Andrew Wiggins finally picked up a win at home as the Miami Heat pulled away in overtime to beat the Toronto Raptors 120-111 on Friday night.
Wiggins, of Vaughan, had been winless in six tries at Scotiabank Arena, but scored 25 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter and overtime, overcoming 29 from fellow Canadian RJ Barrett and 23 from Immanuel Quickley. Tyler Herro added 28 for Miami as Toronto fell to 17-39, including 12-18 at home.
Scottie Barnes put a scare into the whole building when he had to be helped off the floor after rolling his right ankle, but was able to return and looked no worse for wear.
After three Wiggins free throws tied the game in the fourth quarter, Barnes missed a tough attempt at the rim, giving Miami a chance to win, but the Heat could not capitalize despite a golden opportunity. Herro found Bam Adebayo for a wide open shot but he missed. Then Barrett blocked an attempt by Wiggins, sending the game to overtime. From there the Heat took off, outscoring Toronto 11-2.
Toronto, losers of 5-of-6 entering the NBA’s all-star break, was without starting centre Jakob Poeltl. Without Poeltl, Toronto opted to start Orlando Robinson. Robinson played his first two years in the NBA with Miami, so this was a reunion game for him. It was also a reunion for Heat starting point guard Davion Mitchell, who was dealt to South Beach a few weeks ago at the NBA’s trade deadline.
Mitchell and Robinson had big nights, with both making major contributions for their respective teams. Mitchell scored 16, shooting 6-for-8 with three three-pointers, while Robinson had nine points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Raptors appeared to still be on break early on. The Heat jumped out to a 12-4 lead, with the Raptors missing 5-of-7 shots. The team trailed 30-19 and had nearly as many turnovers (seven) as made baskets (eight).
Toronto fared better in the second quarter, committing only one turnover while hitting five three-pointers to cut the Miami lead to 57-48.
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Mitchell was on fire, hitting all but one of his first seven shots, including 3-of-4 three-point attempts. Through three quarters Miami only led by four points and the game remained air tight in the fourth.
Barrett tied the game with a three-pointer with 3:48 remaining, then hit a turnaround after a Miami free throw to give Toronto the lead for just the second time in the game.