NBA Miami Heat

Miami Heat’s Consistent Play Helps Them Win Second Straight Preseason Game

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By @outofboundsjay

October 19, 2014; Soobum Im; Norris Cole

Soobum Im- USA Today Sports

The Miami Heat were missing Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Luol Deng and Chris Andersen on Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs, yet they managed to beat the reigning NBA Champions in overtime 111-108. The game was close the entire 48 minutes, with neither team getting ahead by more than 8-10 points.

This was a game played primarily by both teams’ role players, and there were a lot of positive things to take away from this game for the Heat. With a second straight win in tow, the Heat are slowly building consistency that will translate into success for the upcoming season.

Shabazz Napier was one of the standout players for the Heat in their second straight preseason win, notching 25 points and four assists while shooting 46% from the field. His rapid rise from his summer league struggles is just another example of how the youth movement is benefiting the Heat organization. Other standout performances came from Andre Dawkins (16 points), Tyler Johnson (17 points/four steals) and Khem Birch (13 rebounds), all players who have been considered long shots to make the final 15-man roster.

With the absence of so many stars, the Heat’s other younger role players stepped up and competed at a high level against the reigning champs. With their second straight win, the Heat are beginning to build a recipe for success with a younger, more unproven roster. If the bench unit can replicate more performances like the one they gave against the Spurs, the Heat will absolutely be in the conversation for winning the Eastern Conference.

 

Jared Doyle is a Miami Heat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @outofboundsjay, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

 

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