The Miami Heat triumphed over the Toronto Raptors 120-111 after an intense overtime battle on Friday night. After three quarters of back and forth, the Heat finally snapped their four-game losing streak, buoyed by noteworthy performances from Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins.
Tyler Herro led all scorers with 28 points, providing the much-needed push for Miami after being down earlier. He scored 10 of his points during the fourth quarter and overtime, sealing the victory. Wiggins also shone with 25 points—his last few being pivotal as he tied the game late. Bam Adebayo contributed significantly too with 19 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his influence beneath the basket.
For Toronto, RJ Barrett had 29 points, with 23 coming after halftime. His second-half performance was integral as he helped pull the Raptors back from what appeared to be certain defeat. Immanuel Quickley was another standout for Toronto, contributing 23 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Despite their strong efforts, the Raptors were left to analyze their slow start, which had them trailing by as much as 14 points.
Barrett, reflecting on the game, stated, "Started slow, but we picked it up throughout the course of the game," emphasizing the Raptors' effort to rally back. Head Coach Darko Rajakovic similarly acknowledged the team's poor first-quarter performance as detrimental, saying, "I thought the game was pretty much in the first quarter," following their likelihood of winning when analyzing the turnovers and defensive shortcomings.
Momentum shifted as the Raptors clawed their way back: they won the second, third, and fourth quarters. Key moments included Wiggins’ three free throws with 45.1 seconds remaining, which tied the game at 107-all. Toronto experienced struggles late, committing costly turnovers during overtime and failing to secure the necessary defensive stops against Miami.
Rajakovic pointed out the impact of Jakob Poeltl’s absence, saying, "Not having Jak, who is our connection, he’s the glue for our team." Poeltl has been sidelined due to a right hip pointer, and his influence was felt on both ends of the court; the team suffered without him, especially when battling the likes of Adebayo.
Returning to the court, Scottie Barnes contributed 13 points but had to leave the game temporarily after rolling his ankle during the first quarter. Despite returning later, the team continued to face challenges against Miami’s offensive strategy.
Even with their spirited comeback, Toronto couldn’t manage to salvage the game. Barrett was particularly disappointed, noting, “We won the second, third and fourth quarter. So obviously, slow start there. The first can be the difference in the game.” The Raptors are now trying to find their rhythm as they face the upcoming games against Phoenix and Indiana.
Meanwhile, for the Heat, this marks the first time they have won on the road against the Raptors this season. It was also mentioned by players and coaches alike how the victory serves as motivation moving forward. With Wiggins highlighting the importance of connecting with teammates on the court, he said, “It’s always about teamwork.”
Miamis coach Erik Spoelstra celebrated his own milestone, winning his 886th game and passing Red Auerbach for third place on the all-time list for most victories as coach with one team. Spoelstra’s remarkable career continues to be defined by strategic plays and resilience.
Both teams will be back on the court soon, with Miami heading to Milwaukee and Toronto hosting the Phoenix Suns. This matchup not only showcased the fight and talent of both teams but also served as another chapter in the ever-evolving drama of the NBA season.