Minnesota Timberwolves dominate Miami Heat in rematch, stifling offense and controlling the paint, as superstar Anthony Edwards shines.
Minnesota, MN - The Miami Heat faced the Minnesota Timberwolves only three days ago, which resulted in a loss; the final score was 125-115. Superstar Anthony Edwards, former Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid, and All-Star Julius Randle combined for 85 points, including eight three-pointers made. After facing each other in Southern Florida, the game would take place in the upper Midwest this time.
Both sides were mostly healthy, outside of a couple of second-year players in Jaime Jaquez Jr. (right ankle sprain) and Terrence Shannon Jr. (left foot abductor hallucis strain).
All-Star guard Tyler Herro was available after missing 10 consecutive games, with the addition of Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, despite being listed as available but with no plans to play. Also, the 25-year-old would come off the bench.
The starting lineup:
Heat: Davion Mitchell-Norman Powell-Andrew Wiggins-Bam Adebayo-Kel'el Ware
Timberwolves: Donte DiVincenzo-Anthony Edwards-Jaden McDaniels-Julius Randle-Rudy Gobert
It was time for tipoff and it didn't take long for the Heat to strike first after a couple of three-pointers made by Norman Powell, which sparked a 17-5 run. However, it didn't take long for the Timberwolves to respond. As the game progressed, the defense grew stronger, and so did their taste for the paint. They kept attacking and closed the first quarter down one possession, 29-27.
After a hot start, the Heat's offense imploded. The second quarter began with some back and forth, including a sloppy backcourt turnover by Julius Randle on a bad inbound pass. However, the Timberwolves managed to finish the first half on top, with a score of 61-54. They kept attacking and scoring in the paint, while the Heat's offense continued to grow stagnant.
The Timberwolves' momentum only grew throughout the second half, especially after a couple of deep three-pointers by Donte DiVincenzo, which sparked a massive 23-7 run leading into the fourth quarter. After waiving the white flag, the final score was 112-94, with Edwards leading the charge, finishing with 26 points, including five three-pointers made, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and asteal in 29 minutes.
One of the biggest difference makers was Gobert's 13 points and 17 rebounds, with four coming from the offensive glass, two blocks, and an assist. He finished with the second-highest positive plus-minus, plus-20. The 33-year-old had a few flexing moments.
"We showed less of a spirit in this one," Erik Spoelstra said. "The one on Saturday, we had a spirit to fight all the way until the end. That's what is most disappointing to me as the head coach in the last six minutes. It just felt like we let it go."
The Heat needs to find consistency in terms of on-court production. It's no secret how they want to play, but when opponents slow them down, it sets the whole thing off. There needs to be an alternative that results in winning. The roster has hard-working players, but lacks serious talent, especially when compared to the rest of the Eastern Conference. The trade deadline is less than a month away, but there's been no indication of a deal being done soon.
The Heat will face the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, Jan 8th.
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