Tyler Herro Ruled Out Due to Injury As Miami Heat Take on Denver Nuggets

Tyler Herro Returns for Miami Heat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals

The Miami Heat’s 2022 6th Man of The Year, Tyler Herro, has been upgraded to available for Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, after being out for nearly two months with a hand injury. This is a crucial moment for the Heat, who currently trail the Nuggets 3-1.

Tyler Herro’s Importance to the Miami Heat

The former Kentucky star has been one of the best players for the Heat, averaging 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 43.9% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range during the regular season. In the Playoffs, he was instrumental in their victories over the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics, as well as in their win against the Chicago Bulls in the Play-in tournament.

Herro’s absence due to his injury had been felt by the Heat, who have struggled without his scoring and playmaking abilities. With his return to the lineup, the Heat could potentially be able to force a Game 6 and extend the NBA Finals series.

The Miami Heat’s Playoffs History and Current Situation

The Miami Heat franchise is just the second 8th seed in NBA history to reach the Finals. They have been to the Conference Finals three times and the Finals twice in the last four years, with Tyler Herro playing a significant role in their success. However, they face an uphill battle as they currently trail the Denver Nuggets 3-1 in the NBA Finals.

A loss in Game 5 would result in the Denver Nuggets winning the 2023 NBA Championship. But if Tyler Herro and the Heat can pull off a victory, they would force a Game 6 on Thursday back in Miami. Should there be a Game 7, it would be held in Denver on Sunday.

Final Thoughts

The Miami Heat’s hopes of winning the NBA Championship rest greatly on Tyler Herro’s performance in Game 5 and the potential for him to be the missing piece they need to turn their fortunes around. His return brings a glimmer of hope for Heat fans, who are hoping to see their team fight until the very end and potentially make history as an 8th seed winning the NBA Finals.

If anything, this NBA Finals series has proven that anything can happen in basketball, and the Miami Heat will undoubtedly give it their all in Game 5, with Tyler Herro back on the court.