The Miami Heat have won back-to-back to improve their preseason record to 3-2. Miami's most recent triumph came Wednesday when it completed a comeback to defeat the Washington Wizards at home, 117-115.
Washington, which led as much as 13 points, was in control early in the game. However, in the second period, the Heat rallied and kept it close all throughout. In the fourth quarter, with 5.1 seconds remaining on the game clock, the Heat had possession, but they were trailing by a single point, 115-114.
Heat forward Jordan Mickey was the one assigned to inbound the ball.
He passed it to Matt Williams Jr. who immediately gave it back to him. With three seconds left, Mickey hoisted a three-pointer that went in and sealed the victory for Miami. The savior for the Heat finished the contest with 12 points, six rebounds, two steals, and a block.
By the numbers
The Miami Heat's bench was crucial in the win over the Washington Wizards. Miami rested its star players Wednesday, which gave the other guys the chance to shine. Leading the Heat was rookie Bam Adebayo who had 15 points in 23 minutes of action off the bench. Tyler Johnson (14 points) and the veteran James Johnson (12 points) were also members of the second unit who helped big time on offense. Only one starter scored in double figures for the Heat, and it was Josh Richardson who had 13.
Meanwhile, for Washington, it was Jason Smith who emerged on the offensive end as he recorded 20 points. The Wizards' backcourt duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal combined for 31 points, 12 assists, plus eight rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. was a spark from the bench for the Wizards. The 21-year-old provided a double-double as he registered 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Oubre had two steals and two blocks as well.
Preseason schedule
The Miami Heat and the Washington Wizards both have one game left for their preseason campaign. Tomorrow, the Heat will head to the City of Brotherly Love to take on the Philadelphia 76ers at the Sprint Center. It is uncertain as of the moment if Hassan Whiteside and Joel Embiid are going to see action for their respective squads.
If they do, it will be an excellent matchup of two of the best young centers in the NBA today.
Washington, on the other hand, will be at the Madison Square Garden on the same day. The Wizards are facing the new-look New York Knicks for their preseason finale. Washington aims to bounce back following its loss to the Heat yesterday.
