Jimmy Butler’s sorrow for not taking the game’s final shot to force overtime was a major factor in the Miami Heat’s 115–112 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. The involvement of star Nikola Jovic contributed to the Heat’s defeat to the Suns, even though they had trouble in numerous areas throughout the third quarter.
Since the second part of the previous season, when he and Bam Adebayo shared the power forward position in the front court, Jovic has been in the starting lineup. He was present on Wednesday night, but Erik Spoelstra decided to start Haywood Highsmith, who had a strong game against the Suns, in the second half instead of him.
The Heat star only played five minutes, scoring four points and grabbing one rebound, demonstrating the lack of synergy he has been trying to develop with the starting. According to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, Jovic would acknowledge that he did not play well and had been “unhappy” with his performance since the beginning of the season, which led to his lack of playing time.
Jovic remarked, “I won’t say I was great.” You really need to play strong defense. Additionally, you must make the shots you are given, particularly with the first unit. You must take those pictures even though they may not be the ones you want to take. I didn’t earn much.
Highsmith had started at Jovic’s spot before last season, where, besides giving the team a defensive stalwart, he has added to his offensive game, especially from three-point range. The defense was especially vital against Phoenix, where he was tasked with defending star Kevin Durant, an aspect that Jovic said he wasn’t shocked by the move.
Jovic remarked, “I wouldn’t say I was surprised.” “The first unit has been having some trouble lately, so I suppose the coach was looking for the ideal matchups. In the first half, H performed admirably against KD. Before we left, Coach informed me that he would play him and to simply be prepared.
Heat’s Erik Spoelstra on the decision to bench Nikola Jovic in second half
Jovic has shot 41.3 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from three-point range in seven games this season, averaging 7.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
Highsmith, who is regarded as the team’s Swiss army knife, inked a two-year, $11 million contract with the Heat this offseason. In his explanation of why Jovic was benched for Highsmith in the second half, Spoelstra talked about the defensive matchups, particularly how Adebayo would protect Jusuf Nurkic.
Spoelstra stated, “I wanted to keep Bam on [Jusuf Nurkic] to keep him comfortable under the rim.” We wanted to do something to change the energy of these third quarters because H [Highsmith] had given us good minutes in the first half. It wasn’t related to Niko.
Heat’s Erik Spoelstra on whether the decision is a permanent one
The Heat forward also deserved those minutes as, coming off the bench, he scored 19 points, shooting seven of eight from the field, including two of three from beyond the arch. He would also collect seven rebounds and two steals as when asked if Highsmith in the starting lineup is a development going forward, Spoelstra would not answer as it is a “game to game” basis.
When asked if Highsmith will start in lieu of Jovic, Spoelstra responded, “I’m not even thinking about that right now.” “Look, this is game by game, quarter by quarter. Right now, there is nothing tangible where we are.
Time will tell if a decision is made on that front, but if Spoelstra chooses Highsmith over Jovic, it may affect the chemistry of the Heat’s starting lineup, which was a major theme heading into the season. Even though he didn’t play any minutes in several of the season’s opening games, Highsmith has always been eager to be called upon and deliver.
“I’m, in a sense, used to this,” Highsmith said. “Some games, I might not be in the rotation or I might be in the rotation. I’m always going to be ready no matter what.”
Heat’s Nikola Jovic hopes to be in the starting lineup again
“He was guarding,” Butler said. “[Durant] hit some tough shots. Then H was also being aggressive in making shots and making the right play, putting the ball on the floor and passing the ball. The more confidence he plays with, the more it’s going to look better for everybody.”
“Just energy and effort, being able to guard,” Herro said. “We needed someone to guard KD [Durant].”
It remains to be seen about Jovic’s role with the Heat as he does bring more size to the starting lineup along with Adebayo as he also provides a threat from deep on offense. The 21-year-old would say to the media after the game that he is hopeful to be back in the starting lineup as he believes his skillset helps the unit.
“I really hope so because I really think I’m trying to help the first unit,” Jovic said. “But you never know. It is not an easy job. … I really hope I’m back. If I’m not, there will be more chances. Last year was the same type of thing, so I know I’ll be back.”
