Days after a fourth quarter collapse against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Miami Heat blew another lead.
The New York Knicks showed incredible resolve to come back from a 19-point deficit, beating the Miami Heat in overtime.
It’s a tough moment for the Miami Heat, 3-7 across the last 10 and falling since trading away Jimmy Butler.
They missed out on the chance for a statement win over the Knicks, defeated 116-112 after a Jalen Brunson inspired comeback, who had 31 points.
And after the game, questions were asked of Erik Spoelstra, and his decision to bring rookie center Kel’el Ware out of the game.
Kel’el Ware has worked his way into the Miami Heat’s starting rotation in 2025. He played 29 minutes against the Knicks.
Ware put up 12 points and 8 rebounds. Speaking after the game, Erik Spoelstra confirmed the decision was a tactical one, and that the rookie was not suffering an injury.
He said: “We were trying to match a little bit of the perimeter stuff. We had a lead, I didn’t want the threes to get to us. It wasn’t necessarily anything that he was doing.”
Whether Ware being in the game would have led to the result turning out differently, is a matter of opinion.
But with the late collapse, it is understandable that questions be asked, and Spoelstra did not make any comment on whether he viewed it as the right or wrong decision.
In post-game interviews, Kel’el Ware was asked about coming out of the game, with a difficult question posed to him.
Ware answered like a true pro, passing no comment on Erik Spoelstra’s decision, knowing it was not his place to pass judgement.
He said: “He’s the coach for a reason. I’m a rookie. I can’t say nothing about that. His decision is his decision and I’m going to go with it.”
Ware made an impression during his time on court, putting up a highlight worthy windmill dunk. The seven foot prospect was praised for making it look easy.
It is quite likely the Knicks were pleased to see him come out of the game.
The Miami Heat return to action quickly, facing the Washington Wizards on the second night of a back to back.
