The Raptors defeated the Miami Heat for the second time this season, snapping their three-game win streak.
For the second time this season, Toronto Raptors beat Miami Heat, ending their three-game winning streak. Both teams were missing players as Pascal Siakam missed his seventh consecutive game, and other key players, such as Gary Trent Jr. and Precious Achiuwa, were also out. Delano Banton had to leave the game due to an ankle injury after he started for the second time in a row. Miami Heat was also missing Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro during that match.
The Heat had 23 turnovers, many of which were dead ball turnovers such as stepping out of bounds and travelling.
The Heat had a dismal night, turning the ball over 23 times. Many of these turnovers were of the dead-ball variety, such as Travelling and stepping out of bounds. As a result, the Heat had little offensive rhythm throughout the night, especially in the third quarter. Defensively, they were also plagued by sloppy play, allowing the opposition to score easy baskets in transition.
Toronto controlled closeouts on the perimeter and had 16 offensive rebounds compared to Miami’s four.
Toronto controlled closeouts on the perimeter and had 16 offensive rebounds compared to Miami’s four. Miami didn’t have an answer for Toronto’s size, as the Raptors outrebounded the Heat 42-23. The Raptors also did much better at taking care of the ball, committing 14 turnovers to Miami's 23. Toronto’s ball movement was crisp, as they generated 23 assists on 44 field goals.
Toronto was down by 11 points in the third quarter but went on a 21-0 run to take control of the game.
It was somehow a back and forth game until the third quarter. Toronto controlled closeouts on the perimeter well and took advantage of Jimmy Butler's passive play and went on a big run. The Raptors defense was smothering, forcing Miami into tough shots which often led to turnovers and fast break opportunities for Toronto.
The Raptors also did well taking care of the ball and moving it around quickly, resulting in 23 assists on 44 field goals.
