The Miami Heat leaned on balance, toughness, and a strong closing push to secure a 115-105 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night in a game that featured early swings and a steady finish from the home side.
Bam Adebayo led Miami with 24 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the paint on both ends while continuing his consistent all-around play. Rookie forward Pelle Larsson delivered a timely spark, scoring 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to help the Heat pull away late.
Miami’s offensive balance proved decisive. Tyler Herro added 18 points in his return to the starting lineup, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. chipped in 14. Rookie center Kel’el Ware controlled the glass with a dominant 13-point, 15-rebound performance. Andrew Wiggins contributed 12 points despite battling through adversity after needing eight stitches to close a laceration inside his mouth.
For Houston, Kevin Durant once again carried the offensive load, finishing with 32 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Amen Thompson added 20 points, while Reed Sheppard chipped in 14, but the Rockets couldn’t generate enough stops down the stretch.
The game opened with a burst from Houston, as the Rockets jumped out to a quick 14-4 lead. Miami responded emphatically, unleashing a 37-14 run to seize a 41-28 advantage and flip the momentum entirely. From there, the contest tightened, with both teams trading blows and neither able to create significant separation for much of the second half.
It wasn’t until the closing minutes that Miami finally created breathing room. Larsson’s pair of free throws with 1:52 remaining pushed the lead to 113-103, giving the Heat their first double-digit edge of the second half and effectively sealing the outcome.
Houston played without Jabari Smith Jr., who remains sidelined with a sprained right ankle and is not expected to return for Monday’s game in Washington. Miami, meanwhile, was without Norman Powell due to a right groin strain suffered earlier in the week, opening the door for Herro’s return to the starting unit.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will travel to Washington on Monday, while the Heat return home to host Brooklyn on Tuesday, carrying momentum from a well-rounded performance that showcased their depth and late-game execution.
