Heat hold off Timberwolves 113-110, get back to .500 mark

Miami Heat games are typically close.

The Heat defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-110 on Monday night, led by Max Strus’s 19 points and Kyle Lowry’s 18 points and nine assists.

Miami has played 34 games this season, with half of them having a five-point margin of victory. With an 11-6 record in these types of games, the Heat have been dominant.

We’re in these kinds of games every night, so there’s no fear,” Coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Miami’s 102 field goal attempts versus Minnesota’s 79 were largely due to the offensive production of Orlando Robinson (15 points, 9 rebounds, 7 offensive). With Jimmy Butler (ankle) and Bam Adebayo (rest), the Heat (17-17) relied on Tyler Herro’s 14 points (illness).

Anthony Edwards of Minnesota scored a game-high 29 points (16-18). Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 21 points and 10 boards, and Jaden McDaniels, DeAngelo Russell, Austin Rivers, and Rudy Gobert all chipped in 16.

Gobert added, “We just need to keep our thoughts in the correct place.”

With 33.2 seconds left, Herro swished a long jumper (initially judged a 3-pointer, then ruled a 2) to beat the shot clock and give his team a five-point advantage. On the following Minnesota possession, Edwards made a runner and was fouled; however, he missed the free throw and the lead remained at three.