Simone Fontecchio explodes for 24 points as the Miami Heat cruise past the Washington Wizards, dominating the boards and free-throw line for a decisive win.
After suffering back-to-back losses to the Toronto Raptors, the Miami Heat get back in the win column after a 140-117 outing against the Washington Wizards on Friday night. As one side fights for seeding, the other is primarily focused on draft lottery odds. It was the final NBA game of the regular season at Capital One Arena.
Both teams were without key rotation players, which created an opportunity for others to step up. After filling in for Tyler Herro in the starting lineup, Simone Fontecchio led the Heat in scoring with 24 points on 80 percent shooting, including six three-pointers made, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 27 minutes. The 30-year-old provided a much-needed offensive spark as the team looks to gain some ground for the Play-In Tournament.
On April 13, 2025, which was the final regular-season game of the 2024-25 season, Bub Carrington hit a game-winning floater against the Heat. The game was out of reach on Friday night, but the 20-year-old still finished with a notable performance. He recorded a game-high 30 points on 73.3 percent shooting, including six three-pointers made, two rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
One of the key factors in the Heat’s dominance was getting to the free-throw line more than the Wizards. They went 22-of-26 for the game compared to 11-for-14. The Wizards are among the league’s worst defensive teams, which can lead to more fouls committed.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. finished with another excellent performance off the bench: 23 points on 71.4 percent shooting, including three three-pointers made, four rebounds, and eight assists in 36 minutes. He’s on pace to finish among the finalists for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
The Heat dominated the rebounding battle 40-27. Bam Adebayo led with a game-high 11 rebounds, plus 20 points on 50 percent shooting, three three-pointers made, eight assists, a steal, and a block in 38 minutes.
Despite the victory, they’re still the 10-seed in the Eastern Conference standings, but can climb as high as nine.
The Heat will close the regular season at the Kaseya Center against the Atlanta Hawks, who have gone 20-5 since the All-Star break. After clinching an automatic spot in the playoffs, coach Quin Snyder likely sits key players, such as Nickel Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum, Josh Johnson, Jonathan Kuminga, and others, for health purposes.
The Play-In Tournament is scheduled from April 14 to 17. The Heat will face the Charlotte Hornets, but the location will be determined after the regular season officially concludes.
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