Tyler Herro had a very unfortunate start to this year’s playoff race. The Miami Heat fell short of playoff contention but redeemed themselves during the play-in tournament. Even then, they had to play two games to solidify a spot in the playoffs. Now paired against the Milwaukee Bucks, it almost seems like a nightmare matchup for a team that’s been struggling. To add insult to injury, Herro broke his fingers during the second quarter of Game 1.
Tyler Herro has been told that the earliest for a possible return would be the NBA Finals, per @IraHeatBeat pic.twitter.com/VM9T5Q5o47
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 18, 2023
Tyler Herro dived to the floor in an attempt to save a loose ball. Instead, he landed awkwardly on his right hand resulting in the injury. Herro was taken out of the game following the possession and was ruled out later. Recently, the medical staff the former Most Improved Player of the Year that his earliest return would be the NBA Finals. Fans trolled him saying, “See you next year,” and, “Ain’t no way in hell the Heat are making the Finals.” Here is what the others had to say.
See you next year
— Kaleb Earls (@K_Earls32) April 18, 2023
Seasons over
— IKD (@ESPNneedsIKD) April 18, 2023
Ain’t no way in hell the Heat are making the Finals.
— GreenRunsDeep (@CelticsGRD) April 18, 2023
Worry about the off-season buddy
— Khai 🎧🎶 (@khaisview) April 18, 2023
So he’s done for the season essentially
— 優木せつ菜 🇦🇷 (@nijigasakilove) April 18, 2023
Despite breaking his hand mid-game, Tyler Herro continued to play throughout the ongoing possession. He attempted to shoot a three-pointer which nearly went in as well. However, the main issue revolves around the Heat. Without him, they are short of offensive support. Herro averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game shooting 43.9% from the field. Tyler is a very valuable piece, but his absence could cripple the Heat.
Can the Miami Heat reach the NBA Finals without Tyler Herro?
The chances of Miami getting past the Milwaukee Bucks in this series are very slim. In Game 1, Giannis Antetokounmpo endured a back contusion which had him ruled out following the first quarter. But Giannis can easily recover with ample rest. Once he returned in Game 2, the Bucks will most likely return to their dominant state. The Heat capitalized on Giannis’ absence in Game 1, which is why they managed to win it.
Even if the Heat managed to slip past the Bucks in round one, they will have tougher competition ahead. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are the teams to look out for. Especially the Celtics, since they made the finals last season but lost to the Golden State Warriors.
isJayson Tatum has been playing like a true MVP and ironically cut several times during the regular season. Not to mention, the Celtics are strictly defense-oriented, which means the Heat will find it hard put up numbers.
Miami has been waiting to return to the finals after they were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Last season, he made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, Tatum and Celtics were an obstacle they could not overcome.