After being out with a quad tendon injury, that he suffered in a 2021 game against the Toronto Raptors, Victor Oladipo returned to the Heat lineup against the Houston Rockets. Oladipo played 15 minutes against his former team and scored 11 points, four rebounds, and an assist.
Oladipo shared after the game that he is still getting stronger, but he looked better in his return to the Heat in comparison to him returning with the Pacers in January of 2019.
“Honestly, it’s night and day, to be honest with you. I think I pretty much look better than when I did the very first time back in Indy, too,” Oladipo said of his initial quadriceps surgery that resulted in two uneven seasons after two All-Star years in Indiana. “You know, I’m still getting stronger, still getting better.
“Keep getting better, one game at a time, that’s what I want to do.”
Erik Spoelstra talked about Oladipo building confidence and a consistent rhythm.
“And that’s what it’s going to be right now, and just keep on building rhythm and confidence, and his spirit is great about it,” Spoelstra said, with the Heat turning their attention to Wednesday night’s nationally televised visit by the league-leading Phoenix Suns to FTX Arena.
Following the Heat’s 123-106 victory on March 7, 2022, Victor Oladipo called it DIPODAY and released Victor Oladipo’s effects on Instagram. In the short clip, Oladipo has his Heat jersey over his hoodie and can be heard saying, “Oh, what a day.”
The Miami Heat will host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday at 7:30 pm EST.
About the Author
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
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