NBA- Vincent hailed in Heat win over Sixers

Gabe Vincent impressed on his return to the starting line-up for Miami Heat in their 120-85 blowout win over the Philadelphia Sixers in game five of the semi-final play-offs on Tuesday at the FXT Arena in Miami.

Vincent scored 15 points, five rebounds and two assists and one steal in 28 minutes while he also helped the side hold off the offensive James Harden to just 14 points and four assists in 36 minutes of action.

D’Tigers captain to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo last year got the nod to start the game ahead of Victor Oladipo after starting point guard Kyle Lowry was ruled out of the game due to a left hamstring strain.

The 25-year-old has been instrumental for the Heat in games he has started in the post-season averaging 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.0 steals in 28.4 minutes per game. The Heat are also 5-0 in those games.

Vincent was hailed by his coach Erik Spoestra and teammate Max Strus for his impact in the team during the play-offs.

“Gabe, obviously, what he’s been able to do is just really tough,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

“He’s had probably seven different roles just in this playoff run with us. It sometimes changes from one half to the next and he’s handled it with great stability and grace.”

Strus added, “Gabe’s been phenomenal,” guard Max Strus said. “He’s had 10 different roles in the playoffs already in two rounds. He’s a special player and special teammate. He does whatever he’s asked of. Whether that’s starting, coming off the bench, scoring, facilitating — he just does whatever he needs to do. He’s just solid through everything.”