“Outcoached” Steve Kerr Sums up Stephen Curry and Co’s Loss vs Shorthanded Heat in 3 Words

With key Miami Heat players sidelined in tonight’s matchup, Stephen Curry & co suffered a terrible loss. The Heat’s defense was insurmountable for the Golden State stars. Talking to the press after the game that they lost 102-114, coach Steve Kerr gave three reasons that summarized quite efficiently their defeat tonight.

He said, “We got outcoached, outworked and outplayed.” Despite a poor three-point performance from Miami, the group came together to double their defensive endeavors. In doing so, they effectively slowed down Steph and Klay Thompson.

But Kerr was sure even before the game that the Heat would prove to be a menace, sans key pieces. Trayce Jackson-Davis said, “That’s what coach was preaching before the game: They are going to come out even harder than they would if they had their starters.” It was clear that everyone went into the game expecting a tough battle.

“The Sunshine State” did not have their star forward Jimmy Butler for a fourth game due to a strained left calf. Other players who were sidelined include Kyle Lowry (soreness), Caleb Martin (sprained right ankle), and Josh Richardson (back discomfort).

The short-handed Heat’s brilliant performance vs Stephen Curry & co

Tyler Herro received all the praise for tonight’s victory. Rising to the occasion, Herro led with 26 points to extend their winning streak to four. Jamal Cain comes next with 18 points, followed by Bam Adebayo, who had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

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Jaime Jaquez Jr. (17) also matched Adebayo for points scored. When we say the Warriors had a blowout loss, it’s not simply isolated to the fact that they admitted defeat to an under-manned team. The highest score was 13 points, each by the Splash Brothers.

Steph had a particularly offensive night on offense, with the Heat doing a remarkable job of keeping the ‘baby-faced assassin’ at bay. He did not land a shot until they moved well into the late second quarter. Steph shot 3-of-15 from the field and 2-of-6 from beyond the arc.

Cain has been doing a splendid job of convincing he belongs on the roster. Tonight’s 50% shooting in 28 minutes is just another example of his value. Of course, Butler and Caleb Martin’s absence has provided him the opportunity. But it was up to him to capitalize on the chance, and he did.

While GSW’s rookie squad has been their crowning glory this season, the Heat also has a star rookie in the form of Jaquez Jr. And tonight, his dominance was on full display. It is almost enough to convince Coach Spoelstra to give him a permanent place as a starter.

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