Sometimes the itching desire to win games is exhaled unceremoniously. Such was the ending to an intense game between the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets. Toyota Center witnessed a feral scuffle between Tyler Herro and Amen Thompson as Vice City marched toward a 4-point win. The Rockets’ sophomore slung Herro to the floor after the duo’s tense staredown during an inbounds play.

The incident led to six ejections, including the two protagonists, Terry Rozier, Jalen Green, Ime Udoka, and Ben Sullivan, the Rockets’ assistant coach. As wild as the end was, though, the Heat’s sensational scorer felt it was “just two competitors going at it playing basketball”. Although, Herro didn’t excuse Thompson’s behavior fully.

In the 24-year-old’s mind, even when he was almost nose-to-nose with Thompson, he couldn’t predict what would follow. Especially, since Herro claims he never did anything to instigate his rival. “It was a regular game throughout. Thought we were playing a competitive game, but I have never said a word to him, so I don’t know,” he told the media in the locker room.

However, the Heat star did take a sly dig toward the defensive forward during his attempt to make sense of the sudden anger eruption. “I guess that’s what happens when someone is scoring, throwing dimes, doing the whole thing. So I would get mad too,” Tyler Herro said. And, well, being influential would be an understatement for his contributions tonight.He controlled the tempo of the game, playing in his rhythm. Even when the Rockets tried to impose physicality, he wouldn’t break! In his 27 points and 9 assists display, Herro hit the go-ahead jumper with a little over a minute remaining in regulation. The slim advantage is what the Heat held to see off the game. In a season where drama revolves around the team, Tyler Herro is silently thriving.

Tyler Herro is playing like an MVP!

It’s hard to believe that it’s been just three years since Tyler Herro won Sixth Man of The Year. In the 2021-22 season, the skillful scorer showcased his range of maneuvers. He became one of the just five players to average 20 points off the bench, and the first Heat player in history to receive the award. From that point on, the young gun stayed consistent in his role and production.

But now, with a starting nod and essentially the freedom to dictate the Heat’s offense, he’s discovered a new gear. The Kentucky prospect is averaging a career-high in all three major statistics with an elevated role this season. His scoring is up to 24 points per game, significantly better than the previous years.

Even while the Heat isn’t performing particularly well, Tyler Herro cracked into the Top 10 MVP race only a week ago. Not only is he a regular presence in the squad, starting all 29 games, but his impact is vast. Herro is the only Miami player besides Jimmy Butler to rank in the Top 30 win shares this season according to Basketball Reference.

In terms of his personal growth, he is experiencing the best efficiency of his career. An element of patience and composure screams through his game. Offensively, he operates with several counters, accounting for nearly 30% of the Heat’s points when on the floor.

It’s hard to disregard such output from a 24-year-old who is prevailing with the given opportunity. Now, with Jimmy Butler possibly leaving the franchise this season, Tyler Herro will have a chance to become the beacon for the Miami Heat. Do you think that will lead to even greater strides or will the added defensive pressure get to him? Let us know your views below.