Observations and other notes of interest from Monday night’s 130-128 victory over the Atlanta Hawks:
– Erik Spoelstra went out of his way to keep Caleb Martin in reserve in this one.
– As if he knew what was needed.
– Because besides the relentlessness of Jimmy Butler, what particularly stood out in this one was the Heat bench.
– It actually mattered.
– Martin with his energy and 16 second-quarter points.
– Victor Oladipo somehow making something out of nothing.
– Ducan Robinson coming out of nowhere.
– And Cody Zeller, as has come to be expected, active and aggressive.
– Ultimately, it still comes down to the Heat starters.
– But for too long this season, there has been too little in reserve.
– This is the Martin the Heat have been getting since he went to the bench after Kevin Love’s arrival.
– This is the Oladipo the Heat needed, as wild and out of control as it can be at times.
– And if Robinson can hit some threes, it provides a Plan B for Max Strus.
– Next it will be interesting if there is further bolstered with a Kyle Lowry return to the starting lineup.
– As for backup center, Zeller has been everything Dewayne Dedmon couldn’t be.
– With Love out with a bruised rib, the Heat moved Strus into the starting lineup.
– It was Strus’ 28th start of the season.
– And allowed Martin to continue as a reserve.
– The first five was rounded out by Bam Adebayo, Butler, Tyler Herro and Gabe Vincent.
– That gave the Heat their 22nd starting lineup of the season.
– The start was the 300th during the regular season for Adebayo’s career.
– Coach Erik Spoelstra said the Heat became aware early enough about Love’s absence to make the needed adjustments.
– “We were able to get organized this morning,” Spoelstra said. “That helps.”
– With the Heat having become accustomed to such absences.
– “But at least everybody is comfortable with the rotation,” Spoelstra said.
– Spoelstra said it had become clear that Love could work as a starter.
– “He complements that group very well,” Spoelstra said.
– Oladipo and Zeller played as the Heat’s first two reserves, entering together.
– That kept Zeller ahead of Omer Yurtseven, who was available for the first time this season.
– Martin then entered when Adebayo and Butler were out.
– Robinson then made his first rotation appearance in a week, for nine deep.
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