Fri Jan 24 02:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Heat Fall to Trail Blazers in Herro’s Absence
**MIAMI, FL** – The Miami Heat suffered a 116-107 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday night at Kaseya Center, hampered by the absence of guard Tyler Herro due to right groin tightness. Herro, who celebrated his 25th birthday on Monday, missed his first game of the season. His absence was keenly felt, as the Trail Blazers secured their sixth road win of the season.
Coach Erik Spoelstra cited Herro’s absence as a significant factor in the defeat, noting a decline in the team’s overall execution. Herro, averaging a team-high 24 points per game, was ruled out about an hour before tip-off after waking up with groin tightness. The team’s offensive struggles were evident despite strong performances from rookie Kel’el Ware (20 points, 16 rebounds), Duncan Robinson (22 points), and Jimmy Butler (13 points).
Despite the loss, center Bam Adebayo expressed confidence in the team’s offensive execution, attributing the defeat to missed shots rather than a breakdown in their game plan. Herro’s increased offensive responsibility this season, particularly given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jimmy Butler’s future with the team, highlights his importance to the Heat. Butler recently returned from a seven-game suspension.
First Piper 