(ThyBlackMan.com) For Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, his second appearance in the NBA Three-Point Contest was not just an opportunity for redemption—it was his moment to shine. After an early exit in his first attempt during the 2023 All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Herro returned to the competition with a renewed focus and came out victorious on Saturday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Herro’s journey to this title was anything but easy. Competing against some of the best sharpshooters in the NBA, he faced immense pressure from the get-go. But through precision, composure, and a knack for clutch shooting, he outdueled the competition, posting a final-round score of 24 to edge out Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland.
Redemption and Victory: Herro’s Path to the Crown
The Three-Point Contest follows a two-round, timed shooting format, and only the top three players advance to the championship round. Herro’s first-round performance wasn’t dominant, but it was enough to keep his hopes alive. His 19-point outing secured the third-best score, allowing him to progress to the final round alongside Hield and Garland.
With everything on the line, Herro showcased his composure and deep-range shooting ability in the championship round. His final-round score of 24 put immense pressure on his competitors, and when the dust settled, it was just enough to claim the title. Hield, who had the opportunity to tie Herro in the final moments, fell one point short after making only one of his two “Starry Range” shots worth three points each. Garland finished in third place with a score of 19, making Herro’s victory even sweeter.
A Historic Win for Herro and the Heat
Herro’s triumph makes him the fifth player in Miami Heat history to win the Three-Point Contest, joining the likes of Glen Rice (1995), Jason Kapono (2007), Daequan Cook (2009), and James Jones (2011). This victory also cements the Heat’s status as the most successful franchise in Three-Point Contest history, with five trophies. The Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics trail closely behind with four each.
For Miami Heat president Pat Riley, who watched the contest from the stands, Herro’s win was a special moment. As Herro celebrated on the court, he and Riley exchanged a knowing glance and a gesture of mutual respect. The young guard acknowledged Riley’s unwavering belief in him, which added another layer of meaning to his achievement.
“It means a lot,” Herro said after his victory. “A lot of great shooters and some of the greatest players to ever play the game have won this competition. To put my name in the history books alongside them is an honor.”
A Stellar Season and a Tough Road Ahead
At 25 years old, Herro is having the best season of his career. Averaging career-highs in points (23.9), rebounds (5.5), and assists (5.5) per game, he’s proving to be a vital piece for the Heat. His shooting efficiency is also at an all-time high, hitting 46.5% from the field and knocking down 38% of his three-point attempts on a career-high 9.7 attempts per game.
However, despite Herro’s individual success, the Heat have struggled collectively. Entering the All-Star break on a four-game losing streak, they find themselves in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. Herro, though, remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory.
“Honestly, I think our record isn’t where we want it to be, but I feel like there’s a breath of fresh air around our locker room, our arena, our city,” Herro said. “I think there’s positive energy building within our organization, and I’m happy to represent the Heat with this win.”
Fan Reactions: Herro’s Victory Electrifies Social Media
Following his win, Heat fans and NBA analysts took to social media to celebrate Herro’s moment. Many pointed out how impressive it was for him to bounce back after last year’s early exit and win the competition in just his second attempt.
“Tyler Herro took that L last year and turned it into a W. That’s a champion’s mentality!” one fan tweeted.
“Herro was an underdog in this contest, but he delivered when it mattered most. Love to see it!” another fan posted.
Heat legend Dwyane Wade also weighed in, tweeting: “Big time win for Tyler! Miami shooters different.”
Even non-Heat fans showed respect for Herro’s performance, with some praising his poise in the final round.
“Buddy Hield is a sniper, but Herro was ice cold under pressure. That’s what separates good shooters from great ones,” an NBA analyst remarked.
A Memorable All-Star Weekend with More to Come
Herro’s weekend is far from over. After securing the Three-Point Contest trophy, he will also make his first-ever appearance in the NBA All-Star Game as Miami’s lone representative on Sunday night. His presence in the game is another testament to his growth and importance to the Heat’s future.
Meanwhile, All-Star Saturday Night saw other thrilling moments, including Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley winning the Skills Challenge for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic guard Mac McClung taking home his third consecutive Slam Dunk Contest title. But for Miami Heat fans, Herro’s win was the highlight of the night.
As Herro prepares to take the floor for his first All-Star Game, his confidence is at an all-time high. Winning the Three-Point Contest is just another step in his evolution, and if his performance this season is any indication, he’s ready to take on bigger challenges ahead.
The Miami Heat may be struggling, but with Herro leading the charge, they have a sharpshooter who’s ready to help turn their season around.
Staff Writer; Jamar Jackson
