MIAMI – As the Miami Heat won three straight on last Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks, there were some standout performances from players that go usually under the radar for their skills. While star Tyler Herro led the Heat with 36 points in the win, he would shout out the outings of Davion Mitchell and Haywood Highsmith who were undeniable in their presence.
Both are usually the first two to come off the bench for Miami, providing an energizing boost as the two are known for their hard-nosed defense and even an ability to produce on offense when needed to, especially as of recent. But also, they can make inspiring plays like the one in the fourth quarter where Mitchell fought for a loose ball at half-court, ending with a Highsmith three.
Erik Spoelstra called it the “play of the game” as a moment like that can help in “moving the needle” as Herro said to ClutchPoints about the impact both Mithcell and Highsmith had.
“We all know Davion and Haywood are elite defensive players. They can change the game defensively. When they’re moving the needle like that on defense and make those efforts, and locking down the opposing team’s best players, it’s obviously a benefit for us.”
Mitchell himself said to ClutchPoints that he feel that play “changed the game” since the Hawks were trying to make a run in coming back.
Heat’s Davion Mitchell and Haywood Highsmith “thriving” in roles
In the Heat trade sending Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors, Mitchell was part of the deal as he came from the Toronto Raptors. The former top-10 pick has been a force for Miami on the defensive side of the ball and while he’s not typically known for his offense, he has been shooting 52.7 percent from three-point range in his last 20 games and against Atlanta, made four of his five attempts.
As for Highsmith, his presence has been known with the team for a while, even the Heat signed him to a contract extension this off-season as he fits exactly what they need on defense. Like Mitchell, he also has the threat to shoot as he was three for five from deep in the win over the Hawks.
