NBA: Adebayo scores 23, Heat snap 3-game skid at expense of Nets
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) looks to shoot over Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
MIAMI — Bam Adebayo scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half and the Miami Heat snapped a three-game skid with a 110-95 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.
Nikola Jovic scored 18 points and Tyler Herro added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Heat, who are 7-0 when holding opponents under 100 points. Miami’s Duncan Robinson had 17 points, shooting 5 for 10 from 3-point range.
Article continues after this advertisementCam Johnson and Noah Clowney each scored 19 points for Brooklyn. The Nets’ Keon Johnson scored 15 and Tyrese Martin finished with 14.
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Brooklyn closed the first half on a 17-6 run and cut its deficit to a point at the break. The Heat outscored the Nets 52-38 in the second half.
Heat star forward Jimmy Butler missed his second straight game because of a stomach illness. Miami reserve guard Dru Smith left the game because of a lower left leg injury early in the second quarter and did not return.
Article continues after this advertisementTakeaways
Nets: Brooklyn is 2-8 since a season-best three-game win streak in November. Six of the losses have been by double figures, including two by 25 or more points.
Heat: Miami snapped a three-game skid. The win marked the second time this season Miami avoided a four-game slide.
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Key moment
After scoring eight points and squandering a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 121-114 loss at Orlando, Miami began the fourth period Monday with five unanswered points, stretching its lead to 88-78. The Heat outscored Brooklyn 27-17 in the period.
Key stat
Miami shot 21 of 24 from the line, with Adebayo going 7 for 8 and Herro 5 for 6.
Up next
Both teams are back in action Thursday. The Nets visit Milwaukee and the Heat are at Orlando.
