The Miami Heat halted their three-game losing streak in commanding fashion Monday night, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 110-95 at the Kaseya Center. Fueled by a strong second-half performance from Bam Adebayo, the Heat showcased their resilience despite missing key players.
Adebayo spearheaded Miami’s offensive push, scoring 17 of his 23 points in the second half. His impact was felt on both ends of the court as he also contributed 7 rebounds and capitalized at the free-throw line, shooting 7-of-8. Miami’s ability to stay composed and execute in crunch time was the difference-maker.
Nikola Jovic turned heads with 18 points off the bench, while Tyler Herro delivered a double-double with 17 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. Duncan Robinson added 17 points, connecting on 5 of 10 from beyond the arc to keep the Brooklyn defense stretched. Miami improved to a perfect 7-0 when holding opponents under 100 points this season, a testament to their defensive prowess.
Brooklyn showed fight, cutting a double-digit deficit to one at halftime with a 17-6 run to close the second quarter. Cam Johnson and Noah Clowney each scored 19 points, and Keon Johnson chipped in 15. However, the Nets struggled in the second half, scoring just 38 points as Miami’s defense clamped down. Brooklyn’s shooting woes and lack of consistent offensive production left them falling to 2-8 since a three-game win streak in November.
The turning point came early in the fourth quarter when Miami began with five unanswered points, extending their lead to 88-78. From there, the Heat dominated, outscoring the Nets 27-17 in the final period. After a crushing collapse against Orlando on Saturday, where they squandered a 22-point lead, Miami showed poise and focus to close out Monday’s game.
The Heat’s efficiency from the charity stripe was a major factor. Miami shot 21-of-24 from the line, with Adebayo and Herro combining for 12-of-14. This accuracy contrasted with the Nets’ missed opportunities in critical moments.
Miami’s star forward Jimmy Butler missed his second consecutive game due to a stomach illness, and reserve guard Dru Smith exited early in the second quarter with a lower-left leg injury. Smith did not return, leaving the Heat shorthanded in the backcourt.
Miami avoided a four-game losing streak for the second time this season. Their ability to regroup after Saturday’s disappointment and deliver a complete performance highlighted their mental toughness.
Brooklyn’s struggles continue, with six of their last eight losses coming by double digits. The team’s inconsistency and inability to sustain momentum remain areas of concern.
Both teams return to action Thursday. The Nets face a tough road test against the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Heat travel to Orlando for a rematch against the Magic.
Miami’s victory underscores their potential to bounce back under adversity, keeping them in the hunt in the Eastern Conference standings.
