Key Takeaways:
- Miami Heat ended a five-game losing run by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 106-95
- Kel’el Ware posted 22 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks in the Heat’s victory
- Brooklyn Nets struggled offensively, converting just 11 of 49 shots from three-point range
Match Analysis
The Miami Heat have arrested their recent slide, securing only their second win in December with a 106-95 result over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night. Norman Powell led Miami’s scoring with 24 points, supported strongly by Kel’el Ware, who delivered 22 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocked shots. The Heat had started December with momentum, equalling their franchise record for victories by that stage of the season with 13, yet had faltered, losing five of their previous six contests.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed 19 points to Miami’s tally, while Bam Adebayo grabbed 17 rebounds despite being hampered by foul trouble. The Heat’s defensive solidity in the latter stages proved crucial, rebuffing Brooklyn’s comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.
Took the W 💪 Back tomorrow in Boston! pic.twitter.com/v4ICdJMJE3
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 19, 2025
Nets’ Offence Falters After Record Win
Michael Porter Jr. paced Brooklyn with 28 points, and Nic Claxton impressed with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. However, the offensive struggles for the Nets were evident: after producing a dominant 127-82 win against Milwaukee on Sunday, Brooklyn converted under 39% of their field goals in this matchup and made only 22% (11-of-49) of their attempts from beyond the arc.
The contest remained tight until the closing stretch. With Miami’s lead narrowed to 86-82 inside the final five minutes, Ware’s three-pointer ignited a run, followed by consecutive baskets from Jaquez to stretch the margin to 93-82 with 4:01 remaining. The Nets managed only three triples from 13 attempts in the final period, undermining their comeback efforts.
Next Fixtures
- Heat will travel to Boston on Friday
- Nets will host Toronto on Sunday
