The Nets Extinguishes the Heat as Miami drops to 1-4

After a terrific start to the game where the Miami Heat were up 16, missed shots and a 4th quarter blunder as them in a tough position.

Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro combined for 71 points. Sounds like a good Miami Heat win, right?

Wrong.

Though Miami's big three were solid, there were depth issues. For starters, rookie guard/forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. looked lost offensively. Filling in for the veteran big man Kevin Love, Jaquez Jr. shot a horrid 1-9 from the field, including 0-6 from deep. Not the biggest threat from three, he shot a lot of catch-and-shoot threes that are simply not his shot. Although his defense was solid throughout the game, he will need to get to his spots and knock down open shots.

Another issue was guard Josh Richardson. J-Rich was off tonight, matching Jaquez Jr. with

1-9 from the field and 1-5 from deep. The only redeeming factors off the bench were the duo of forward Haywood Highsmith and center Thomas Bryant.

Highsmith made his season debut and looked better than ever, splashing home three triples and as well as playing great defense on the other end. Bryant continued his solid play, scoring eight points and grabbing five rebounds, being a strong contributor when Bam is resting.

On the other end, though the Nets were plagued by injuries, their depth stepped up. Lonnie Walker IV and Armoni Brooks poured in 17 points each from the bench. Though guard Cam Thomas had his worst game of the season, scoring just 13 points on 4-19 shooting, Miami was unable to capitalize on the other end.

Though it is early on the season, the Heat have a lot to answer for and this game blew it open. Butler, who's been having a rough start to the season, had his best game yet, Adebayo posted an efficient double-double and Herro dropped another 30-point game. It may be time for Pat Riley and company to swing trades if they want Miami to be a contender again.