (30.4 minutes). “We’re playing in the flow, we’re playing for each other, we’re competing on both sides of the floor,” Powell said of the Heat’s system.
Assistant coach Wayne Ellington praised Powell’s approach, calling him “super coachable” and noting that the 11-year veteran “wants to learn and continue to grow even though he’s had a great experience already.”
The Heat received another boost Wednesday when Tyler Herro delivered 29 points on 9-of-15 shooting, seven assists and five rebounds in 32 minutes against Milwaukee. The 25-year-old guard, playing his second game since returning from injury, said he is “trying to play off the catch” while strengthening his foot to “fully feel comfortable” driving and jumping.
With the roster healthy, head coach Erik Spoelstra indicated that both the starting lineup and bench rotation will remain flexible and matchup-driven. Second-year center Kel’el Ware moved to the reserve unit after starting nine of the previous 10 contests, and forward Nikola Jovic did not see action in his first game back from a right hip issue. “None of it will be in cement,” Spoelstra said. “Our depth is one of our best strengths and we want to weaponize that.”
Spoelstra also reached a personal milestone Wednesday, becoming the 17th coach in NBA history to record 800 regular-season victories. “I just feel incredible gratitude for this organization and all of these years,” he said after Miami’s sixth straight win.
Source: Hoops Rumors
