Nikola Jovic’s go-ahead layup and clutch free throw with 7.8 seconds remaining gave the Miami Heat a narrow 95-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. The win ended a three-game losing streak for the Heat, bringing their season record to 4-5.
Jovic, playing his first game off the bench this season, scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds, stepping up in Jimmy Butler’s absence. His game-winning drive came with four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert on the bench, putting Miami ahead for the first time since leading 63-61 in the third quarter.
The Timberwolves had one last chance to retake the lead, but Mike Conley’s three-point attempt at the buzzer came up short, ending Minnesota’s three-game winning streak and dropping them to 6-4.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including four three-pointers, to help Miami stay competitive throughout.
The Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards finished with 22 points on an inefficient 8-of-24 shooting night, while Jaden McDaniels added nine points and briefly gave Minnesota the lead with a putback just nine seconds before Jovic’s critical drive.
Minnesota’s offense showed flashes of dominance but was marred by 20 turnovers, which allowed Miami to capitalize with aggressive defensive play.
In a defensive battle, Miami overcame 23 turnovers of its own by recording season-highs with 14 steals and nine blocks, led by Bam Adebayo’s three blocks and Haywood Highsmith’s five steals. Jaime Jaquez Jr., returning after a three-game absence, also contributed defensively with a block and seven rebounds.
