Playing in a larger role, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was encouraged by what he saw from rookie Kel'el Ware to help spark a win over the Spurs.

MIAMI—Though the Miami Heat lost to the Portland Trail Blazers devastatingly on Tuesday night, 116-107, the one bright spot came from rookie Kel’el Ware. The long-awaited duo of the Heat’s first-round pick and Bam Adebayo is coming off a game in which they excelled against the Spurs.

Miami Heat center Kel`el Ware is making huge improvements in his first season. Coach Erik Spoelstra said it's more from a standpoint outside of basketball. Ware is putting in work behind the scenes. "It's not just what's going on,