The Miami Heat bounced back from a poor offensive performance against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday by securing a crucial 131-109 victory in their rematch Wednesday night at Kaseya Center. Surprisingly, the Heat not only surpassed the 100-point mark but also won the fourth quarter — a rarity this season.
While Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and Davion Mitchell combined for 68 points and 15 three-pointers, the standout performer was Haywood Highsmith, a player who has struggled to secure consistent minutes in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation.
After sitting out four straight games, Highsmith made the most of his opportunity, proving why he deserves a permanent spot. He drained four three-pointers, showcased relentless hustle, and grabbed seven rebounds — including four offensive boards that created second-chance opportunities.
With the Heat ranking among the league’s worst offenses, Highsmith’s ability to generate extra possessions played a pivotal role in their offensive breakout. Additionally, his defensive versatility allows Spoelstra to experiment with different zone schemes.
While some may argue that Highsmith could limit the offense, the team has struggled with or without him. His consistent defense and improved three-point shooting make him a valuable asset down the stretch.
“I can’t claim that I’m making the right decisions, but basically everybody’s had their opportunities and we are where we are,” Spoelstra said. “He [Highsmith] earned all those minutes, I couldn’t take him out of the game.”
Now, Spoelstra must keep Highsmith in the rotation — a decision that could prove vital for Miami’s playoff push.
