KEY RUN Jimmy Butler opened the overtime period with eight straight points for Miami … The Raptors were 0-for-9 from the field in overtime, with eight attempts coming from three-point range.
KEY STAT Miami outrebounded Toronto 55-48 … The Heat improved to a perfect 13-0 this season in games where they finish with more rebounds than their opponent … Jimmy Butler led Miami on the glass with 13 boards.
RAPTORS NOTES: • With the loss, Toronto falls to 15-5 this season and 9-1 at home … The defeat ends the Raptors’ season-high seven game win streak (Nov. 18 – Dec. 1) … Toronto completes a three-game homestand (Dec. 1-5) Thursday night vs. Houston. • The Raptors are now 1-1 in overtime games this season. • Norman Powell recorded a game-high 23 points and a season high-tying eight rebounds in 34 minutes off the bench – his fourth 20-point game of the season and first as a reserve. • Pascal Siakam notched his eighth double-double with 15 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. • Kyle Lowry returned to the starting lineup after missing the previous 11 games (Nov. 10 – Dec. 1) with a distal phalanx fracture in his left thumb … Lowry posted his first double-double of the season with 12 points, six rebounds and a season-high 11 assists in 41 minutes of action. • The Raptors had six players score double figures – Powell (23), Fred VanVleet (19), Siakam (15), Marc Gasol (14), Serge Ibaka (13) and Lowry (12) … Gasol’s 14 points were a season high.
HEAT NOTES: • With the win, Miami improves to 15-5 on the season and 6-6 on the road … The Heat have won three in a row (Nov. 29 – Dec. 3) … Miami finishes a three-game road trip (Dec. 1-4) tomorrow at Boston. • Tonight’s victory snapped a four-game winless streak against the Raptors. • Miami has won both of its overtime games this season. • Jimmy Butler posted his fifth career triple-double (Last: Apr. 6, 2017 – CHI at PHI) with 22 points, a season-high 13 rebounds and 12 assists in 41 minutes of play … Butler became just the 10th player in Heat franchise history to record a triple-double. • The Heat had five players score in double digits – Butler (22), Duncan Robinson (22), Bam Adebayo (18), Justise Winslow (17) and Kelly Olynyk (16) … Robinson reached the 20-point mark for the fourth time this season.
On if tonight’s finish changes the narrative of the game: I think it’s a different narrative and leaves a different taste in your mouth on how the game finished for sure. I thought we didn’t play a great game by any means but we’re right there throughout the hockey game. Then I thought we let it get away on us there at the end. First of all the 3-1 goal and then our response, our reaction after giving up the empty net goal was not what we want to be about.
On if he needs to give the team a scolding: We talked. Normally I would not go in after a loss or a game like this but I felt like it was important to address that situation. We want to be a team of high character and that cares for one another and I thought we just left our goaltender completely out to dry there and stopped playing so that’s not a good sign for our group but hopefully it is the shakeup that we would need. I think as I look back on the game as that third period is unfolding, I think we saw two different teams. One that has kind of figured out how to win and know what their recipe is and another on our side that’s trying to find its way. I think that’s the difference in the game.
On if he noticed a lack of focus towards the end of the game: The third goal is pretty dejecting obviously. I thought that goal was itself indicative of different points in the game where the game was going along just fine and then we lost our focus and our defensive play lacks. We have breakdowns that open the game and give them chances. That goal is dejecting for sure but we got a chance, we’ve got good people on the ice, a chance to go an make a push but it doesn’t happen for us. We put our other line out on the ice and they don’t have a response either so it’s a tough way to go but in the big picture it’s probably a better way for things to finish for us to get the shake up perhaps that we need before tomorrow’s game.
More on the loss: There were a lot of good things in the game I thought as well and we’ll focus on those as much as we can. There was some progress for us in a lot of areas but the reality is, it’s a 60 minute hockey game and there will be a lot of attention put on what happened after the third goal rightfully so but there’s a lot of other things where we’ve got to be better throughout the game and stay consistent every shift.
On putting Matthews out with Tavares at certain points in the game: It’s something I’ve frankly wanted to do throughout my time here but circumstances haven’t quite been right. Today for different reasons, what was happening in the game, coming off a penalty, the fact we needed a goal, we just kind of mixed it up that way.
On the play of the first and third line: Both that line and the third we didn’t get what we wanted out of that but they were a little out of sorts. There was good moments for each line but it wasn’t clicking or rolling like we hoped it would.
On if this is a teachable moment for himself and the players: Well I think just over time, get to know the guys a little better and get to know the tendencies, the strengths and weakness and all those types of things. There are certain things you want to tackle on a team basis in terms of structure and all that and there are other things you want to tackle individually. I think overtime I’m starting to learn that a little bit of where we’re at and we’ll continue to make strides, but we don’t have a whole lot of time here. We’re going to get right back at it with a very good team waiting for us in Toronto so we’ve got to regroup here really quickly and hopefully the way this game finished will leave a sour enough taste in our mouth that we’ll be coming out tomorrow and show we’re a different group.
JOHN TAVARES (FIVE SHOTS ON GOAL)
On tonight’s loss: Tight hockey game, we were able to battle back and tie it up but just not good enough execution throughout probably the second half of the game. I don’t think we generated enough in the middle of the ice or making it hard on their goaltender. Tight hockey game but unacceptable by us kind of letting it get out of hand the way it did. We’ve got to play a lot better no matter the score right till the end, especially in front of our goaltenders.
Ongoing up against a hot Philadelphia team and what made them difficult to play against: They’re obviously feeling pretty good about themselves, so they’ve got a lot of confidence in the way they’re playing and how they’re trying to win hockey games. They’ve got some pretty good defence who’ve got some experience and move the puck well, whether it’s breaking out of their own end, holding the line and you know I don’t think we did a good enough job finding ways to break that down and making it hard on them and not feeding their transition game or letting those guys get up the ice. It was pretty tight overall but they obviously stayed patient with it.
AUSTON MATTHEWS (21:20 TOI)
On how Philadelphia made it difficult tonight: I thought they did a good job of keeping us to the outside for most of the game but I felt like when we did get on the inside we had some good looks but weren’t able to capitalize. They did a pretty good job.
On a frustrating finish to the game: We tied it up then gave up a goal, we feel like we’re still kind of in it and have a chance to pull the goalie. We still had a couple minutes left but we let in that empty net goal and I mean we can’t just fold like that. It’s unacceptable to do that to our starting goalie, a guy that’s stolen games for us. He’s been a brick wall for us all year. That’s just unacceptable on our part. We can’t just fold, that’s unacceptable, we just let him out to dry, breakaway, 2-on-1’s, odd man rushes all in the last minute and suddenly the score is 6-1 so that’s on us. That just can’t happen.
TRAVIS DERMOTT (1 GOAL) On his goal tonight: Yeah he obviously played a pretty good game against us. It was just tough getting pucks by. The plan on that faceoff was to just try and get the puck to the net and we were going to have some guys crash the net and lucky enough he kind of lost it up high I guess and lucky bounce in.
On what happened towards the end of the game: I think even going back before that I had a tough pinch there and they ended up scoring on it and that was kind of tough to come back from that after that play. One goal game and I make a bad play and the game gets away from us pretty quick so I’ll take responsibility for that. I think we deserved and owe Freddy a better showing than that after a breakdown even if it seems like you might not be able to get back in the game.
FREDERIK ANDERSEN (24 SAVES)
On the finish to tonight’s game: I don’t really worry about me, I worry about the way we play for the logo on the jersey. I think we’ve got to be more proud than that. Hopefully we can respond and show what kind of character we have.
On an uncharacteristic finish to tonight’s game: We’re still trying to figure out how to play this new system. Once they got the two-goal lead, you saw what happened but it’s up to us now to respond and move forward. I think this is done with and we’ve got a game tomorrow and we have to respond.
Kevin Garnett wasn’t surprised when Kyrie Irving skipped town. The NBA legend explained to the New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy on Tuesday why the point guard’s decision to leave the Boston Celtics last summer in free agency didn’t shock him at all. Garnett believes Irving’s seemingly mercurial mindset fit poorly with the Celtics’ passionately…
Toronto, ON (December 3, 2019) – Giants of Africa and Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri will host a youth summit in honour of Nelson Mandela on the anniversary of his passing, Thursday December 5th. The youth event marks the sixth consecutive year that Giants of Africa, the not-for-profit founded by Ujiri, will pay homage to the late South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
In partnership with the Hon. Ahmed Hussen and with the support of Bell Canada and KPMG, this year’s ‘Giant of Africa Youth Summit’ will bring together 500 at-risk youth from north west Toronto to celebrate Mandela’s vision of empowerment and change. The participants will learn about the late South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner’s vision for global action by encouraging youth to ‘Be the Change’. The daytime event will feature a roster of inspiring and motivational special guests who will discuss how youth can be a force for change within their own community and around the world. Alongside Ujiri, panelists will include Ilwad Elman, the chief operating officer of the Elman Peace Centre, located in Mogadishu, Somalia, (New African Top 100 Most Influential Africans list); Toronto Raptors scout Sarah Chan; MTV VMA award winning choreographer, Sherrie Silver (New African Top 100 Most Influential Africans list); and Jamal Burger, photographer and founder of The Kickback.
“Nelson Mandela’s life inspires me to keep trying to change the world, and that led to the creation of Giants of Africa,” Ujiri said. “Personally, basketball changed my life. It took me from northern Nigeria to where I am today. I truly believe that it has the power to bring people together and accelerate transformation in the lives of youth and their community. Giants of Africa is committed to using basketball as a tool to inspire and encourage youth to dream big.”
A tribute to Mandela’s life will also be recognized in-game as the Raptors take on the Houston Rockets on Dec. 5.
A native of Nigeria, Ujiri’s love of basketball paved his way to becoming the first African-raised general manager for a major North American sports team. Founded in 2003, Giants of Africa leverages basketball as a tool for young boys and girls to Dream Big, and visualize opportunities for their future in Africa and around the world. To learn more about the organization go to GiantsofAfrica.org or follow Giants of Africa on Facebook at Facebook.com/GiantsofAfrica , instagram.com/giantsofafrica and on Twitter @GiantsofAfrica
NEW YORK, Dec. 3 — The Major League Baseball Players Trust joined with organizations around the world in recognition of Giving Tuesday by awarding a $100,000 grant to California Strong to provide continued assistance to the thousands of people affected by wildfires and other tragic events that have devastated parts of the state in recent years.
California Strong was founded by big leaguers Ryan Braun, Mike Moustakas and Christian Yelich, as well as Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff and others, to address the immediate needs people and their families face following tragic events, including securing hotel accommodations, replacement of personal items and deposits towards temporary housing.
“We are excited to join the Giving Tuesday movement with our support for California Strong,” said Leonor Colon, Senior Director of International and Domestic Player Operations for the Major League Baseball Players Association. “It is inspiring when our players unite to assist those in need in their communities.”
Braun, Moustakas and Yelich said in a prepared statement, “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from the MLB Players Trust. With their help, we plan to continue to provide support, assistance & financial aid to those in need.”
The Players Trust will also support the nonprofit’s second celebrity softball tournament on Jan. 12 at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. Last year’s fund-raising softball event helped raise more than $1 million with the support of the actors, musicians and athletes who participated. Tickets are on sale for the fund-raising event at www.californiastrong.org.
Players Trust
The Players Trust is the collective charity of Major League Baseball Players. Through the Players Trust, Major Leaguers contribute their time, money and celebrity to call attention to important causes. Each year the Players Trust distributes more than $1.5 million in annual grants and programs. For additional information, please visit http://www.PlayersTrust.org. Follow the Trust on Twitter (@MLBPlayersTrust) and Instagram (mlbplayerstrust).
California Strong
California Strong founders include Milwaukee Brewers members and California natives Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun and Mike Moustakas, Mike Attanasio of the Milwaukee Brewers ownership group and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff. The organization is committed to providing immediate financial support to victims whenever a disaster strikes anywhere in the state. For more information about California Strong or to donate, visit http://www.californiastrong.org
The Maple Leafs power play has looked a little better under Sheldon Keefe, and now there’s more changes coming. While Mitch Marner is still a few days away from rejoining the No. 1 unit, with Auston Matthews and William Nylander, Keefe has decided to capitalize on Tyson Barrie’s revival since the coaching change. He’ll now […]
MIA@TOR Miami Heat Dragic, Goran Out Injury/Illness – Right Groin; Strain – Okpala, KZ Out Injury/Illness – Left Achilles; Strain – Toronto Raptors Brissett, Oshae Out G League – On Assignment – Hernandez, Dewan Out G League – On Assignment – Johnson, Stanley Out Injury/Illness – Left Groin; Stress reaction – Lowry, Kyle Doubtful Injury/Illness – Left Thumb; Fracture – distal phalanx – McCaw, Patrick Out Injury/Illness – Left Knee; Surgery – Ponds, Shamorie Out G League – Two-Way – Thomas, Matt Out Injury/Illness – Left Finger; Middle; fracture – distal phalanx
RAPTORS NOTES
• The Toronto Raptors continue a three-game homestand (Nov. 1-5) Tuesday night when they host the Miami Heat at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto has won a season-high seven straight games (Nov. 18 – Dec. 1). The Raptors swept the season-series (4-0) with Miami in 2018-19 for the second time in franchise history. Pascal Siakam averaged 18.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists in four victories over the Heat last season. Toronto is 13-5 against the Heat over the past five seasons (2014-19), winning the season-series four times during this stretch.
• Toronto has set a franchise record with nine straight victories at home to begin the season. The Raptors won seven consecutive games at Scotiabank Arena to open the 2018-19 campaign. Toronto is one of just four teams in the NBA still without a loss at home, joining Boston (7-0), Miami (8-0) and Philadelphia (9-0). The Raptors’ average margin of victory at home this season is +15.3 points, with five double-digit victories.
• Pascal Siakam scored a game-high 35 points (14-22 FG, 5-9 3PT, 2-2 FT), including 19 in the first quarter, Dec. 1 vs. Utah. His 19 points in the opening frame tied a career high for points in a quarter. Siakam also scored 19 points in the third quarter Feb. 13, 2019 vs. Washington and Oct. 30, 2019 vs. Detroit.
• Toronto led 77-37 at the half Wednesday night vs. Utah. Pascal Siakam scored 26 points and the Raptors had 21 assists on 29 made field goals in the first two quarters. The 40-point lead was the largest halftime lead in franchise history, the biggest halftime lead in the NBA this season, the largest halftime deficit in Jazz team history, and tied for the eighth-biggest lead at the half in NBA history.
• The Raptors will play 11 of 16 games at home in the month of December after playing eight of 13 on the road in November. December is Toronto’s busiest month of the season and includes three back-to-back sets. The Raptors’ 11 games at Scotiabank Arena tie the franchise record for most home games in a calendar month – Toronto also played 11 games at home in March 2016.
• Pascal Siakam has now scored 30 or more points in eight of the first 19 games of the season, including three times in the last five games (Nov. 23 – Dec. 1). Siakam’s eight 30-point outings in the first 20 games are second most in Raptors history behind only DeMar DeRozan who scored 30+ points 10 times in the first 20 games during the 2016-17 campaign.
• The Raptors shot a season-high .528 (19-for-36) from three-point range Dec. 1 vs. Utah. Toronto has made 51 three-point field goals over the last three games, shooting .443 (51-for-115) from beyond the arc. Fred VanVleet (12) and Pascal Siakam (11) have combined for 23 threes during this stretch. Toronto currently leads the NBA in three-point percentage (.389) and ranks fourth in three-pointers made per game (14.5), Houston (15.7), New Orleans (15.0) and Dallas (14.5).
• Fred VanVleet has scored 20 or more points in five of the past six games (Nov. 20 – Dec. 1). VanVleet is averaging 21.8 points, while shooting .468 (44-94) from the floor and .409 (18-44) from three-point distance during this stretch. VanVleet has now reached the 20-point mark nine times this season; something he did seven times in his first three seasons combined (2016-19).
• Recorded 10 points, five rebounds, four steals and two assists in 30 minutes Dec. 1 vs. Utah. • Ranks ninth in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage (.470); has made three or more threes six times. • Toronto is a perfect 10-0 this season when Anunoby scores 10 or more points (Last: 10 – Dec. 1 vs. Utah).
• Posted a game-high 35 points, five rebounds, and five assists in 35 minutes Dec. 1 vs. Utah. • Ranks 11th in the NBA in scoring (25.6) and fifth in minutes per game (36.8). • Has scored 30+ points eight times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.
• Finished with 11 points, six assists, and five rebounds in 25 minutes Dec. 1 vs. Utah. • Reached 12,000 career points in the NBA Nov. 16 at Dallas. • Has collected 10+ rebounds three times this season, including a season-high 12 rebounds Nov. 2 at Milwaukee.
• Totaled 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and a season-high four steals in 33 minutes Dec. 1 vs. Utah. • Averaging 15.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 31 minutes in 11 games as a starter. • Has scored in double figures in 10 of the last 11 games (Nov. 8 – Dec. 1); averaging 16.0 points during this span.
• Recorded 21 points, five rebounds and a season high-tying 11 assists in 32 minutes Dec. 1 vs. Utah. • Leads the NBA in minutes per game (37.5) and ranked eighth in assists per game (7.5). • Toronto is 8-1 this season when VanVleet scores 20 or more points (Last: 21 – Dec. 1 vs. Utah).
INJURY REPORT
Stanley Johnson (Left groin; stress reaction) – Out; Kyle Lowry (Left thumb; distal phalanx fracture) – TBD ;Patrick McCaw (Left knee; surgery) – Out ;Matt Thomas (Left middle finger; distal phalanx fracture) – Out
GAME 81 – APRIL 7, 2019 TORONTO 117, MIAMI 109 (OT)
TORONTO – Pascal Siakam had 23 points and 10 rebounds, Kawhi Leonard scored 22 points and the Toronto Raptors beat Miami 117-109 in overtime … Norman Powell matched his season high with 23 points, Danny Green scored seven of his 21 points in overtime and OG Anunoby had 12 as Toronto won its fourth straight over the Heat … Dwyane Wade scored 21 points and James Johnson had 18 for the Heat, who have lost a season-high four straight …Dion Waiters scored 17 points, Justise Winslow had 15 and Hassan Whiteside 14 … With the score tied 103-103, Wade and Leonard each missed 3-pointers in the final 35 seconds of regulation … The Heat called timeout with 10 seconds left after grabbing Leonard’s miss, but couldn’t capitalize … James Johnson missed a potential winning jumper, and Bam Adebayo couldn’t beat the buzzer with his layup … Green opened the extra session with a 3, then added a layup to put Toronto up five, the biggest margin for either team since the start of the fourth quarter … The Raptors outscored the Heat 16-6 in overtime … The crowd of 19,800 rose for a brief ovation when Wade checked in for the first time at 6:18 of the first … The 16-year veteran intends to retire at the end of the season.
1 2 3 4 OT TOT
MIAMI 26 31 22 24 6 109
TORONTO 25 25 28 25 14 117
NEXT GAME DETAILS Opponent: Houston Rockets Date: Thursday, December 5 Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. (ET) Venue: Scotiabank Arena Television: TSN Radio: Sportsnet 590 The FAN
Serge Ibaka missed 10 games (Nov. 10-29) due to a right ankle sprain; sustained the injury late in the first half Nov. 8 at New Orleans. •Returned Sunday to score 13 points against Utah. • Led the bench in scoring the first seven games of the season; averaged 14.9 points and scored in double figures six times during this span. • Scored a season-high 21 points and grabbed six rebounds Nov. 6 vs. Sacramento. • Blocked a season-best four shots Nov. 2 at Milwaukee. • Recorded nine points and a season-high 10 rebounds Oct. 28 vs. Orlando. • Inactive 10 times.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson tied a season high with 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds Nov. 25 vs. Philadelphia. • Finished with 15 points and eight rebounds Nov. 18 vs. Charlotte. • Posted first double-double as a Raptor with season highs of 16 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes Nov. 13 at Portland. • Scored 10 points Nov. 10 at LA Lakers. • DNP (left groin soreness) Nov. 8 at New Orleans. • Played four minutes in Raptors debut Oct. 26 at Chicago. • Inactive for the first two games of the season (Oct. 22-25) with left groin soreness. • Inactive three times. DNP four times.
Terence Davis II scored in double digits in four of five games (Nov. 18-27); averaging 13.4 points. • Finished with 15 points and a team-high five assists Nov. 27 vs. New York; led the team in assists for the first time. • Set career highs with 19 points (7-10 FG, 3-5 3PT, 2-2 FT) and eight rebounds in 27 minutes Nov. 20 vs. Orlando. • Recorded 16 points and a career-best seven assists Nov. 18 vs. Charlotte; scored all 16 points in the fourth quarter. • Totaled five points (2-6 FG, 1-3 3PT) and five rebounds in 15 minutes in NBA debut Oct. 22 vs. New Orleans.
PROBABLE HEAT LINEUP
POS PLAYER HT WT PPG RPG AST MISC. NOTES
F 22 JIMMY BUTLER (Marquette)
6-7 230 18.7 5.4 6.6
Leads the NBA in steals per game (2.47).
F 13 BAM ADEBAYO (Kentucky)
6-9 255 13.8 10.3 4.4
Has posted 11 double-doubles this season, helping Miami to a 10-1 record in those games.
C 0 MEYERS LEONARD (Illinois)
7-0 260 6.1 4.2 0.8
Is second in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage at 52.9% (18-of-34). (Minimum 15 attempts)
G 55 DUNCAN ROBINSON (Michigan)
6-7 215 10.7 2.4 0.8
Hit seven three-point field goals in the second quarter on 11/20 vs. CLE, the most for a quarter in franchise history.
G 25 KENDRICK NUNN (Oakland)
6-2 190 16.4 2.4 3.2
His 16.1 scoring average this season is the third-highest by a rookie.
TV: FOX Sports Sun (Eric Reid, John Crotty, Jason Jackson) Radio: The Ticket 790AM & The HEAT Radio Network (Mike Inglis) Spanish Radio: WAQI 710AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)
Series Notes: The HEAT and Raptors meet for the first of three matchups this regular season. Last season, Toronto swept the season series, 4-0, after Miami won the previous season series, 2-1. The HEAT is 52-34 all-time versus the Raptors during the regular season, including 31-14 in Miami and 21-20 on the road.
HOT TAKES: Tyler Herro (29 points) and Goran Dragić (21 points) each posted a 20-point performance off the bench in the same game on 10/29 vs. ATL, marking just the 12th time in franchise history two players each posted 20-point games in the same contest as reserves. Miami is defeating opponents by an average of +14.1 points in wins this season, the third-highest margin in the NBA. The HEAT has recorded at least 30 assists five times this season, the most through the first 19 games of a season in team history. Miami has scored at least 70 first half points three times this season, already the most in any season in franchise history. The HEAT has totaled 2,116 points this season, the most through the first 19 games of a season in franchise history. Of Miami’s five loses this season, three of them have come on the second night of a back-to-back set on the road. The HEAT are a perfect 10-0 this season when scoring at least 110 points.
RISING ROOKIES: The HEAT’s rookies are averaging 33.8 points this season, the highest average in the Eastern Conference and the second-highest overall average in the NBA, only the Golden State Warriors’ 34.0ppg is higher. Additionally, Miami’s 33.8 rookie scoring average is currently the second-highest during a single-season in team history.
GETTING DEFENSIVE: The HEAT’s defense ranks among the best in the NBA, ranking second in three-point field goal percentage allowed (.315), second in steals per game (8.95), second in opponent rebounds per game (40.4), third in forced turnovers per game (16.7), fourth in field goals allowed (713), tied for fourth in total steals (170), tied for sixth in opponent plus/minus (-119), seventh in defensive rating (103.5) and seventh in total points allowed (1,997).
UNDRAFTED: Kendrick Nunn has totaled 306 points in the first 19 games of the season. His 306 points are the third-most by an undrafted NBA player in their first 19 games dating back to the 1963-64 season.
HOME SWEET HOME: The HEAT are a perfect 8-0 in Miami this season, tying the best home start in franchise history with the 2012-13 team that also started a perfect 8-0. Miami has recorded a +18.1 scoring margin at home this season, the highest in the entire NBA. Additionally, the last time the HEAT trailed at home at any point after the first quarter came on opening night back on October 23 vs. MEM, marking as the longest such current home streak in the league and the longest since San Antonio also accomplished the feat in seven-straight home games from 3/15/15 – 4/5/15. 2019-20 MIAMI HEAT GAME NOTES PAGE 4
20-PLUS: Kendrick Nunn scored at least 20 points in three consecutive games from 11/12 – 11/16 after recording a team-high 20 points vs. DET on 11/12 in a, 117-108, win, a game-high 23 points at CLE on 11/14 in a, 108-97, victory and then a team-high 22 points in a, 109-94, victory vs. NO on 11/16. That marks as the last HEAT rookie to post at least three consecutive 20-point games since Michael Beasley accomplished the feat in five straight games from 4/7/09 – 4/15/09.
COMEBACK KIDS: The HEAT were down by 21 points, 74-53, about a minute into the third quarter on 10/26 before they came back to win, 131126, in overtime at MIL. The 21-point comeback win was their largest since 11/1/15 when they also overcame a 21-point deficit vs. HOU. Additionally, it was their largest comeback on the road since 3/20/13 when they overcame a 27-point deficit at CLE.
TYLER TUESDAY: Tyler Herro scored 29 points vs. ATL on Tuesday 10/29, all off the bench, marking the most by a rookie reserve in franchise history. The previous record was held by Michael Beasley when he scored 28 points off the bench on 3/4/09 vs. PHO. His 29-point effort was also the most points by a HEAT rookie since Dwyane Wade scored 31 points on 2/17/04 vs. UT. Herro scored 19 of his points in the second quarter, the most by a HEAT rookie in a quarter since Caron Butler also scored 19 points in the third quarter on 3/10/03 vs. UT. Additionally, his 29 points off the bench tied for the fifth-most by a HEAT reserve in HEAT history.
HOT START: The HEAT started the game on a 15-0 run at CHI on 11/22, marking their best start to a game since their 18-0 start on 1/13/15 at LAL. Additionally, Miami held a 20-point, 31-11, lead in the first quarter, the second time this season the HEAT has had a 20-point advantage in a first quarter with the other occurrence when they had a 32-point first quarter lead vs. HOU on 11/3.
MR. ROBINSON: Duncan Robinson scored 21 points in the second quarter in just 5:11 minutes of action on 11/20 vs. CLE, that marks as the most points in a quarter by any player in just 5:11 or fewer minutes over the last 20 years (when play-by-plays were more accessible). Additionally, Robinson connected on seven three-point field goals in the quarter, the most treys in a quarter in franchise history, surpassing the previous record of six which has been done three separate times.
OFFENSIVE: The HEAT scored 43 points in the second quarter while finishing the first half with 75 points on 11/20 vs. CLE, both tying the franchise records for points in a second quarter and first half. Miami previously scored 43 points in the second quarter on 2/25/11 at WAS and totaled 75 first half points on 11/19/97 vs. LAC. Additionally, the HEAT connected on 10 three-point field goals in the second quarter, the most for any quarter at home in team history and tying the most for any quarter with their 10 made treys in the third quarter at PHI on 10/30/13.
HOT FROM THE FIELD: Miami shot 54.4 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range and 90.9 percent from the foul line on 11/14 at CLE, marking just the third time in franchise history the HEAT have shot at least those totals in each category. The only two other times in team history were on 1/26/14 vs. SA (58.1% FG, 42.1% 3FG, 95.0% FT) and 1/11/00 at MIN (55.6% FG, 73.3% 3FG, 93.8% FT).
JIMMY BUCKETS: Jimmy Butler became the first player in NBA history to shoot at least 68.8 percent (11-of-16) from the field and be perfect from both three-point range (2-of-2) and the foul line (10-of-10) with at least that many attempts in each category at PHO on 11/7. His 18 first quarter points and 30 first half points were both career-highs. Additionally, only LeBron James (31 pts on 3/18/14 at CLE), Dwyane Wade (31 pts on 2/15/11 at IND) and Sherman Douglas (31 pts on 12/27/90 at DEN) have scored more in a first half in HEAT franchise history.
JIMMY ‘CREATING’ BUCKETS: Jimmy Butler dished out 13 assists without a single turnover vs. DET on 11/12, becoming just the fourth player in team history to have that many assists without a turnover in a single game. Additionally, his 13 assists were just one shy of his career-high of 14 which he set on 3/26/17 at MIN
ROOKIE DEBUT: Kendrick Nunn scored 24 points vs. MEM on 10/23, tying the second-highest scoring game by a rookie on opening night in franchise history, only Willie Burton’s 25-point output on 11/2/90 vs. WAS is higher. Additionally, Nunn’s 24-point game tied the fourth-highest by a player in a HEAT debut. 7
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that Greg Moore has been hired as head coach of the Toronto Marlies. Moore, 35, has spent the last two seasons as head coach of the USHL’s Chicago Steel.
“Over the last 10 days, we have evaluated all options after Sheldon Keefe’s promotion to the Maple Leafs. After a detailed review, it was clear to us that Greg Moore was the best fit to become the Head Coach of the Marlies,” said Kyle Dubas, General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. “Greg’s record in development and winning with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and the USHL’s Chicago Steel to begin his coaching career made us take great notice of him as a candidate. More importantly, it became clear in speaking with his employers at USA Hockey and the Chicago Steel that Greg was the best fit for our program in terms of development philosophy.”
“We would like to sincerely thank Larry Robbins, Ryan Hardy, and the entire Chicago Steel organization for accommodating this move in the middle of their season. The Steel not only allowed Greg to speak to our club but also promoted his candidacy. That speaks a great deal to their program’s commitment to development of all members.”
Moore was originally hired by the Steel on June 6, 2018 and has compiled a record of 52-25-5 in 82 games behind the bench. In 2018-19, his first as head coach of the club, the Steel captured their second USHL Eastern Conference title before falling to the Sioux Falls Stampede in the Clark Cup Final. During the regular season, the Steel recorded the third-best winning percentage in franchise history (.629) while setting a franchise record for goals scored in a season (243). Following the 2018-19 season, Moore served as a guest coach at the Maple Leafs’ 2019 Development Camp.
Prior to his tenure as head coach of the Steel, Moore served as an assistant coach for the US NTDP Juniors (USHL), while also working as an assistant coach for USA Hockey’s U-17 squad on two occasions (2015-16, 2017-18), winning a gold medal in 2017-18, and USA Hockey’s U-18 team in 2016-17, winning gold.
As a player, the Lisbon, Maine, native skated in 10 NHL games and 377 AHL games after being selected in the fifth round (143rd overall) of the 2003 Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames. He skated in the 2008 AHL All-Star Classic for Planet USA as a representative of the Hartford Wolf Pack where he served as captain.
During his collegiate career for the University of Maine, Moore captured a Hockey East title in 2003-04. He was named to the Hockey East All-Academic Team on two occasions (2004-05, 2005-06), the Hockey East First All-Star Team on one occasion (2005-06), the NCAA (East) All-American Team on one occasion (2005-06) and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2005-06. Moore also won a gold medal at the 2004 World Junior Hockey Championships as a member of Team USA.
The view from left field 