South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
Teammates covering for Lowry on court
But Heat concerned for him off court as he is away from team for personal reasons
MIAMI — As veteran point guard Kyle Lowry remains away from the Miami Heat due to personal reasons, it has added perspective to the team’s run to the top of the Eastern Conference.
With Friday night’s victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, the Heat improved to 5-1 since Lowry stepped away from the team to handle a family matter, with the team 8-2 overall in his absences this season.
“I think it’s always really important to realize basketball is second, third. It’s not around that area on people’s list of importance,” forward Jimmy Butler said ahead of Saturday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors at FTX Arena. “You’ve always got to make sure the family is good, yourself is good.
“And it just feels good to know that we’ve got guys that could step in and do what Kyle does for us. But I miss him. We all miss him. We want him and his family to be OK.”
The Heat have proven to be particularly resilient this season in the absences of rotation players.
Entering Saturday night, the Heat stood 12-6 without Butler this season, 17-8 in the absence of Bam Adebayo, 5-1 without P.J. Tucker, 6-3 without Tyler Herro, 5-2 without Dewayne Dedmon, 7-3 without Caleb Martin and 25-14 without Markieff Morris.
“Everybody on our roster wants to win,” Adebayo said. “I mean, that’s the bottom line. That’s the only answer I’ve got for you. Everybody wants to win and everybody’s going to do everything in their power to get that job done.”
As was the case during his seven-week absence due to a thumb injury, Adebayo said it eases the mind knowing teammates are picking up the slack.
“Yeah,” Adebayo said, “it definitely makes it easier on Kyle knowing we’re winning, and he has time to focus on his personal problems or personal reasons, and he can take his time.”
Amid Lowry’s absence, Gabe Vincent, as replacement starter, has stepped up with his best play in his three seasons with the team, including 23 points Friday against the Clippers, when he shot 7 of 12 on 3-pointers.
“I feel like I’ve talked about it time and time again: as we get down this stretch toward the playoffs, we’re going to need everyone, the whole roster,” Vincent said. “You never know who’s going to need to be someone to step up. And during these times that we can be effective and win games while we have key players out is huge.
“But speaking on Kyle, we can’t wait to get him back, and hopefully soon enough.”
Vincent said the hope is teammates are allowing Lowry to focus on what matters most.
“Absolutely, absolutely,” he said. “Whatever the case may be, take care of what you’ve got to take care of. We’re going to hold it down until you get back, until then.”
Winslow reunion
Former Heat forward Justise Winslow, in his first game back as a Heat opponent, said Friday was particularly meaningful.
“This is probably a day that I will never forget,” the Heat 2015 first-round draft choice said. “And even more so than playing here, my son, this was [his] first game tonight. Baby Nico, we are going to remember this day. No words can really describe having your son at [his] first game, seeing him in the stands.
“So I’m kind of speechless. We lost the game, but the bigger picture of being able to bring him back to the locker room after the game, taking a picture of, it was a blessing.”
Winslow closed with 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 26:25, the Clippers outscoring the Heat by 15 when he was on the court.
Adebayo said he appreciated the moment of going against Winslow.
“It was good to see him,” Adebayo said. “It seems like he’s in good spirits. He seems like he’s happier.”
Said Winslow, “He’s a special guy. That’s my brother. Just being able to look up and see someone you really love be a [2021 Olympic] gold medalist, that’s a special thing. I’m so happy for him. His mom, she’s a special lady, as well. I love Bam, what he’s about, and his whole family.”