The Pistons (20-15) came to Miami on a hot streak, having won 6 of their last 8 games.
Miami managed to end this hot streak behind hot shooting and 6 double digit scorers. Kelly Olynyk was the Heat’s top scorer with 25 points, but he was not the only high scorer as Dragic had 24 and Richardson had 22. James Johnson returned from injury tonight and performed well, with 16 points off the bench. Overall, the Heat shot 51% from the field and 50% from 3.
Tobias Harris led the Piston’s side with 19 and as usual, was the biggest problem for the Heat. Seriously, this guy always has a good night when he plays the Heat. One of the reasons why the Heat was at an advantage tonight was the fact that Andre Drummond did not play tonight, due to a rib contusion. The Pistons were unable to match Miami’s hot three-point shooting, as they shot only 38% from long range.
Once again, the Heat went with a Dragic-T. Johnson-Richardson-Olynyk-Whiteside starting lineup and I love it. Personally, went the Heat signed Olynyk over the summer, I saw him starting alongside Whiteside to provide more spacing for the team. At the beginning of the season this was not the case, as he came off the bench, but as of the last few games, has been fitting alongside Whiteside very well. Teams have to step out for Olynyk’ shooting ability and respect the fact that Whiteside is close to the basket. This combo is deadly and add Dragic, Richardson and Johnson to the mix to create a match up nightmare.
Finally, the Richardson hype train is still running strong, as he once again took a big step in his development with another 22 point performance. He has, in my opinion, been the Heat’s overall best player this season. I had never imagined back in 2015 the guy we drafted in the second round would be so consistently producing great performances like he has been. Its a longshot, but I believe he deserves to be an All-Star this season from his high level of play this year.
The Heat beat the Pistons 111-104, and move to 20-17 on the season.
Oh yeah, and lets get Wayne Ellington into this years Three Point Shootout #WE2LA
Heat Hype 