Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith openly discussed not only his performance in the team’s recent victory over the Philadelphia 76ers but also recounted the car accident he experienced on February 6th. Following the win against the Orlando Magic that night, he collided with an unlit stationary vehicle being moved off the street by individuals, as reported by Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.
There were no drugs or alcohol involved, and although Highsmith wasn’t seriously injured, the person assisting with the vehicle was severely hurt. Coping with such a traumatic incident could make returning to work challenging for anyone. Nevertheless, Highsmith swiftly resumed his duties, stating that “basketball is my peace,” as conveyed by Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel.
“After the 76ers win,” Highsmith expressed, “Basketball is my peace. I wanted to rejoin my teammates and coaches, to be in their company and boost my spirits. It’s been a difficult week or so for me, but I’m taking it one day at a time, and being with my team has been incredibly supportive. The Heat culture, Heat family, had my back, and I’m grateful for that.”
During the game, Highsmith achieved his second-highest scoring performance of the season, garnering 16 points alongside two steals and two rebounds, hitting five of his 13 attempts. Normally not getting many opportunities to shoot, particularly from long range, he capitalized on the openings, sinking four of his 10 shots from beyond the arc.
“That’s the way it goes,” Highsmith remarked. “If people keep leaving me open, I’m going to keep taking those shots. So if that’s how the opposing team wants to play, so be it. I’ll keep shooting, regardless of whether they go in or not.”
“I’m just taking each day as it comes,” Highsmith added. “It won’t be easy, of course, but I’m approaching it one step at a time.”
