NBA Notes: Heat, Tyler Herro, Sixers, Tyrese Maxey, Rockets

Heat

The Heat have made NBA history for an unusual reason, according to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald.

Wednesday’s 114-98 road victory over the Celtics extended the Heat’s winning streak to six games, each by double digits. Miami became the first team in NBA history to achieve such a feat immediately following a losing streak of at least 10 games.

“We’re just trying to take care of our business and continue to play well, compete hard, and maintain the connectivity that’s growing as the season progresses,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Our locker room is alive. It’s been alive even when we were losing games, just waiting for this opportunity to compete, have these games matter, and grow together through all of this.”

The win also ended Boston’s nine-game winning streak, while the Heat snapped a six-game regular-season losing streak against the defending champions.

• In other news, Heat president Pat Riley challenged his players to prioritize availability in the offseason following last year’s campaign. Tyler Herro, who posted 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds, two steals, and zero turnovers against Boston, embraced that message.
• The first-time All-Star has appeared in a career-high 73 games this season. “It feels really good, it’s meaningful,” Herro told reporters. “My goal was to only miss four games. So I’m there, hopefully. I’ve just got to keep playing, getting treatment, staying healthy, and playing as many games as possible. I’ve never been a guy who wants to sit out.”

76ers

Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a finger tendon injury, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Maxey has not played since March 3 as he continues to struggle with discomfort in the injured finger despite attempting rehabilitation. The 76ers have already ruled out other star players, including Joel Embiid and Paul George, for the rest of the season.

Maxey, who has started 52 games this year, has been putting up career-high numbers, averaging 26.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.

The 23-year-old was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player last season and subsequently signed a five-year, maximum-salary contract during the offseason. In 2023-24, Maxey averaged 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in 37.5 minutes per game across 70 starts.

Rockets

Rockets forward Dillon Brooks has been assessed his 16th technical foul of the 2024-25 season after an incident during Wednesday’s game against the Jazz, as relayed by Bleacher Report.

The NBA has confirmed that Brooks will be suspended for one game without pay, set to serve the suspension tomorrow against the Thunder. Per league rules, a 16th technical foul results in an automatic one-game suspension unless the NBA rescinds the call.

The incident occurred when Jazz guard Collin Sexton was defending Brooks as the Rockets wing pivoted into the post. Brooks leapt and appeared to drop the ball in an attempt to sell a foul call, inadvertently kicking Sexton in a sensitive area.

At 49-27, the Rockets currently hold a slim lead over the No. 3 Nuggets, who trail by just two games. The No. 4 Lakers are 2.5 games behind, with the Warriors (44-31) and Grizzlies (44-32) also in close pursuit.

With six games remaining in the regular season, the Rockets face an uphill battle to secure their playoff positioning.

When not involved in controversial fouls, Brooks remains a key contributor for Houston. The 29-year-old, who was named to the 2023 All-Defensive Team, is averaging 13.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 steals per game across 72 contests, shooting .422 from the field, .395 from beyond the arc, and .824 from the free-throw line.

• In case you missed it, Houston clinched its first playoff spot in five years and won the Southwest Division title. We have the full story right here.