The Miami Heat netted a huge victory on Wednesday, beating the Chicago Bulls 109-90 to advance in the play-in and keep their season alive. This was the third straight year that Miami defeated Chicago in the play-in tournament. It was a huge performance as Miami was a +1.5 road underdog going into the contest. Here are some of the key performers from tonight’s game.
Big Time Performer: Miami G Tyler Herro
To quote the great Mark Jones, Tyler Herro was hotter than fish grease to start the day. The 25-year-old recorded 16 points on 6/6 shooting in the first quarter and kept it rolling from there. Herro ended up with 38 points on 13/19 shooting and a 9/10 mark from the free throw line.
The over/under on his points for Friday’s win-or-go-home contest against the Atlanta Hawks is 26.5. Against a high-powered Atlanta offense led by Trae Young, they’ll need every point out of Herro.
Stepping Up: Chicago G Josh Giddey
It’s no surprise to anyone that Josh Giddey stuffed the stat sheet. Since the calendar turned to February, Giddey is averaging 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. His 25/10/4 performance tonight was all he could do to keep Chicago’s season alive, but it wasn’t enough.
The 22-year-old is due for an extension this offseason from the Bulls. Playing the best basketball of his career going into payday can’t hurt. Hopefully for the Bulls, his big games won’t end this early in the year next season.
Stepping Up: Miami F Andrew Wiggins
It’s been a bittersweet season for Andrew Wiggins. Getting dealt away from the Golden State Warriors, where he was integral to the 2022 championship, was a tough blow. Now he’s back in postseason basketball and looking motivated again.
Along with his usual stellar defense, Wiggins poured in 20 points and 9 rebounds. Two-Way Wiggs tends to step up on the glass come playoff time, which is why I’m surprised his rebound over/under is only 5.5 for the next contest. That seems like an easy over.
