Norman Powell’s scorching 25-point explosion and Bam Adebayo’s seamless 20-point return from injury powered the Miami Heat to a decisive 110-96 late-game pullaway over the depleted Golden State Warriors on Tuesday at Kaseya Center. In a matchup that tested Miami’s depth against Golden State’s injury crisis, the Heat’s fourth-quarter dominance extended their winning streak to three, improving to 9-6 in the NBA standings while dropping the Warriors to 8-7.
The Warriors vs Heat clash unfolded as a gritty affair, with Golden State missing Stephen Curry (ankle), Draymond Green (illness), Jonathan Kuminga (knee), and Al Horford (rest). Miami pounced on 23 Warriors turnovers for 34 points, but it was Powell’s timely buckets and Adebayo’s interior mastery that ignited the Heat’s 21-4 run to close the game. This NBA showdown highlighted Miami’s playoff-ready poise, turning a potential trap game into a statement win.
Heat’s Late Surge: Powell and Adebayo Dominate Warriors vs Heat
From the tip-off, the Miami Heat vs Golden State Warriors game carried high stakes, blending Eastern grit with Western flair. Miami raced to a 20-4 first-quarter lead, the biggest hole the Warriors dug all season without their stars. Golden State rallied in the second, outscoring the Heat 19-12 to cut it to 42-41 at the break, fueled by bench snipers like Buddy Hield.
The third quarter flipped the momentum, as the Warriors grabbed a 60-59 edge on a Quinten Post finish before stretching to 74-69. Brandin Podziemski’s all-around play kept Golden State afloat, but Miami’s adjustments loomed large. Enter the fourth: Powell drained four threes en route to 14 fourth-quarter points, while Adebayo bullied his way to efficient paint scores. The Heat’s pullaway—38-22 in the final frame—erased Golden State’s fightback, showcasing why Miami thrives in crunch time.
This late pullaway in the Warriors vs Heat thriller reinforces the Heat’s reputation for fourth-quarter magic, a hallmark of Erik Spoelstra’s schemes amid offseason changes like Jimmy Butler trade whispers.
Star Turns: Powell’s 25 Points and Adebayo’s Injury Return Steal the Show
Norman Powell was electric, dropping 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting with six rebounds, earning game MVP nods in the Miami Heat victory. His step-back threes and drives dismantled Golden State’s perimeter defense, proving he’s the X-factor when Miami needs scoring punch. “Powell’s been huge for us,” Spoelstra said postgame. “He steps up every time.”
Bam Adebayo, back after missing two games with a toe issue, looked every bit the All-NBA force with 20 points on 8-of-12 efficiency, plus 10 rebounds and defensive stops. Rookie Kel’el Ware’s 16 boards added rebounding muscle, while Andrew Wiggins—facing his ex-team—poured in 17 points with vintage athleticism.
The Warriors’ bench shone in spurts: Podziemski’s 20 points and six assists, Post’s breakout 19, and Hield’s 18 (five threes) provided highlights. Yet, the turnover torrent and Curry-Green void proved fatal in this short-handed effort.
Shooting woes plagued both—under 40% combined—but Miami’s transition game (34 points off turnovers) decided the Powell 25 points and Adebayo return narrative.
Season Implications: Heat Momentum Builds, Warriors Face Injury Hurdles
Miami’s late pullaway vs. the Warriors cements their East dark-horse status, with Adebayo’s health a game-changer for upcoming battles like Friday’s in Chicago. The win quiets doubters, emphasizing depth beyond Butler amid trade buzz.
For Golden State, the loss stings amid a road gauntlet, but Kerr lauded the resilience: “Our young guys grew tonight, but we can’t beat ourselves with the ball.” Curry’s ankle recovery (week-to-week) and Green’s illness timeline loom large before Friday’s Portland rematch.
NBA fans are raving about Powell’s 25 points performance and Adebayo’s triumphant return in this Warriors vs Heat recap. Track Stephen Curry injury updates, Bam Adebayo stats, and more NBA news for the league’s hottest trends.
