Nikola Jovic scores 16 as Miami loses to Minnesota 125-124

He sent the ball behind his back and found Simone Fontecchio for a corner three. It was one of three assists by Nikola Jovic in the Miami Heat’s preseason game against Minnesota, which Miami lost 125-124 overnight.

The Serbian international started the game and recorded 16 points in 25 minutes, along with six rebounds, three assists and three steals. He shot 7 of 11 from the field: 5 of 9 on twos and 2 of 2 from three. According to Sport Klub, it is his highest scoring output since January 25, when he scored 23 in a 147-115 win over Utah.

Why did Jovic get so much playing time?

Coach Erik Spoelstra rested most of the regular starters, so Bam Adebayo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson did not play, RTS reports. That opened minutes for younger players, and Jovic took his chance, starting the game in the first five.

Sport Klub notes that Jovic played below expectations last season and that many had begun to doubt his standing in Miami. The same outlet judges that this game hinted he could have an important role in the rotation.

What did Spoelstra and Jovic say after the game?

After the game, Spoelstra said of Jovic:

He has skills. You can see that in all the games we have played so far. He will keep improving, like every NBA player. When a game is not going the way you want, you have to find a way to win the next possession.

According to a recording of the statement posted on social media by a fan account, the coach added that Jovic is known for sometimes showing poor body language, but this time he turned and sprinted back on defense. RTS also cites the praise for his defensive effort.

Jovic spoke about his own progress:

I think I have just matured a little. For me this is a new year, and I am smarter now in certain situations. And reacting quickly to the next play is something he really wants me to get better at.

By “he,” Jovic means Spoelstra, who insists on moving on to the next play quickly.

How was the game decided?

Miami led with 14.8 seconds left, and Minnesota scored the winning basket 2.3 seconds before the buzzer. RTS names Anthony Reeves as the scorer, but we could not confirm that detail in another source. For the winners, Bones Hyland was the most productive with 23 points.

For Miami, rookie Ryan Conwell scored the most with 22 points, adding five rebounds and nine assists. Miami still has preseason games against Brooklyn and Orlando, and it opens the regular season in Minnesota. Last season it finished tenth in the East at 43-39 and lost to Charlotte in the play-in.