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Ira Winderman

@irawinderman.bsky.social

Covering the Miami Heat for the South Florida Sun Sentinel

21,533 Followers  |  0 Following  |  1,655 Posts  |  Joined: 24.12.2023
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Posts by Ira Winderman (@irawinderman.bsky.social)

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Winderman’s view: Heat pushing with prudence, as depth takes care of Nets Ira Winderman’s perspectives and other items of note from the Miami Heat’s Thursday night game against the Brooklyn Nets.

Winderman's view: Heat pushing with prudence, as depth takes care of Nets. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/05/w... Thoughts on a took-care-of-business Thursday.

06.03.2026 02:58 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Ware’s big night helps Heat overcome Adebayo foul trouble in 126-110 rout of Nets On many other nights, the Miami Heat might have reached the point of peril. Against the Brooklyn Nets, adversity merely proved to be an inconvenience Thursday for Erik Spoelstra’s team.

Ware's big night helps Heat overcome Adebayo foul trouble in 126-110 rout of Nets. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/05/w... Five Degrees of Heat.

06.03.2026 02:57 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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With Powell, Fontecchio sidelined, Heat summon Keels from G League for 3-point support Guard Trevor Keels, recently signed to a two-way contract, is back with the Miami Heat from his assignment to the G League Sioux Falls Skyforce.

With Powell, Fontecchio sidelined, Heat summon Keels from G League for 3-point support.T www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/05/w... Today's Heat notebook.

05.03.2026 20:36 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Heat-Hornets with meaning . . . for first time since Purple Shirt Guy | Plus tiebreakers detailed The last time the Miami Heat played a meaningful game against the Charlotte Hornets? You would have to go all the way back to the 2016 playoffs and Dwyane Wade vs. Purple Shirt Guy.

Heat-Hornets with meaning . . . for first time since Purple Shirt Guy | Plus tiebreakers detailed. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/05/h... Sizing up how the Heat could get stung, with tiebreakers an issue.

05.03.2026 14:34 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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ASK IRA: Is Erik Spoelstra now truly sold on Heat’s Bam Adebayo-Kel’el Ware pairing? Is Erik Spoelstra confident in playing Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware side by side in the biggest of moments?

Is Erik Spoelstra now truly sold on Heat's Bam Adebayo-Kel'el Ware pairing? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/05/a... Plus: Heat attitude; Mitchell's health.

05.03.2026 14:01 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Haslem now in rearview mirror but also straight ahead of Adebayo in Heat rebounding race The goal is to have it all. That is among the reasons why when Bam Adebayo passed Udonis Haslem for the Miami Heat’s all-time lead in defensive rebounds it stood somewhat secondary.

Udonis Haslem now in rearview mirror but also straight ahead of Adebayo in Heat rebounding race. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/04/h... Plus: Herro's $2K talk; Nets' predicament; no Heat two-way moves at deadline.

04.03.2026 21:15 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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β€˜Easier than it actually is’? Heat’s Herro creating hope amid return What Tyler Herro needed after a month off the court, in the wake of a rib injury, was time. What the Miami Heat didn’t have, amid their annual scramble in the play-in pack, was time.

"Easier than it actually is"? Heat's Herro creating hope amid return. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/04/e... "It’s like just steps in the right direction, continuing to see where my shots are coming from, but also just playing in the flow."

04.03.2026 14:58 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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ASK IRA: Can Heat youth be served in games like this? Was Tuesday meaningful for the Miami Heat in terms of getting the kids on the court?

Can Heat youth be served in games like this? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/04/a... Plus: Fontecchio's 3s; Rozier's expiring salary.

04.03.2026 14:18 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Winderman’s view: More bizarro NBA, as Heat get win they need, Nets get loss they want Ira Winderman’s perspectives and other items of note from the Miami Heat’s Tuesday game against the Brooklyn Nets.

Winderman's view: More bizarro NBA, as Heat get win they need, Nets get loss they want. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/03/w... Thoughts on taking care of Tuesday business.

04.03.2026 03:05 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Heat take care of business vs. Nets, as Adebayo reaches Heat career rebounding mark The subset of the standings has begun for the Miami Heat, also known as the fighting chance provided by the NBA. So Tuesday night, they dispatched the Brooklyn Nets, as required.

Heat take care of business vs. Nets, as Adebayo reaches Heat career rebounding mark. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/03/h... Five Degrees of Heat.

04.03.2026 03:04 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Love story? Not always for Spoelstra when it comes to Heat zone, β€˜there are times when I hate it’ Sometimes, there is no choice but for Erik Spoelstra to make a call to the bullpen. β€œObviously,” the Miami Heat coach said, β€œour fastball is our man-to-man defense when we’r…

Love story? Not always for Spoelstra when it comes to Heat zone, "there are times when I hate it." www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/03/l... "Obviously, our fastball is our man-to-man defense. when we’re at our best."

03.03.2026 20:27 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Heat with room for potential roster move between NBA buyout, two-way deadlines As the Miami Heat prepared for Tuesday night’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, the team found itself between the final two key personnel dates on the 2025-26 NBA calendar.

Heat with room for potential roster move between NBA buyout, two-way deadlines. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/03/h... One deadline down, one remaining on Wednesday.

03.03.2026 14:52 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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ASK IRA: Are these next two against the Nets must-win games for the Heat? With a schedule that remains challenging, is it all or nothing in these two games against the Brooklyn Nets?

Are these next two against the Nets must-win games for the Heat? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/03/a... Plus: More Jakucionis?; more zone?

03.03.2026 14:02 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Another jolt has Heat’s Mitchell shouldering latest injury concern Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell has been here before, the risk-reward crossroads between going full speed, shoulder first through a hard screen or practicing prudence.

Another jolt has Heat's Mitchell shouldering latest injury concern www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/02/a... Today's Heat notebook.

02.03.2026 20:21 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Too much, too soon? Heat’s Jovic reflects on early pro start and current back woes Too much, too soon? That, for Nikola Jovic, seemingly stands as his current reality, as the fourth-year Heat forward remains sidelined by a lower-back issue.

Too much, too soon? Heat's Jovic reflects on early pro start and current back woes. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/02/t... β€œI did a lot of stuff at a young age. I never stopped.”

02.03.2026 15:11 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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ASK IRA: Are the Heat’s increased minutes for Pelle Larsson a timetable for success? Has more Pelle Larsson been the correct answer for Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat?

Are the Heat's increased minutes for Pelle Larsson a timetable for success? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/02/a... Plus: Franchise cornerstones; race for No. 6.

02.03.2026 12:59 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Heat’s Herro decides $2,000 well spent to yap at Rockets’ Durant Tyler Herro felt his first technical foul of 2025-26 was well spent, with the Miami Heat guard sharing in a double-technical with Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant for their squabble.

Heat's Herro decides $2,000 well spent to yap at Rockets' Durant. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/01/h... Herro, "I was just trying to bring another edge to it."

01.03.2026 16:53 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Heat, Spoelstra successfully zone in on unlocking Adebayo-Ware pairing It arguably has taken two seasons – as in both of Kel’el Ware’s seasons with the Miami Heat – but coach Erik Spoelstra might just have cracked the code when it comes to minutes for Ware…

Heat, Spoelstra successfully zone in on unlocking Adebayo-Ware pairing. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/01/h... Ware, "I feel like it’s the best for the team with some matchups. So whenever the matchup is needed for it, I feel like we can go to it."

01.03.2026 14:31 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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ASK IRA: Do last two Heat deals stand as cautionary tales? With so much Miami Heat focus on what comes next with Tyler Herro and Norman Powell, perhaps first consider two other recent deals.

Do last two Heat deals stand as cautionary tales? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/01/a... Plus: Powell's place; draft position.

01.03.2026 14:14 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Winderman’s view: Heat’s Adebayo, Ware double up in win as productive, positive pairing Ira Winderman’s perspectives and other items of note from the Miami Heat’s Saturday game against the Houston Rockets.

Winderman's view: Heat's Adebayo, Ware double up in win as productive, positive pairing www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/28/w... Thoughts on a surprising Saturday.

28.02.2026 23:19 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Heat power past Powell absence with 115-105 statement victory over Rockets This time the Miami Heat got closing time right. After blown fourth-quarter leads in their previous two games, the Heat this time held their ground in a victory over the Houston Rockets.

Heat power past Powell absence with 115-105 statement victory over Rockets. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/28/h... Five Degrees of Heat.

28.02.2026 23:13 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Ira Winderman: USA hockey gold further motivates Spoelstra eye on Olympic prize Unable to experience most of the moment live, there was ample respect from Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra last Sunday when the United States men’s hockey team delivered Olympic gold.

Sunday notes on a Saturday: USA hockey gold further motivates Spoelstra eye on Olympic prize. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/28/i... Plus: Keshad's timing; the Maxey factor; zone deciphered?; Highsmith praise; Ware's 3s; more.

28.02.2026 14:01 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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ASK IRA: Have Heat reached Tyler Herro-or-bust? Is it time to go all in with Tyler Herro to see if this Miami Heat season can be salvaged?

Have Heat reached Tyler Herro-or-bust? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/28/a... Plus: Lack of closer; getting stale?

28.02.2026 13:51 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Heat’s Norman Powell out with Grade 1 groin strain, listed as week-to-week It no longer is day-to-day for the Miami Heat with Norman Powell, with a Friday MRI showing the sidelined guard with a Grade 1 strain of his right groin, now listed as week-to-week.

Heat's Norman Powell out with Grade 1 groin strain, listed as week-to-week. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/27/h... So likely to miss at least four games, possibly more.

27.02.2026 22:09 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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Adebayo with angst and anger over state of Heat, β€˜We’re better than being in the play-in’ Play-in fatigue a real thing? Go no further than Miami Heat captain Bam Adebayo for your answer.

Adebayo with angst and anger over state of Heat, "We’re better than being in the play-in." www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/27/a... "I don’t want to be in that s – – t no more."

27.02.2026 16:02 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 4    πŸ“Œ 3
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ASK IRA: Is mired in the mud of mediocrity any way for the Heat to live? Have the Miami Heat been humbled enough to attempt to find a better way?

Is mired in the mud of mediocrity any way for the Heat to live? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/27/a... Plus: More tank talk; the race for No. 6.

27.02.2026 14:04 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Winderman’s view: In Heat loss, 76ers’ Edgecombe a reminder of the occasional dip into lottery waters Ira Winderman’s perspectives and other items of note from the Miami Heat’s Thursday night game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Winderman's view: In Heat loss, 76ers' Edgecombe a reminder of the occasional dip into lottery. waters www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/26/w... Thoughts on a telling Thursday.

27.02.2026 02:32 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Heat rally comes up short in critical 124-117 loss in Philadelphia in play-in chase The victories over Pelicans, Hawks and Grizzlies that gave the Heat the 3-game winning streak going into the week were window dressing. Losses like Thursday are what matter for the Heat.

Heat rally comes up short in critical 124-117 loss in Philadelphia in play-in chase. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/26/h... Five Degrees of Heat.

27.02.2026 02:28 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Powell again surfaces on injury report, as Heat extension window remains open As the Miami Heat sort out where they stand in the moment and moving forward, little has been settled when it comes to the long view. For Norman Powell, that particularly has been the case.

Powell again surfaces on injury report, as Heat extension window remains open. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/26/p... Also, Spoelstra explains Smith over Jakucionis in second half vs. Bucks.

26.02.2026 19:34 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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No longer an award favorite, Heat’s Jaquez still finding reward in role as sixth man There was a time earlier this season when the Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. stood as the favorite for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award. Now it’s more about winning moments.

No longer an award favorite, Heat's Jaquez still finding reward in role as sixth man. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/26/n... "I’ve always said, you win, you get what you want. When you don’t win, it makes things a lot more difficult."

26.02.2026 15:08 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0