Jimmy Butler wasn’t happy when Duncan Robinson failed to spot him for an open three during a blowout loss vs. the Celtics.
The Miami Heat had been struggling for the past ten games, losing their seventh in a row to the Boston Celtics (143-110). As the Heat suffered their worst loss to the Celtics in history, frustration was obvious on the court. Jimmy Butler was visibly irritated after Duncan Robinson missed him on a pass for an open three-pointer.
Butler finished with 17 points, while Robinson scored only five off the bench. The Heat were paced by 19-point performances from Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, but they needed much more to even compete with the Celtics, who scored 143 points.
Fans believe Butler’s body language conveyed his disappointment as the Heat suffered an embarassing setback. The Heat have lost both of their games since acquiring Terry Rozier for Kyle Lowry and a first-round selection. Rozier has battled to fit in, averaging 8.0 points and 28.5% shooting over the last two games.
As we’ve seen with the Clippers losing six games after dealing for James Harden and Pascal Siakam going 0-3 until his first win with the Pacers last night, alterations can take some time to adjust to. The Heat are still attempting to find synergy with their new roster, so facing the in-form and healthy Celtics will always be a tough challenge.
The Miami Heat Can Still Make More Upgrades
The Miami Heat must fully commit to Jimmy Butler before the gifted forward begins to decline. We know his regular-season efforts will not be as strong as his postseason performances, but the Heat require additional insurance to contend in the East. They advanced to the NBA Finals from the play-in round last year, so we know they can do it again.
The Rozier deal demonstrates that the Heat recognized the need to improve their guard play after Kyle Lowry held them back.
However, this move does not elevate them to title candidate status, especially with leaving powers like the Bucks, Celtics, and 76ers, as well as rising contenders like the Knicks and Pacers, who have also made significant trade acquisitions.
The Heat apparently consider Duncan Robinson untouchable, despite the shooting specialist falling out of the rotation several times during the last two seasons. He earned a berth following a strong playoff performance and is averaging 13.4 points this season. He’s shooting 40.3% from three this season and earning $18.1 million.
Robinson’s deal is widely regarded as one of the worst in the NBA, yet the Heat are unwilling to let him go. He’s perhaps the league’s finest catch-and-shoot player, but the Heat may benefit from an upgrade in the frontcourt.
Perhaps Robinson, Nikola Jovic, and their remaining choices can persuade the Wizards to let go of Kyle Kuzma, cementing the Heat’s standing as contenders.
The club is now 24-21 and ranked eighth in the East.
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