Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra switched up his starting lineup during Sunday’s 95-94 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He replaced third-year forward Nikola Jovic with veteran forward Kevin Love, who made his season debut. However, according to the veteran coach, the 2016 NBA champion’s starting spot is not set in stone.
Spoelstra’s lineup change came amid Miami’s middling 3-5 start to the season. The move gave his squad a different look in the interior against Minnesota’s imposing frontcourt, which features stars Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert.
According to Heat star center Bam Adebayo, Love’s presence in the starting lineup allows him to defend smaller players and enhances his defensive versatility. While Love is listed at 6-foot-8, two inches shorter than Jovic (6-10), he is significantly heavier (251 pounds to 205 pounds).
“I don’t have to guard the center,” Adebayo said. “Other than that, it allows me to be more of that versatile defender, being able to switch, being able to impact the game.”
Nevertheless, Love only played 13 minutes after returning from an eight-game absence due to personal reasons/conditioning. He tallied six points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one 3-pointer, shooting 28.6%.
When asked postgame about Love remaining in his starting unit, Spoelstra was non-committal.
“We’re day-to-day,” Spoelstra said. “And I guess that’s the best place to live right now.”
Miami (4-5) continues its road trip on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons (4-7).
Nikola Jovic thrives after being demoted to Heat’s bench in favor of Kevin Love
While Nikola Jovic came off the bench in favor of Kevin Love on Sunday, it didn’t hinder his production. The Serbian thrived, tallying 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and two triples, shooting 54.5%.
Jovic also hit the game-winner, converting an and-one play on a drive with Miami trailing 94-92 with 7.8 seconds remaining.
Jovic’s 15 points tied his season-high and marked the second most on his team behind shooting guard Tyler Herro’s game-high 26 points.
So, perhaps Spoelstra will ride his new lineup’s momentum on Tuesday.
