Heat Extinguish Warriors Despite Missing Key Players
The Miami Heat delivered a commanding performance against a depleted Golden State Warriors squad, securing a hard-fought victory in their NBA regular season matchup. The game took place at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida on Thursday, November 20, 2025 (Philippine Time), with the Heat capitalizing on the Warriors' injury woes to climb higher in the Eastern Conference standings.
Key Performers Shine for Miami
Norman Powell emerged as the game's top scorer, pouring in 25 points to lead the Heat's offensive charge. Bam Adebayo provided crucial support with 20 points, while former Warrior Andrew Wiggins contributed 17 points against his old team. Rookie Kel'el Ware made his presence felt on the boards, pulling down an impressive 16 rebounds to control the paint.
The game featured a memorable moment when Adebayo flashed three fingers after a successful three-pointer by teammate Simone Fontecchio, demonstrating the team's growing chemistry and confidence in each other's shooting abilities.
Warriors Struggle With Absent Stars
Golden State faced significant challenges with four of their highest-paid players sidelined due to various injuries. Stephen Curry missed the game with an ankle injury, while Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga were also unavailable. The Warriors' financial investment in these absent players totals approximately $162 million in combined salary.
Despite the missing firepower, Brandin Podziemski stepped up with 20 points for Golden State, followed by Quinten Post with 19 points and Buddy Hield with 18 points. The Warriors also played without Al Horford, who was resting after their previous game against Orlando Magic.
Standings Impact and Team Records
With this victory, Miami improved to 9-6 on the season, moving up to sixth position in the competitive Eastern Conference. The Heat managed this despite being without guard Tyler Herro, who continues to recover from an offseason ankle injury.
The Warriors fell to 9-8 with the loss, currently occupying the eighth spot in the Western Conference. The game highlighted the depth challenges both teams face as they navigate the long NBA season while managing player health and recovery.
