Overview
- The 21-year-old center posted 28 points, 19 rebounds and five threes in a 132-125 defeat to the Knicks, becoming the first Heat player to hit those thresholds as the team dropped its seventh game in eight.
- Erik Spoelstra praised Ware’s growth but pressed for defensive polish, toggling drop and switching coverages with mixed results, including high-yield pick-and-roll possessions for opponents in recent games.
- Through 29 games, Ware is averaging 12.5 points and 10.7 rebounds on 66.1% true shooting, ranks near the top of the league in total rebound percentage, leads Miami with 12 double-doubles, and is hitting 45.6% from three to pace eligible centers.
- His role and minutes have expanded alongside Bam Adebayo in a bigger starting lineup with Tyler Herro still out, and New York’s coach called Ware “a beast” on the glass after Sunday’s performance.
- Bam Adebayo acknowledged his offensive slump and accepted accountability, underscoring Miami’s challenge to align Ware’s surge with improved cohesion and results.