After considerable change around the Miami Heat team in recent weeks it appears the team have stumbled across a winning formula.
Erik Spoelstra’s new-look side managed to snap their four-game losing streak after a 111-120 overtime win against the Toronto Raptors.
Following the departure of Jimmy Butler, who is thriving with the Golden State Warriors, the Heat were struggling to find their groove.
However, it appears some of their new stars have settled in following the All-Star break with Bam Adebayo praising the efforts of newbie Andrew Wiggins.
It always takes time for stars to find their feet with their new franchises but it appears Wiggins has found his groove with Miami.
Former coach Steve Kerr was reluctant to get rid of the star who played a pivotal part in the Warriors 2022 championship win, and Heat fans can now see why.
Wiggins dropped just 11 and 13 points in his first two games in a Heat jersey but coach Spoelstra was still impressed by what he was seeing from the ‘switch killer.’
He will be even happier with the star’s recent display which saw him drop 25 points and 8 rebounds in the narrow victory.
Adebayo, who has been named a crucial team leader by Tyler Herro, has spoken about Wiggins’ increased influence on the team, saying: “He understands our terminology and how quickly he’s adapted to our play and our standard.
“Obviously we lost four straight but everyone came back with a good mindset and he was one of those guys. He’s getting more vocal now as he’s getting more comfortable with us.”
While Wiggins earned the praise of his teammate Adebayo he was quick to repay the favor following the win against the Raptors.
The Heat have for some time been reliant on the scoring of both Herro and Adebayo and the dynamic duo came up clutch one more for their side.
Herro, who enjoyed his maiden All-Star appearance by winning the 3-Point Contest, top-scored for the Heat with 28 points while Bam also added an important 19.
Following the game Wiggins gave a special mention to the duo and their strong connection, saying: “Tyler and Bam, you know they’re a special duo. You know they can do a lot, especially on both sides of the floor.”
Wiggins also highlighted what he was trying to do to fit in quickly with the Heat team to see the best in his performances: “I’m just trying to get included, get situated and find my spots on the floor. Like I said, keep building that chemistry, keep building it up.”
Wiggins and the Heat will be looking to follow up on their much-needed win as they look to bolster their playoff chances against a tough Milwaukee Bucks side.
