By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: nba.com
Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware had a strong offensive performance, but it wasn’t enough as the Heat fell to the New York Knicks, 132-125, on Sunday.
Jalen Brunson had a team-high 47 points to go with eight assists and six three-pointers. Mikal Bridges added 24 points with six three-pointers. Karl Anthony Towns had a quiet night. Towns had just two points and six rebounds in 29 minutes.
The Knicks didn’t worry because Brunson and Bridges, the Villanova kids, carried the load. Brunson and Bridges combined for 45 of New York’s 66 first-half points
Ware continues to make strides on the backboards. In the last few weeks, he has done a good job boxing out and dominating the boards. Miami won the rebound battle (45 to 36) and collected 12 offensive rebounds. Ware led Miami with 28 points, 19 rebounds, and five three-pointers.
Jaime Jaquez Jr had a solid night with 23 points. He made some critical free throws and threes to keep the game close in the fourth. Norman Powell added 22 points. Bam Adebayo struggled. He had no assists and had 14 points.
Miami missed nine free throws. They shot 47 percent from the field and committed 11 turnovers. Miami did have a ten-point lead at one point. The game would’ve been different had they made their free throws and scored more field goals than the Knicks.
The Heat have lost seven of their last eight games and fall to 15-14 on the season. The Heat will play against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. The team must win on Tuesday and needs to be better defensively.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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