The Heat hold on late to win first game of the season

The Miami Heat hold off a late comeback from the always gritty and tenacious Toronto Raptors to win 112-109 at the FTX Arena for their first win of the season. The Heat looked much better on both ends in this one, but they were especially clicking on the defensive end as they held the Raptors to just 42.7% shooting from the field.

This was another all-around scoring effort from the team as they had eight different players score 8 or more points led by Jimmy Butlers 24. Butler had his typical performance as he shot 7-of-16 from the field as well as 9-of-11 from the free throw line to go with five rebound and four assists. Tyler Herro was also playing extremely well, however, foul trouble held him to only 22 minutes played and eight field goal attempt which lead to just 14 points, his lowest scoring output of the young season.

Still love what I'm seeing from him every time he steps out on that court. He looks in control of the offense and his playmaking has been incredible. His pick and rolls with Bam need to be used more often as it opens up the floor for everyone and Herro has already shown the ability to make the read coming off the screen to either score himself, find Bam on the roll or make the pass to the weak side corner for an open three. Just the kind of improvement many of us were hoping to see from Herro.

As for Bam Adebayo, things just were not clicking for him offensively in this game as he finished with just 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, seven rebounds, one assist and a +5. His defense is always going to be at the top of its game as that just comes natural to him, but there were many times on the offensive end where Bam would be given the ball in the high post and instead of making a move he would differ to his teammates. This is much more reminiscent to the Adebayo we were used to seeing last season, who would have games with less than 10 field goals attempted. That's just not going to cut it for our second best player.

I also need to speak on the game Max Strus had, scoring 20 points on an efficient 8-of-14 from the field and 3-of-7 from deep and playing some of the best defensive we've seen from him. Doing all the right things we've come to expect from him on that end. Making the correct rotations, holding your ground against bigger opponents and helping on rebounds. He was just doing it all and he even finished with five rebounds and two blocks to go with his 20 points.

Kyle Lowry was also in his bag in this one. Making the right plays and hitting jumpers when it was needed, while also playing the gritty and hard nosed defense I've come to expect from him. Erik Spoelstra said it best when he called Lowry one of the best players with the ability to guard up and take on the challenge of a bigger and taller player. He loves it and you can see that same kind of ability in his backup, Gabe Vincent, who also gave us a strong performance on both ends. Neither has an issue banging down low with 4's or 5's, in fact, they seem to enjoy it.

Now while this game was in the Heat's favor for most of it, the Toronto Raptors made a comeback in the second half after an altercation between Caleb Martin and Raptors rookie Christian Koloko, which saw Martin and Koloko wrestle each other into the court side seats. It took some time for coaches, players and referees to settle the situation, but once they had Martin and Koloko were ejected and the Raptors were given new life.

Their intensity on both ends were increased and it took the Heat some time to adjust to this new level of play. After having a 21 point lead at the half, Toronto brought it to within nine points by the end of the 3rd quarter. All in all the Heat were outscored 59-41 in the second half, but the 4th quarter had playoff atmosphere written all over it. Neither team was given the other an inch and it was the Heat that would hold on to take their first win of the season.

Next up the Miami Heat take on the Toronto Raptors at the FTX Arena again as part of a home-home back to back the NBA has set up this season. The game will be on Monday, October 24 at 7:30 PM EST. See you next time!