In a high-scoring shootout, the Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers 142-132 Thursday. With the Pacers having the NBA’s top оffensive rating, the Heat scored a season-high 142 points.
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra and star Jimmy Butler discussed their game strategy Thursday night after the game. To stop Indiana’s explosive point guard Tyrese Haliburton from establishing the tempo was crucial. Spoelstra told ClutchPoints that the Heat achieved it in the last 24 minutes after a poor first half.
It took a while, but yes. They treat everyone that way. It’s not unique to us and keeps you on edge. It’s surprising how fast Halliburton processes everything, identifying your coverage and weaknesses, Spoelstra said. You must overcome it with many attempts, disruption, missed moments, and scrambling, which is where we’re strongest. That was evident in the fourth quarter.”
A season-best game for the Heat’s Jimmy Butler
They didn’t keep Haliburton’s season-high 44 points and 10 assists. 28 of those points came in the first half when the 23-year-old led, but the Heat had Jimmy Butler back after missing two games with an ankle ιnjury.
Butler’s аggressive play yielded a season-high 36 points and 10 rebounds. Spoelstra called Butler’s second-half effort “part of his genius” and claimed it led the club to the finish.“He felt it, but that’s his genius. Different lineups depending on the game, with Bam and Tyler missing. He sensed it and calmed everyone with those strikes.
It motivated everyone, and I believe our defense started working harder, Spoelstra said. “That third quarter was inspiring. Even his traffic rebounds were over the top. And three-point plays, After taking the lead, I believe it gave the guys confidence heading into the fourth quarter, and that second unit provided us a huge boost.”Miami’s season-high 142 points including 45 in the fourth quarter. As a worrying pattern, the Heat have played their poorest basketball in the fourth quarter, but they changed history Thursday.
Butler likes a faster pace
When the second half came around, part of the Heat’s halftime adjustments was to create their own pace and force Indiana to play by their rules. They did that and more, but it was a new experience for Butler.
While they don’t usually play at a fast pace like that, Butler said he likes the style.“I mean, I can’t speak for everybody, I speak for myself. I do like it. It’s just freeform basketball.
You got to make so many reads on the fly. But that’s kind of like what today’s game is anyways,” Butler said. “It shows that we are capable of playing like that, but that’s definitely not our style of basketball. But a win is a win, so I guess we got to start playing faster.”
Butler Һit nine of 18 shots, but his highlight was making 18 of 20 free throws. Five players other than Butler scored in double-digits for the Heat against the Pacers.
Butler gives credit to the Pacers’ Haliburton
Butler saw Haliburton’s significance, making him Miami’s apparent choice. He told ClutchPoints the Pacers guard can do “nothing”.“He hooped. He plays amazing basketball and makes the proper plays repeatedly. He can accomplish anything on the floor.
He passes effectively, shoots threes well, gets to the paint, and finishes well, Butler said. “He’s a big reason they’re winning so many games. He’ll continue, guy. He’ll ensure they continue.”
The Heat are looking for two consecutive victories over Indiana this Saturday after breаking their three-game losing skid. They’re 11-8 and sixth in the Eastern Conference, passing the Pacers at seventh.
They didn’t keep Haliburton’s season-high 44 points and 10 assists. 28 of those points came in the first half when the 23-year-old led, but the Heat had Jimmy Butler back after missing two games with an ankle ιnjury.
When the second half came around, part of the Heat’s halftime adjustments was to create their own pace and force Indiana to play by their rules. They did that and more, but it was a new experience for Butler. 
Butler saw Haliburton’s significance, making him Miami’s apparent choice. He told ClutchPoints the Pacers guard can do “nothing”.“He hooped. He plays amazing basketball and makes the proper plays repeatedly. He can accomplish anything on the floor.