The Miami Heat extended their winning streak to four games with a commanding 114-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.
Bam Adebayo led the way with a stellar performance, registering 21 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists, cementing his status as a force on both ends of the floor.
Tyler Herro continued his scoring prowess, leading Miami with 23 points while shooting efficiently from beyond the arc. Nikola Jovic chipped in 14 points, showcasing his versatility, and both Jimmy Butler and Dru Smith added 11 points each to round out a well-balanced offensive attack for the Heat.
For the Raptors, rookie Gradey Dick had a breakout night with a career-high 22 points, providing a bright spot in an otherwise challenging game. Jakob Poeltl added 16 points, while RJ Barrett recorded a triple-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Despite his all-around contributions, Barrett struggled from the field, going 5-of-18, mirroring Toronto’s broader shooting woes.
Takeaways From the Matchup
Raptors Adjust to Life Without Scottie Barnes
Toronto faced its second extended stretch without Scottie Barnes, who sprained his right ankle in Monday’s game against the New York Knicks. Earlier this season, Barnes missed 11 games due to an orbital fracture, and his absence continues to challenge the Raptors’ depth and consistency.
Miami’s Long-Range Efficiency
The Heat’s ability to convert from beyond the arc was a critical factor, as they nailed 13 of 32 attempts. Herro, who went 4-of-7 from three-point range, set the tone with timely perimeter shooting that kept the Raptors’ defense on its heels.
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Key Moments and Stats
A Second-Quarter Surge
Trailing by 16 points just three minutes into the second quarter, Miami flipped the script with a dominant 33-10 run to close out the first half. Nikola Jovic was instrumental during this stretch, scoring 11 points and hitting two critical three-pointers that shifted momentum firmly in Miami’s favor.
Rebounding Dominance
The Heat outworked the Raptors on the boards, securing a 52-42 rebounding advantage. This marked the fourth straight game during the homestand where Miami held a double-digit edge in rebounds, a testament to their physicality and commitment to controlling the glass.
What’s Next?
Both teams return to action Monday night. The Raptors will host the Chicago Bulls, looking to end their struggles on the road, where they hold a dismal 1-12 record. Meanwhile, the Heat will travel to Detroit to face the Pistons, aiming to keep their momentum rolling.
Miami’s recent performances underscore their ability to adapt and execute in high-pressure situations, while Toronto continues to grapple with injuries and inconsistent play. As the season progresses, the Heat look poised to build on their success, while the Raptors face the challenge of finding stability amid adversity.