Nikola Jovic delivered an epic layup and free throw with 7.8 seconds remaining that propelled Miami Heat to an exciting 95-94 win against Minnesota Timberwolves – effectively snapping their three-game slide on Sunday evening.
Jovic Shines in Critical Moment
Jovic made an immediate impact during his debut off of the bench this season, notching 15 points and 7 rebounds while leaving Rudy Gobert off of the court – driving for a clutch basket and converting three-point plays that put Miami ahead after trailing by seven earlier.
Conley’s Attempt Misses Mark
The game concluded in a frenzied fashion as Mike Conley’s buzzer-beater three-pointer missed, ending the Timberwolves’ own three-game winning streak. The Timberwolves had briefly taken the lead thanks to Jaden McDaniels’ putback after Conley’s miss, with just nine seconds remaining.
Standout Performances from Both Teams
Tyler Herro lit up the scoreboard for the Heat with 26 points, stepping up in the absence of Jimmy Butler. For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards led the charge with 22 points, despite struggling with his shooting accuracy. An early deficit saw the Wolves trailing by 12 points but they managed to close the gap to a single point by halftime, showcasing a brief offensive surge.
Both Teams Overcome Challenges
The Heat navigated through their own mistakes, using 23 turnovers to their advantage by tallying 14 steals and nine blocks, marking season highs that disrupted the Timberwolves as much as themselves. The Timberwolves faced similar challenges, with 20 turnovers and lackluster shooting, though they managed a season-high 16 offensive rebounds, led by Gobert’s six.
Moments and Metrics That Mattered
At one critical juncture late in the third quarter, Naz Reid hit a three-pointer that gave Minnesota an unlikely 64-63 advantage – setting off an epic 15-0 run which carried them home. Tyler Herro continued his strong scoring performance by reaching double figures 39 straight games (including playoff appearances ) dating back to January 8th!
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Heat are looking forward to their game against Detroit on Tuesday while the Timberwolves will have two back-to-back contests against Portland on Tuesday and Wednesday.