In a critical bounce-back game, the Miami Heat defeated the Golden State Warriors 114-98 on Tuesday night at Chase Center, snapping a three-game losing streak. Bam Adebayo anchored the Heat with 19 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, including two pivotal dunks late in the game to secure the victory.
The Heat, playing the second game of a tough back-to-back road stretch, received significant contributions from their supporting cast. Nikola Jovic hit consecutive baseline 3-pointers in the fourth quarter en route to a team-high 20 points, while rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 18 points. Despite the absence of star Jimmy Butler, who is serving a seven-game suspension, Miami’s depth and resilience shone through.
The Warriors, meanwhile, continued to struggle, leaving their home fans visibly frustrated. Stephen Curry scored 31 points, hitting six of his eight 3-pointers in the first half. However, Golden State’s offensive woes persisted, as their supporting cast failed to provide consistent scoring. Trayce Jackson-Davis contributed 19 points, including a thunderous left-handed dunk late in the third quarter that briefly energized the crowd. Draymond Green flirted with a triple-double, finishing with seven points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Warriors from losing their second straight home game.
The home crowd’s frustration was palpable, with boos raining down during the fourth quarter as fans headed for the exits early for the second consecutive game. This followed a blowout 30-point loss to the Sacramento Kings just two days prior.
Without Jimmy Butler, the Heat showcased their depth. Adebayo’s all-around performance, coupled with Jovic’s clutch shooting and Jaquez Jr.’s strong outing, highlighted their balanced attack.
The Warriors’ struggles continued, particularly on defense. Despite Curry’s stellar first-half shooting, the team failed to generate momentum in the second half. Buddy Hield chipped in with 11 points off the bench, but Golden State’s inability to contain Miami proved costly.
The Heat’s Jimmy Butler missed his third consecutive game as part of his suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.
Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski missed his fifth straight game due to right abdominal tightness, while Gary Payton II remained out with a strained left calf. Head coach Steve Kerr indicated both players are expected to return during the team’s upcoming four-game road trip.
Jackson-Davis dunk late in the third quarter, Trayce Jackson-Davis drove through the lane for a left-handed slam, pulling the Warriors within three points. However, Golden State failed to capitalize on the momentum.
Jovic’s fourth quarter threes as Nikola Jovic drained back-to-back baseline 3-pointers midway through the fourth quarter, giving Miami a double-digit lead that the Warriors couldn’t overcome.
Miami continues their West Coast road trip against the Utah Jazz on Thursday night. Golden State hits the road to face the Detroit Pistons, also on Thursday night.
The Heat’s victory demonstrated their ability to rally as a team despite adversity, while the Warriors face mounting pressure to address their recent struggles and turn their season around.
