The Miami Heat have endured an up-and-down NBA season, and their latest setback came in a 114-109 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Despite a strong collective effort from Miami, it wasn’t enough to overcome a surging Bulls team. Following the game, Tyler Herro spoke about his expanded role in the offense after Jimmy Butler’s departure and how he has had to adjust to increased defensive attention.
Herro acknowledged that he has fully embraced the added responsibility of leading the team’s offense. “Just embracing it,” Herro said, per The Miami Herald. “The challenge, I would say, is just toggling back and forth between trying to make plays for myself and making plays for my teammates.”
Herro’s offensive usage has seen a significant increase this season, particularly since Butler’s trade. In February, he posted a career-high usage rate of 30.5%, highlighting his growing importance in Miami’s offensive scheme.
In the loss to Chicago, Herro finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. He was joined by Andrew Wiggins, who contributed 22 points, three rebounds, and one assist, while Bam Adebayo added 22 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Despite the strong performances, the Heat couldn’t outlast Chicago’s balanced attack.
Jimmy Butler #22 and Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat react against the Dallas Mavericks during overtime at Kaseya Center.
Herro’s All-Star caliber season
Herro has made significant strides this year, averaging 23.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 45.7% from the field and 37.2% from beyond the arc. However, with the increased offensive workload, opposing defenses have ramped up their pressure on the 25-year-old, which could impact his efficiency.
see also
Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen selects his all-time starting five, leaving out LeBron James
Handling defensive pressure and shot selection
As Herro continues to take on a larger offensive role, he acknowledges the challenges that come with added defensive attention. “It’s tough,” Herro admitted. “This season, I was trying to shoot 50% from the field. Obviously, it’s come down. I was in the high 40s for a minute, so I’m just trying to get it back to 47, 48 by the end of the season.”
He also noted the difficulty of taking late-clock and end-of-quarter shots, which often come under heavy defensive pressure. “It’s not easy, but I’m just trying to find ways to get to the line, draw fouls, and be aggressive so my teammates can get open shots.”
With Butler gone, Herro is proving he can be the focal point of Miami’s offense, but as defenses key in on him, his ability to maintain efficiency and make plays for his teammates will be crucial for the Heat’s success moving forward in the NBA.
