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Fresh off a dominant performance in the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs, the Miami Heat will look to continue this trend against the Philadelphia 76ers. Elite play on both ends of the floor has been the driving force behind their recent success. As they move on to the second round of the playoffs, the Heat are also awaiting the return of Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry, both of whom missed time in their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks.
With another big test ahead of them, the Heat will aim to get back to full health and bring their A-game against a streaky Philadelphia 76ers squad. Let's take a look at who their X-factor will be against Philadelphia, cause it surely won't be Jimmy Butler or Kyle Lowry.
Heat's X-Factor during 2022 Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. Sixers: Tyler Herro
This season, Herro has reinvented his game and bounced back in a major way as Miami's sixth man. Not only is he a frontrunner for 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, but he's also been a lifesaver for the Heat all year long. From knocking down shots in the clutch to making big plays for his teammates, Herro has been a spark plug for the Heat all throughout 2021-22.
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If they're hoping to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three seasons, then Herro will have to maintain this level of consistently good play. Last year, Herro's game was flat-out nonexistent. He's witnessed a complete turnaround since then, making a major impact on his team's success. Even though the Sixers will be without the services of Joel Embiid indefinitely, they still possess a ton of talent on the roster that could make things difficult for the Heat.
With Herro's reliable play at combo guard, this will definitely help the Heat out a ton and give them an edge when they face off with a fiery Philadelphia squad. Up to this point in the playoffs, Herro has been phenomenal for the Heat and mustn't lose his way as the Heat have their sights set on an NBA championship.
In his new role with Miami, Herro has thrived and far exceeded expectations after his disappointing play all throughout the 2021-22 season. There's no doubt they'll need more of his postseason heroics as they hope to beat the Sixers handily. Herro will also have to step up his game on defense. This is an area where he's prone to being a liability. However, the Heat are a cohesive unit built on defensive tenacity and he'll have to do his part if they are to win this series.
Herro's offense may bail them out on the scoreboard, but providing the Heat with some additional defense that will allow them to make stops is also of utter importance. Now that he's gotten his groove back, Herro will have to maintain this level of production to keep the Heat's title hopes alive.
