Heat Out Of Sorts In Surprising Loss To Blazers, With Jimmy Butler Rumors Swirling

January 21, 2025

Five takeaways on the Miami Heat after a stunning 116-107 home loss to Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. …

1. Heat Missing Their Herro

Missing for the first time all season due to a groin injury, Tyler Herro’s absence was glaring in the Heat’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Herro, who has been the team’s most consistent scorer, was sorely missed as Miami struggled to generate offense.

Despite facing one of the league’s worst teams, the Heat couldn’t keep pace with a Portland squad that entered the game ranked fourth-worst in offensive rating.

2. Late Offensive Collapse

After a hot start, making seven of their first nine three-point attempts, Miami’s shooting went ice cold. The Heat missed 19 consecutive three-pointers and couldn’t find a rhythm offensively, eventually contributing to one of their most frustrating losses of the season.

Coach Erik Spoelstra later acknowledged, “We’re at our best when we’re disruptive,” yet the Heat couldn’t get stops or create turnovers to ignite their offense.

3. Defensive Issues Persist The Heat’s defense, typically a strength, was notably ineffective. The Trail Blazers, known for their offensive struggles, shot 52.2% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc through the first three quarters.

Spoelstra called out his team for failing to create turnovers, telling reporters, “We didn’t force one turnover… a ton of drives, in transition, just attacking the half court.”

4. Young Group Shows Promise in Fourth Quarter

With the game slipping away, Spoelstra turned to a lineup of Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, and Kel’el Ware for the entire fourth quarter. The group made a late push, cutting a 22-point deficit to seven with 1:58 left.

Though the Heat fell short, Spoelstra praised the group for providing “the most inspiring minutes” of the game.

5. Suns Trade May Signal Butler’s Move

As the Heat navigated another disappointing loss, rumors surrounding Jimmy Butler’s trade request continued to swirl.

The Phoenix Suns, who have long been pursuing Butler, made a trade just before tipoff, acquiring more draft capital for a potential deal. Butler, however, suited up for the Heat and played through his ongoing desire to be dealt.

After a team-imposed suspension and a couple of quiet games, Butler managed just 13 points in the loss to Portland. The Suns appear to be positioning themselves for a trade, but Butler remains part of the Heat’s plans — at least for now.