Heat Hold Off Rockets, 115-105, Behind Adebayo’s Double-Double

MIAMI – Bam Adebayo recorded a double-double and Andrew Wiggins ignited a fourth-quarter surge after returning from an in-game injury to lead the Miami Heat to a 115-105 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets on Saturday.

Adebayo Dominates, Heat Respond

Adebayo finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Heat snap a two-game skid. Pelle Larsson (20 points) and Tyler Herro (18) contributed to the balanced scoring attack for Miami. Jaime Jaquez Jr. Added 14 points, and Kel’el Ware contributed a game-high 15 rebounds to go with his 13 points.

Wiggins Sparks Fourth-Quarter Run

Wiggins, who needed eight stitches to close a laceration inside his mouth after an elbow from Rockets center Alperen Sengun, played a key role in the Heat’s late push. He assisted on an alley-oop to Ware and a three-pointer by Larsson, extending Miami’s lead to 100-92. His transition dunk, resulting in a three-point play, pushed the Heat ahead 111-103 with 2:24 remaining.

Wiggins concluded the game with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three blocks.

Durant Leads Rockets in Loss

Kevin Durant led all scorers with 32 points, adding eight assists and six rebounds for the Rockets. Amen Thompson (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Tari Eason (10 points, 11 boards) each recorded double-doubles. Reed Sheppard chipped in 14 points and five assists for Houston.

Early Exchanges and Second-Half Battle

The Rockets started strong, building a 14-4 lead before the Heat responded with an 8-0 run. Adebayo hit a three-pointer to give Miami a 27-26 advantage, and the Heat carried a 32-28 lead into the second quarter after shooting 6 of 13 from beyond the arc in the first.

Miami extended its lead to double digits on a tip-in by Ware, eventually leading 41-28. Houston then scored their first basket of the second quarter with an Aaron Holiday three-pointer, ending a 19-2 Heat run and sparking a Rockets rally. Sheppard and Durant combined to hit three 3-pointers, tying the game at 48.

The Rockets led 52-51 at halftime after Miami missed 7 of 8 three-pointers in the second quarter.

We’ll target when we return home, said Rockets coach Ime Udoka, regarding the return of Jabari Smith Jr. From a sprained right ankle.

ESPN

Looking Ahead

The Rockets will visit Washington on Monday, while the Heat will host Brooklyn on Tuesday.

FAQ

• Who was the leading scorer for the Heat? Bam Adebayo with 24 points.
• Who was the leading scorer for the Rockets? Kevin Durant with 32 points.
• What injury did Andrew Wiggins sustain during the game? He needed eight stitches to close a laceration inside his mouth.
• Who was out for the Rockets? Jabari Smith Jr. Was sidelined with a sprained right ankle.
• Who was out for the Heat? Norman Powell was out with a right groin strain.

Did you know? The Heat shot 50% overall from the floor in Saturday’s win.

The Miami Heat demonstrated resilience and depth, overcoming an early deficit and a physical contest to secure a crucial victory. Adebayo’s consistent performance and Wiggins’ impactful return from injury proved to be the difference-makers in a hard-fought game.