ASK IRA: Did Heat make statement against Hawks or just survive?
Q: Ira, the Heat were outscored 60-51 in the second half by the Hawks and 34-30 in the fourth quarter. They gave Atlanta momentum for Monday. Good win? Let’s see what they do next. – Allan.
A: Actually, the “let’s see what they do next” part of your question probably is the most cogent element. Because with where the Heat stand amid their desperation to avoid the play-in round, if that is even possible, win-one, lose-one won’t be good enough. For that matter, the Heat are 1-2 to start this six-game homestand, so work remains both Monday again against the Hawks, and then in the two games against the Cavaliers to close the homestand. The only way to recover from losing six of seven is to win six of seven, So the question for the Heat is whether against this type of schedule they have that in them. And if they don’t, then are they a playoff threat in the first place?
Q: Call Omer Yurtseven up, we need a spark. – Jake.
A: It’s not a matter of calling up Omer Yurtseven from his stint in the G League as a matter of merit. He is there to rehab from his November ankle surgery. When the ankle and the conditioning are back, he will return to the Heat. Now, whether he can gain a rotation spot is a completely different story. Based on Erik Spoelstra’s preference for proven veterans, it might take an injury to Cody Zeller for playing time to open for Omer.
Q: You’d think Josh Richardson was back on the team. My gosh. – Nick.
A: This was in reference to how many times the Heat stepped out of bounds in the first half Saturday against the Hawks. It is remarkable that for the amount of time these players spend on regulation courts that they would lose their bearings.
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