Terry Rozier told NBA reporter Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald that his trade to the Miami Heat hasn’t been easy.
However, Rozier is enjoying the challenge.
“It’s what every competitor, what every true competitor in my position would want,” Rozier said. “Nothing has been easy, but who the hell wants it easy? Because at the end of the day, I think it’s going to pay off in the long run and you’re going to appreciate times like this.”
Rozier has appeared in 22 games with the Heat. He’s averaging 15.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 41.3% from the field, 30.9% from beyond the arc and 91.1% from the free-throw line.
The Heat are 10-12 with Rozier in the lineup. They acquired the veteran from the Charlotte Hornets in January.
Miami, who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals, is in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 38-31.
The Heat defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers last night (3/20) thanks to Rozier, who scored nine points in the final 1:24, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 14.5 seconds on the clock. Rozier finished with 24 points.
“My teammates and my coaches kept reminding me who I am,” Rozier said. “They told me just to keep shooting. Knowing my guys believed in me meant a lot.”
Added Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra: “This is why we went after Terry. We wanted to have another guy who can make something happen late in games. He’s always been that kind of player in big moments with Charlotte and of course with Boston.”
Rozier was born and raised in Ohio, so it was special for him to put on a show against the Cavaliers.
“Terry put on a show, man, with half the arena there to see him tonight,” Heat star Jimmy Butler said. “Basketball is supposed to be fun and him doing it somewhat at his crib, in front of his people, was something.”
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