Haywood Highsmith speaks on the Miami Heat ‘bulldog’, who put up LeBron James and Jimmy Butler-esque numbers.
The Miami Heat have ushered in a new era after parting ways with Jimmy Butler as a part of the five-team trade with the Golden State Warriors.
There is no doubt that the Heat have been terrible since losing Butler, but the team registered a blowout 131-109 win over the Atlanta Hawks in their recent clash.
It took four 20-plus-point performances to put away the Trae Young-led Hawks, including a game-high 24 points by none other than Tyler Herro. Apart from Herro, Davion Mitchell received huge praise for his 20-point scoring performance.
Mitchell was traded to the Heat as part of the Butler deal. Previously, Mitchell played for the Toronto Raptors in a somewhat restricted role.
However, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is unlocking the true potential of the 26-year-old point guard.
Mitchell didn’t disappoint coach Spo as he became the first Heat player since LeBron James and Jimmy Butler to put up a unique stat line.
Similar to James and Butler, Mitchell had at least 20 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, and shot 85% from the field in a game.
To be precise, Mitchell finished the night with 20 points, 6 assists, 2 steals, and shot a phenomenal 87.5% from the floor.
Considering the Heat are just 3-7 in their last 10 games, they needed the win vs the Hawks. Mitchell played a crucial role in the win and veteran forward Haywood Highsmith ensured to give him his flowers.
“He was making a lot of shots. He’s in a good rhythm, for sure, honestly with the zone and the press, I can feel his presence as well,” Highsmith said.
He added: “Obviously, I’m used to it. I’ve been there for a minute, so trying to coach him a little bit. But he was being a bulldog.”
The Heat have now improved to a 27-30 record, but they still remain the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
With just 25 games left in the regular season, the organization will likely finish in the Play-in Tournament spot.
