In a dramatic turn of events on Sunday night, the Miami Heat secured a 104-100 victory over the Houston Rockets in a game marked by a late confrontation that led to multiple ejections.
Tyler Herro played a pivotal role for the Heat, scoring 27 points before being ejected alongside five others following a fight in the final moments of the game. With just 35 seconds remaining and the Heat ahead 99-94, Herro was fouled hard by Amen Thompson of the Rockets, causing tensions to escalate as players and coaches from both teams rushed onto the court.
The incident resulted in ejections for Herro and Thompson, as well as Rockets guard Jalen Green, head coach Ime Udoka, assistant coach Ben Sullivan, and Miami’s Terry Rozier. Despite the skirmish, Herro’s performance was instrumental in Miami’s victory, especially in overcoming a seven-point deficit late in the game.
The Rockets initially led 92-85 after Fred VanVleet’s layup with over eight minutes remaining. However, their offensive momentum stalled as they missed the next 11 shots, allowing Miami to capitalize on their missteps. A key moment came when Herro assisted Haywood Highsmith with a crucial three-pointer that tied the game with about five minutes to play.
Herro’s decisive jumper with under two minutes remaining secured a lead for the Heat, effectively sealing their victory. Notably, Miami’s Nikola Jovic also delivered a strong performance amid the absence of Jimmy Butler, tallying 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Highsmith further contributed with 15 points.
Houston, on the other hand, struggled in the fourth quarter, particularly after surrendering a significant lead against the Timberwolves in a prior game. Dillon Brooks, returning from an injury, added 22 points for the Rockets, yet it wasn’t enough to offset their shooting inefficiencies during the critical final quarter.
The Heat’s resilience was evident in their ability to outscore their opponents 15-9 in second-chance points, overcoming the Rockets’ reputation as the league’s best offensive rebounding team.
Despite the altercations in the closing moments, Miami emerged victorious, showcasing their ability to adapt and seize opportunities under pressure. This game highlights the unpredictability and intense competition inherent in professional basketball, leaving fans eager for the next matchup.
Source: Local10
