Despite the Miami Heat’s inability to close out Game 1 of the NBA Finals, third-year forward Haywood Highsmith had an outstanding performance. All eyes were on the Miami last night as they seem hungrier than ever for the title. However, it usually takes a game or two for teams to figure out a way to tackle their opponents. The Eastern Conference Champions have a lot of grit as well.
Fans hoped that Jimmy Butler would lead the way and snatch a head start against the Denver Nuggets. He had an off night finishing with 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists shooting 6-14 from the field. By far his worst performance in the playoffs this season. Haywood scored 18 points in an attempt to help the Heat balance out Jimmy’s off night. Here is what the fans had to say.
Jimmy being carried yet again by role players
— 優木せつ菜 🇦🇷 (@nijigasakilove) June 2, 2023
I can’t believe Haywood Highsmith is the highlight of the game for the heat
— Matthew V (@MatthewViola42) June 2, 2023
this is who “himmy butler” is relying on now?
— 𝖋𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸⭑ (@FL0CKAA) June 2, 2023
Haywood Highsmith outscored Jimmy Butler and had a higher game score than Jimmy Butler… pic.twitter.com/zKrjs7Z5qe
— SB (@StatsboyeVEVO) June 2, 2023
He was a bright spot in game 6 I believe as well.
When they desperate, he provides a spark
— Jerry Kingsley (@JerryKings86087) June 2, 2023
“Jimmy being carried yet again by role players,” said one fan. “I can’t believe Haywood Highsmith is the highlight of the game for the Heat,” said another. Highsmith was the well-deserved MVP of the night despite the Heat’s shortcomings. He shot 70% from the field and 50% from three-point range in 23 minutes of court time. If he maintains consistency, Highsmith would make a great sixth man.
When did Haywood Highsmith join the NBA?
Haywood Highsmith attended Wheeling Jesuit University and played for their men’s basketball team. He was a double-double machine who was named an All-MEC player, MEC Player of the Year, and division MVP in 2018. Despite having a fairly good college career, he went undrafted in 2018 leading him to enter via the G League.
He played for the Delaware Blue Coats and eventually signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Haywood Highsmith only played five games averaging 1.8 points, 1 rebound, and 0.4 assists in 8 minutes per game with the 76ers. Following those five games, he committed full-time to the Blue Coats before flying overseas to compete. Haywood competed in Germany for the Basketball Bundesliga in 2020.
He eventually made it back to the Blue Coats and later signed a 10-day contract with the Heat in 2021. He averaged 2.3 points per game in 19 appearances before going back to the G League for the fourth time. Highsmith signed another 10-day contract with the Heat and showed some promise. They later offered him a standard contract to continue playing for them.