Winderman’s view: Caleb Martin energizes Heat when needed most

Observations and other notes of interest from Friday night’s 110-105 victory over the Orlando Magic:

– The contributions were subtle.

– But when there are contributions from Caleb Martin, the Heat are a better team.

– Those contributions came when needed Friday night.

– While there still appears to be hesitation with the 3-point launches, Martin was scrappy, energetic, disruptive.

– His activity helped spark the fourth-quarter revival.

– And allowed the Heat to buy extra rest for Jimmy Butler.

– For weeks, even after his return, the quad injury has been a factor.

– Martin has acknowledged as much.

– But also has played through.

– Then came early foul trouble Friday.

– But perhaps that also allowed him to reload late.

– From the triple-clutch driving layup.

– To the diving rebound.

– While Butler and Bam Adebayo had the numbers, this was built on supporting efforts such as Martin’s.

– And Gabe Vincent’s.

– And Max Strus’.

– So the Heat found a way, completing a 3-0 homestand.

– Meanwhile, not sure how egregious Dewayne Dedmon’s blowup with Erik Spoelstra was on the Heat bench two weeks ago, but it might be time for a second chance.

– It’s almost as if Orlando Robinson has reached an expiration date with his growth.

– Yes, Robinson screens and doesn’t make mistakes.

– But sometimes you need more on nights such as Friday, when Adebayo picked up three first-half fouls.

– Perhaps it will be Omer Yurtseven to the rescue.

– But right now, there is a decided void behind Adebayo in the middle.

– And it’s not as if this roster has a power forward who can move into the middle.

– With Butler back from his one-game absence, the Heat got back to their preferred starting lineup of Adebayo, Martin, Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro and Butler.

– With the start, Lowry tied Marvin Williams and Luol Deng for 92nd on the NBA all-time list, moving past Chris Webber for 94th.

– With Butler back, Jamal Cain was inactive to save the Heat an NBA day on his two-way contract.

– The only sidelined Heat players were Nikola Jovic, Omer Yurtseven and Duncan Robinson.

– Two early fouls on Martin had Victor Oladipo entering as the Heat’s first sub, midway through the opening period.

– That had Butler at power forward, with a three-guard mix of Herro, Lowry and Oladipo.

– Orlando Robinson followed, again playing as backup center ahead of Dewayne Dedmon.

– Vincent was third off the Heat bench.

–Vincent then converted his first 3-point attempt, after the Heat’s 0-for-5 start.

– Herro’s second assist moved him past Udonis Haslem for 19th on the Heat all-time list.

– Lowry’s third 3-point attempt was the 5,600th of his career.

– Butler’s first steal moved him past Ray Williams for 97th on the NBA all-time list and tied Grant Long for 96th.

– Adebayo’s fifth basket moved him past Eddie Jones for 10th on the Heat all-time list.