Miami Extends Win Streak as Herro Scores 24 in Season Debut
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The Miami Heat registered their fifth straight victory on Monday night, improving to 12-6, as guard Tyler Herro returned from offseason ankle surgery with a team-best 24 points in his first appearance of 2025-26.
Herro, an All-Star last season, missed his first four shots before connecting on 12 of the next 14. His late basket in the final minute sealed a 123-118 road win over the Dallas Mavericks.
“It’s amazing that he can come back and find that rhythm,” head coach Erik Spoelstra said postgame. “When you face elite defenses, you need as much skill and firepower as possible, and it was exciting to have him back.”
Playing in Miami’s new uptempo scheme for the first time, Herro helped power an offense that leads the league in pace (106.14 possessions per 48 minutes) and scoring (123.9 points per game). Center Bam Adebayo noted the system’s balance, saying, “Everyone feels involved, everyone gets a chance to be aggressive, and we’re being successful off it.”
Herro Not Yet at Full Strength
After the win, the 25-year-old guard acknowledged he is still working toward peak condition. “I could have waited another two weeks, but I’m healthy enough to be out there,” he said. Herro used the Heat’s recent road swing to finish his preparation and targeted Monday’s date for his return.
Powell Expected Back Wednesday
Leading scorer Norman Powell sat out Monday with left groin soreness. An MRI revealed a mild strain, and Spoelstra said the team’s concern level is “not super high.” Powell is listed as day-to-day and is expected to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
Ware’s Stock Rising
Second-year center Kelel Ware is averaging 15.9 points and 15.1 rebounds over his past eight games, drawing praise from teammates and coaches. Spoelstra credited Ware for “stacking up good day after good day” and recognizing in-game adjustments more quickly than he did as a rookie.
Source: Hoops Rumors
