South Florida

Before the Miami Heat starts 2025 season, let's see 2024 highlights, lowlights

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

The articles focus on five main storylines that shape the Miami Heat’s 2025 outlook. All of them track the team’s performance, changes to the lineup, player health, adjustments in response to defeats, and new plans for the preseason.

Jimmy Butler’s return from injury sparked a comeback win over the 76ers and showed his importance to the team. The All-Star break revealed struggles, including player illnesses, injuries, and blown leads. Miami released its home preseason schedule, including three games at Kaseya Center with dates set in October. The Heat’s recent loss to the Mavericks highlighted the need for better late-game execution as the roster continued to deal with health setbacks.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks to shoot while defended by Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry (7) and center Joel Embiid (21) during the first half of an NBA game at Kaseya Center on Nov. 18, 2024, in Miami.

NO. 1: JIMMY BUTLER RETURNS, LEADS HEAT TO COMEBACK WIN OVER 76ERS. TAKEAWAYS AND DETAILS FROM VICTORY

Jimmy Butler made his presence felt in his return, leading the Heat to a win over the 76ers. | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) reacts as he prepares to shoot before the first half of an NBA game at Kaseya Center on Nov. 18, 2024, in Miami.

NO. 2: JIMMY ‘BEST PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE’ BUTLER BACK. HEAT WANTS TO KEEP HIM FEELING ‘YOUTHFUL’

One of the Heat’s biggest goals this season: keep Jimmy Butler fresh and healthy. | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) celebrates with teammates during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. By Kevin Jairaj

NO. 3: HEAT ENTERS ALL-STAR BREAK AT LOWEST POINT OF ITS SEASON YET: ‘WE’RE DISAPPOINTED, WE’RE FRUSTRATED’

The Heat reaches the All-Star break at the lowest point of its season yet. | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots a game-winning buzzer beater over Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) during the second half of an NBA game at Kaseya Center on April 3, 2025, in Miami. By D.A. Varela

NO. 4: HEAT’S WINNING STREAK ENDS AT SIX, FALLING TO GRIZZLIES ON JA MORANT’S GAME-WINNER. TAKEAWAYS

The Heat’s winning streak is over. | Published April 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

Miami Heat players react on the court while huddling up during the first half of Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Kaseya Center on April 26, 2025, in Miami. By D.A. Varela

NO. 5: HEAT RELEASES DETAILS AND TICKET INFO FOR 2025 HOME PRESEASON SCHEDULE

The Heat’s home preseason schedule is out. | Published June 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.