The Miami Heat have commenced this season with greater success than initially anticipated, bolstered by the return of a significant player on Monday evening.
Tyler Herro marked his inaugural appearance of the season on Monday during their 106-102 victory against the Dallas Mavericks at the Kaseya Center. The 25-year-old shooting guard had been absent throughout the regular season until this point, recuperating from ankle surgery performed in September.
Herro accumulated a team-leading 24 points and secured seven rebounds in the triumph. He achieved a 12-of-18 shooting accuracy from the field and executed a crucial floater in the closing moments of the fourth quarter to break a tie with the Mavericks, ultimately propelling them to victory.
“It was an incredible feeling,” Herro expressed during the broadcast of his comeback. “These teammates have been enjoying themselves immensely throughout the season. It feels rewarding to be present with them, to participate, and to be involved in the action. It was highly enjoyable, and I’m pleased we secured the win.”
Kel’el Ware contributed 20 points and 18 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo added 16 points.
P.J. Washington spearheaded the Mavericks with 27 points and eight rebounds, achieving a 10-of-20 shooting accuracy from the field. Max Christie added 15 points, and Cooper Flagg concluded with 12 points and seven rebounds. The Mavericks’ record declined to 5-14 with the defeat, marking their fourth loss in a sequence of five games.
[Acquire additional Heat updates: Miami team feed]
Herro’s return is opportune for the Heat. The team is currently on a five-game winning streak, with the initial four victories secured against teams with records above .500. These triumphs have occurred despite the team’s missing both Nikola Jović and Andrew Wiggins due to injuries. Jović has been absent for the past three games, while Wiggins has been sidelined for two consecutive games. The status of both Jović and Wiggins is evaluated daily, and neither participated on Monday evening.
Despite Jimmy Butler’s absence last season, the Heat’s offensive performance has improved. Prior to Monday night’s game, they were leading the NBA with an average of 124.9 points per game.
Following initial promising moments in his career, Herro has emerged as a key player for the Heat. Selected as the No. 13 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Herro spent the first three years of his career as a reserve shooter. He elevated his game in Year 3, averaging 20.7 points and earning the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Since then, Herro has consistently been a starter for the Heat. After two solid seasons as a starter, Herro achieved a higher level last season, averaging a career-high 23.9 points and participating in his first NBA All-Star Game.
His performance on Monday night suggests that he has seamlessly resumed from where he left off.
