5 takeaways from the Miami Heat's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies
The Miami Heat split the two-night series with the Memphis Grizzlies.
1. One out of two ain’t bad
Nov 25, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra talks to an official during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Miami defeated Memphis 90-81. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
One night after beating the Grizzlies in Memphis, the Heat lost to them in Miami 110-107. Miami was without Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow and Wayne Ellington while the Grizzlies were missing Zach Randolph and James Ennis.
After splitting the mini-series, the Heat are now 5-11 and still rank near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
2. Dion Waiters had a night
Nov 26, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (11) drives the ball around Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Miami Heat 110-107. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dion Waiters scored a team-high 28 points on 10-of-19 from the field, including making four of his five three-point attempts. He added five rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes.
Not only was Waiters the only player to score more than 15 points, but also he consistently got others involved and helped create shots for them with his drive and kick game.
Without Dragic, Waiters was the primary ball handler. The Heat ran a ton of pick-and-rolls for him and he was able to get to the rim quite a bit. Finally, a lot of those shots he had been missing at the rim this season started going in.
3. Free throws were the difference in the game
Nov 26, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) takes a shot against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Miami Heat 110-107. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The difference in the game came at the free throw line. The Grizzlies made 27 of its 33 attempts (81.8 percent) compared to Miami making just 16 of 24 (66.7 percent). Here, I’ll do the math for you: That’s a difference of 11 points at the free throw line in what ended up being a three-point ball game.
4. James Johnson has good footwork
JJ having a quite a 4th quarter! pic.twitter.com/IOAoOH3ekm
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 27, 2016
James Johnson scored five of his 10 points in the fourth quarter, including two after showing off these sweet dance moves.
5. Marc Gasol had a good game after having a not-so-good game
Nov 26, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) controls the ball between Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) and center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
After being held to nine points and a rebound in the first matchup between these two teams, Marc Gasol came back to finish with 28 points, three rebounds and six assists in Memphis’ winning effort. He also hit two three-pointers.
Up next the Heat will play the Boston Celtics on Monday at 7:30 pm ET on NBATV.
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