The host Miami Heat defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, 113-110, thanks to the defense’s 22 forced turnovers, the last of which came on Victor Oladipo’s steal in the final seconds.
Miami, which was without its top players, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, relied on its tough defense and a balanced attack to compensate for a poor shooting night.
The Heat only made 47 of their 102 field goal attempts, including 13 of their 49 shots from beyond the arc, but nine players scored between seven and 19 points.
With averaging 19 points, including 5-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc, Max Strus took the lead. Five Miami players scored in double figures, including Strus. Kyle Lowry ended with a game-high nine assists and 18 points.
Tyler Herro scored 14 points while shooting just 0-of-8 from outside the arc. Despite Timberwolves reserve Naz Reid’s double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds, Miami’s bench points advantage was 45-32 because of the 15 and 11 points from reserves Orlando Robinson and Gabe Vincent.
Additionally, the Heat outscored opponents 64-52 in the paint.
With 29 points, Anthony Edwards had the most scoring. However, Edwards was responsible for eight of Minnesota’s 22 turnovers, the last of which occurred when Oladipo intercepted Jaden McDaniels’ pass to prevent Minnesota from having a chance to attempt a 3-pointer that might have forced overtime.
Although Minnesota shot 43 of 79 shots from the field overall and 15 of 34 from three-point range, they were ultimately defeated by the Timberwolves due to turnovers that led to 23 fewer field goal attempts.
For the Heat, Caleb Martin finished with eight points and eight rebounds, Duncan Robinson and Nikola Jovic each scored nine points, and Oladipo contributed seven.
In the defeat, Rudy Gobert and Austin Rivers scored 10 points, McDaniels scored 16 points, and D’Angelo Russell finished with 13 points and eight assists.