MIAMI — In a thrilling game on Friday night, Davion Mitchell’s decisive 3-pointer broke a deadlock with just 43.8 seconds remaining, leading to the Miami Heat’s narrow 125-120 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Tyler Herro was vital for the Heat, contributing 29 points. Miami capitalized on a remarkable shooting performance, hitting 57% from the field, maintaining an impressive streak after shooting 58% over their last two games, a figure that equals the seventh-best consecutive game span in the team’s history.
Duncan Robinson added significant support with 20 points for Miami, while Bam Adebayo chipped in with 18 points. Over on the Pacers’ side, Pascal Siakam shone brightly, scoring 36 points. Myles Turner added 22 points, and Tyrese Haliburton supported with 19 points and 10 assists. The Pacers started strong from beyond the arc, hitting 12 of their first 15 attempts. However, their hot shooting cooled as they managed only 9 out of 24 for the remainder of the game.
Highlights from the game include the Pacers’ management of a substantial lead earlier this year in a game on January 2, where they surpassed Miami by 28 points. Rick Carlisle, coach of the Pacers, anticipated a stark contrast in Friday’s game. He noted, “They’ve got a history of doing things hard here and embracing hard times and difficulty… This game will be nothing like our last game here. I can promise anybody that.”
For the Heat, adversity struck with Andrew Wiggins sitting out due to a sprained right ankle. Meanwhile, replacing Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr. was compelled to leave the game early in the third quarter after an incident at midcourt. Initially clutching his knee, it was later confirmed by the Heat that Jaquez had turned his right ankle.
A pivotal moment for Miami transpired as they embarked on a crucial 13-0 run, bridging the final minute of the third quarter into the fourth quarter. This surge turned a one-point deficit into a substantial 104-92 lead, which proved instrumental in their victory.
At the half, Indiana had a slight edge, leading Miami 69-68. This matchup marked only the fifth occurrence in the franchise’s 37-year history, including playoff games, where both teams scored at least 68 points by halftime.
Looking ahead, the Indiana Pacers will return home to face the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat will prepare to host the New York Knicks, also on Sunday.
