Ira Winderman
@irawinderman.bsky.social
Covering the Miami Heat for the South Florida Sun Sentinel
Heat again proving turning to Powell play gives them a man advantage; Herro remains out, Larsson upgraded. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/02/h... Includes full Heat injury report.
Heat again proving turning to Powell play gives them a man advantage; Herro remains out, Larsson upgraded
The greatest hits keep coming from Norman Powell, as the validation of offseason trade theft continues for the Miami Heat.
www.sun-sentinel.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Heat again proving turning to Powell play gives them a man advantage; Herro remains out, Larsson upgraded. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/02/h... Includes full Heat injury report.
Why are the Heat now thriving in the third? "Our coach is a maniac." www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/02/w... Spoelstra, "Everybody was talking about that, that we need to have more consistency coming out of the locker room."
Why are the Heat now thriving in the third? ‘Our coach is a maniac’
When the going wasn’t good for the Miami Heat, when the losses were coming eight times in nine games, a sense of dread often coincided with the start of the second half. Now? Not so much.
www.sun-sentinel.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Why are the Heat now thriving in the third? "Our coach is a maniac." www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/02/w... Spoelstra, "Everybody was talking about that, that we need to have more consistency coming out of the locker room."
Has Heat's Davion Mitchell unfairly gone overlooked? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/02/a... Plus: Remaining schedule; Heat whiplash.
ASK IRA: Has Heat’s Davion Mitchell unfairly gone overlooked?
For all the talk of Norman Powell and Kel’el Ware, has Davion Mitchell unfairly flown below the Miami Heat radar?
www.sun-sentinel.com
January 2, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Has Heat's Davion Mitchell unfairly gone overlooked? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/02/a... Plus: Remaining schedule; Heat whiplash.
Winderman's view: Heat stand tall with power play of their own vs. Pistons. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/01/w... Thoughts on a New Year's revelation.
Winderman’s view: Heat stand tall with power play of their own vs. Pistons
Ira Winderman’s perspectives and other items of note from the Miami Heat’s Thursday night game against the Detroit Pistons.
www.sun-sentinel.com
January 2, 2026 at 2:47 AM
Winderman's view: Heat stand tall with power play of their own vs. Pistons. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/01/w... Thoughts on a New Year's revelation.
Heat hold on behind Powell's 36 for signature 118-112 victory over East-leading Pistons. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/01/h... Five Degrees of Heat.
Heat hold on behind Powell’s 36 for signature 118-112 victory over East-leading Pistons
As he exited Kaseya Center Monday night, Bam Adebayo said there is no better way to end a year than with a win. Apparently, the Miami Heat believe there is no better way to start the year.
www.sun-sentinel.com
January 2, 2026 at 2:42 AM
Heat hold on behind Powell's 36 for signature 118-112 victory over East-leading Pistons. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/01/h... Five Degrees of Heat.
Heat's Jaime Jaquez Jr. now with eyes on teammates as well as eyes on the rim. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/01/h... Plus: More on pace race; respect due Detroit; injury update.
Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. now with eyes on teammates as well as eyes on the rim
When it came to making plays over his first two seasons, the Miami Heat’ Jaime Jaquez Jr. was adept at making plays…for Jaime Jaquez Jr. This season, he is making sure everyone eats.
www.sun-sentinel.com
January 1, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Heat's Jaime Jaquez Jr. now with eyes on teammates as well as eyes on the rim. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/01/h... Plus: More on pace race; respect due Detroit; injury update.
Kel'el Ware's 3-point prowess no longer a novelty, with Heat 7-footer now a league leader. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/01/k... "I have faith in my shot, enough to let it go and trust that it’s going to go in."
Kel’el Ware’s 3-point prowess no longer a novelty, with Heat 7-footer now a league leader
The story at the start of the season was of a Miami Heat big man taking his game to the 3-point arc, spacing the floor, forcing defenses to adjust. Still is, just a different big man.
www.sun-sentinel.com
January 1, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Kel'el Ware's 3-point prowess no longer a novelty, with Heat 7-footer now a league leader. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/01/k... "I have faith in my shot, enough to let it go and trust that it’s going to go in."
Do Heat have to prioritize Jakucionis development? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/01/a... Plus: More play-in; Adebayo offense.
ASK IRA: Do Heat have to prioritize Jakucionis development?
Is Kasparas Jakucionis as a spectator not in the Miami Heat’s best interest?
www.sun-sentinel.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:29 PM
Do Heat have to prioritize Jakucionis development? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/01/a... Plus: More play-in; Adebayo offense.
Current ankle sprain not as serious as previous sprain for Heat's Larsson; Herro again out. vs. Pistons www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/31/c... "I just keep stepping on people’s foot, and, yeah, just getting a little bit unlucky at the moment."
Current ankle sprain not as serious as previous sprain for Heat’s Larsson; Herro again out vs. Pistons
If it’s not one ankle, it’s another for Pelle Larsson. So there was the second-year Heat guard again working on the side at practice Wednesday at Kaseya Center.
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 31, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Current ankle sprain not as serious as previous sprain for Heat's Larsson; Herro again out. vs. Pistons www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/31/c... "I just keep stepping on people’s foot, and, yeah, just getting a little bit unlucky at the moment."
Heat have 140 reasons why the pace race puts them on their best footing. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/31/h... To Erik Spoelstra, it's pretty basic, "The slower we play, I think the more average we become."
Heat have 140 reasons why the pace race puts them on their best footing
It is the offensive explosions, the ones that came at the start of this season and have returned over the past week, that have turned heads when it comes to this season’s Miami Heat.
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Heat have 140 reasons why the pace race puts them on their best footing. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/31/h... To Erik Spoelstra, it's pretty basic, "The slower we play, I think the more average we become."
Are Heat positioned to contend with Pistons' bulk? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/31/a... Plus: The Herro waiting game; the Goldin rule.
ASK IRA: Are Heat positioned to contend with Pistons’ bulk?
Is it time for Miami Heat to stand toe to toe with the Detroit Pistons?
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Are Heat positioned to contend with Pistons' bulk? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/31/a... Plus: The Herro waiting game; the Goldin rule.
Heat glad Nikola Jovic putting kid stuff behind, "leave that other Niko in the past." www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/30/h... Jovic, "For me it was to stop looking at basketball as a hobby and something that I love, and look at it more as a job, as a professional, because that’s what I am now."
Heat glad Jovic putting kid stuff behind, ‘leave that other Niko in the past’
Since Nikola Jovic was drafted as a 19-year-old, the emphasis from the Miami Heat staff has been for him to appreciate what is required to be a professional. Consider it a lesson learned.
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 30, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Heat glad Nikola Jovic putting kid stuff behind, "leave that other Niko in the past." www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/30/h... Jovic, "For me it was to stop looking at basketball as a hobby and something that I love, and look at it more as a job, as a professional, because that’s what I am now."
Heat's Erik Spoelstra casts a vote for Kel'el Ware-Bam Adebayo, "The double-big lineup, that's important." www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/30/h... Spoelstra, "Their physicality was really important in their minutes together."
Heat’s Spoelstra casts a vote for Ware-Adebayo, ‘The double-big lineup, that’s important’
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra knows he needs his big lineup to work, the one that features Kel’el Ware alongside Bam Adebayo, which proved efficient in the victory over the Denver Nuggets
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 30, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Heat's Erik Spoelstra casts a vote for Kel'el Ware-Bam Adebayo, "The double-big lineup, that's important." www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/30/h... Spoelstra, "Their physicality was really important in their minutes together."
Is Heat bench boost as good as it gets? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/30/a... Plus: Jaquez assists; Herro time.
ASK IRA: Is Heat bench boost as good as it gets?
Has Erik Spoelstra crafted a bench that can endure beyond even the Miami Heat’s current success?
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Is Heat bench boost as good as it gets? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/30/a... Plus: Jaquez assists; Herro time.
Winderman's view: Heat bench sizzles, then suffers as Larsson goes down again. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/29/w... Thoughts on a Monday of meaning.
Winderman’s view: Heat bench sizzles, then suffers as Larsson goes down again
Ira Winderman’s perspectives and other items of note from the Miami Heat’s Monday night game against the Denver Nuggets.
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Winderman's view: Heat bench sizzles, then suffers as Larsson goes down again. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/29/w... Thoughts on a Monday of meaning.
Adebayo returns as Heat extend win streak to three with 147-123 decision of Nuggets, as Jokic goes down. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/29/a... Five Degrees of Heat.
Adebayo returns as Heat extend win streak to three with 147-123 decision of Nuggets, as Jokic goes down
For years, the Miami Heat have been struggling to find a way against the Denver Nuggets. Monday night, through the Nuggets’ pain, the Heat found that way.
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Adebayo returns as Heat extend win streak to three with 147-123 decision of Nuggets, as Jokic goes down. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/29/a... Five Degrees of Heat.
Heat notebook: Jaime Jaquez Jr.'s "something out of nothing" again boosting Heat. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/29/j... Also: The Wiggins boost; Heat trail in All-Star vote: Heat G League milestone.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s ‘something out of nothing’ again boosting Heat
From the moment the Miami Heat moved to this season’s high-octane offense that emphasizes rim attacks, Jaime Jaquez Jr. experienced a revival.
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 29, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Heat notebook: Jaime Jaquez Jr.'s "something out of nothing" again boosting Heat. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/29/j... Also: The Wiggins boost; Heat trail in All-Star vote: Heat G League milestone.
As Nikola Jovic gets back up to speed, Heat embracing "a whole new dynamic." www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/29/a... Spoelstra, "We know how important he can be and how different we can look when he’s playing that style of basketball."
As Nikola Jovic gets back up to speed, Heat embracing ‘a whole new dynamic’
The Nikola Jovic factor is real for the Miami Heat. The question is whether Nikola Jovic is.
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:08 PM
As Nikola Jovic gets back up to speed, Heat embracing "a whole new dynamic." www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/29/a... Spoelstra, "We know how important he can be and how different we can look when he’s playing that style of basketball."
Has Tyler Herro become the Heat's Tua? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/29/a... Plus: When healthy; play-in.
ASK IRA: Has Tyler Herro become the Heat’s Tua?
When it comes to availability, is Terry Herro the Miami Heat’s version of the Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa?
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 29, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Has Tyler Herro become the Heat's Tua? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/29/a... Plus: When healthy; play-in.
Heat's Adebayo acknowledges having not been himself, "got to a point where I had to sit." www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/28/h... "It was one of those nagging injuries. I finally had to sit down."
Heat’s Adebayo acknowledges having not been himself, ‘got to a point where I had to sit’
Even as the shots weren’t falling, Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo refused to sit down. Eventually, pride gave way to reality.
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 28, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Heat's Adebayo acknowledges having not been himself, "got to a point where I had to sit." www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/28/h... "It was one of those nagging injuries. I finally had to sit down."
Will continuity clarify or convolute when it comes to Heat's rotation? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/28/a... Plus: Bam-less; Pelle's face.
ASK IRA: Will continuity clarify or convolute when it comes to Heat’s rotation?
When everyone is back, then what for Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat?
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 28, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Will continuity clarify or convolute when it comes to Heat's rotation? Latest "Ask Ira" at www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/28/a... Plus: Bam-less; Pelle's face.
Heat make it two in a row, power past NBA-worst Pacers 142-116 as Adebayo, Herro sit again. sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/27/h... Five Degrees of Heat.
Heat make it two in a row, power past NBA-worst Pacers 142-116 as Adebayo, Herro sit again
After losing 8 of 9, the Miami Heat have now won two in a row with Saturday night’s victory over the Indiana Pacers.
sun-sentinel.com
December 28, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Heat make it two in a row, power past NBA-worst Pacers 142-116 as Adebayo, Herro sit again. sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/27/h... Five Degrees of Heat.
Winderman's view: Apparently pain real for Adebayo, as Heat again win in his absence. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/27/w... Thoughts on a satisfying shorthanded Saturday.
Winderman’s view: Apparently pain real for Adebayo, as Heat again win in his absence
Ira Winderman’s perspectives and other items of note from the Miami Heat’s Saturday night game against the Indiana Pacers.
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 28, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Winderman's view: Apparently pain real for Adebayo, as Heat again win in his absence. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/27/w... Thoughts on a satisfying shorthanded Saturday.
From puke to pressed into action, Heat Larsson hits the ground running in return. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/27/f... Spoelstra, "Whether it was on the bike initially, it was just all out — almost a level of throwing up. I walked in on one of those sessions."
From puke to pressed into action, Heat Larsson hits the ground running in return
For Pelle Larsson, there is only one speed. Even when the second-year Miami Heat guard was out of view, it was still a matter of life in the fast lane.
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 27, 2025 at 4:48 PM
From puke to pressed into action, Heat Larsson hits the ground running in return. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/27/f... Spoelstra, "Whether it was on the bike initially, it was just all out — almost a level of throwing up. I walked in on one of those sessions."
Sunday notes on a Saturday: Reality should have Heat as sellers, rather than potentially being left empty-handed. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/27/i... Plus: Rozier, Porter, Butler, Love, Wiggins, more.
Ira Winderman: Reality should have Heat as sellers, rather than potentially being left empty-handed
Losing provides no rewards, but reality can. That makes this a December the Miami Heat should remember. Because sometimes objects aren’t closer than they appear.
www.sun-sentinel.com
December 27, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Sunday notes on a Saturday: Reality should have Heat as sellers, rather than potentially being left empty-handed. www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/27/i... Plus: Rozier, Porter, Butler, Love, Wiggins, more.