MIAMI — The focus Wednesday night at Kaseya Center at the Miami Heat’s annual Red, White & Pink intrasquad scrimmage was on both survivors and those battling breast cancer.
That had Heat players and coaches entering alongside those who have fought the battle, are fighting the battle, and medical professionals assisting in that fight.
“Anyone who still is in this fight, we are with you,” coach Erik Spoelstra said at center court, formally introduced for the first time as the next Team USA Olympic coach.
Center Bam Adebayo said the walkout resonated, as it does annually, with teammates agreeing.
“Raising the awareness is huge,” forward Norman Powell said.
It was a particularly meaningful moment for guard Davion Mitchell, whose mother is a cancer survivor.
“This night is really special for me,” he said.
The event was a fundraiser for Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Institute.
“Any time we can give back, obviously battling breast cancer, is a big thing for us, ” guard Tyler Herro said.
Said guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., “It’s great to see all the people come out and support a great cause.”
The scrimmage also opened a window into where the Heat stand from an injury standpoint, now less than a week from Wednesday night’s season opener against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center.
Held out on Wednesday night were Adebayo (knee contusion), Herro (ankle), Terry Rozier (hamstring), Nikola Jovic (back), Kel’el Ware (big toenail removed), Kasparas Jakucionis (right groin strain) and Ethan Thompson (lower-back contusion).
Herro, recovering from last month’s ankle surgery, spoke optimistically of his timetable.
“I’ll be back sooner than later,” he said, “so I’m excited.”
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Adebayo bumped his knee in the third quarter of Monday night’s overtime preseason road loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Jovic missed that game and Sunday night’s exhibition in Orlando with a back issue that has been lingering since training camp. Jakucionis strained his groin in the loss to the Magic. Rozier has been out since training camp, with the Ware issue first revealed Wednesday.
As for the defense-optional scrimmage, Powell led all scorers with 46 points, with Jahmir Young scoring 40. There also were 33 points from Keshad Johnson, who had a triple-double, also with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Heat Red defeated Heat White 154-124.
The Heat, winless through their first five exhibitions, conclude their preseason schedule Friday night against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies.
Our annual Red, White & Pink Game
A night dedicated to honoring fighters, survivors, and the loved ones who inspire us all! pic.twitter.com/vFneJgkshx
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 15, 2025
