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Cristobal enters Year 3 of the Miami rebuild, still driven by the pursuit of a return to prominence

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Cristobal enters Year 3 of the Miami rebuild, still driven by the pursuit of a return to prominence


CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Mario Cristobal is not a jewelry guy. Doesn’t wear any. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t possess a bunch of shiny, sparkling things.

Inside Cristobal’s office at Miami, there are at least a dozen of his rings on display. Rings from when he was a player for the Hurricanes. Rings from when he was an assistant under Nick Saban at Alabama. Rings from his time as coach at Oregon. He’s one of only nine current head coaches with multiple conference titles at what until this year was called the Power Five level, after guiding Oregon to a pair of Pac-12 crowns before coming home to Miami.

He won’t wear the next ring that comes his way, either. But he wants it. Badly.

“It’s an unbelievable, addicting feeling that you crave every second while you work,” Cristobal said of those ring-worthy victories. “Not necessarily because of the actual hardware, because I don’t wear any. It’s because of the moments, the accomplishments, the goal setting, the benchmarks that just keep the program on a certain trajectory.”

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Miami hasn’t had that moment yet under Cristobal. In Year 3 of his time as coach of the Hurricanes, he truly believes the program is getting closer. The Hurricanes open the season ranked No. 19 in the AP Top 25, were picked third in the Atlantic Coast Conference’s preseason poll, have the league’s preseason player of the year in transfer quarterback Cam Ward and have a roster transformed by tons of recruiting successes since Cristobal came back to his alma mater.

Now, it’s time to put pieces together.

“At our place we say how you do anything is how you do everything,” Cristobal said. “Whether it be the classroom, the community, how you are at home with your family, how you are in the community with people, how you are in a locker room, on the road, how you are when things are going well or when they’re not going so well and you face adversity. Greatness is being the absolute best you can be all the time. It’s a way of life.”

The rings show that he’s right. He led a turnaround at FIU, led a turnaround at Oregon, and — he believes — is in the midst of another at Miami.

“We have been working really hard to get to a point where our expectations for ourselves continue to grow,” Cristobal said. “We want those. We welcome those.”

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Ward the leader

Ward has energized Miami without taking a snap yet. The Hurricanes still have Emory Williams, who played well in his opportunities at quarterback last season for Miami, but the offense is engineered to run through Ward.

Ward said he’s already clicked nicely with his new head coach.

“I’m already a confident person,” Ward said. “But we have a head coach like that who is going to instill that in not only yourself but the whole team, offense and defense. It’s going to help us later in the season.”

More transfer keys

A pair of big-time transfer portal additions to watch: former Oregon State running back Damien Martinez and former Washington safety Mishael Powell.

Martinez ran for 2,167 yards in two seasons with the Beavers. Powell was a starter for the Huskies. Probably isn’t a coincidence that those two players — and Ward, too — all came from some of Cristobal’s rival schools from his Pac-12 days at Oregon.

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Restrepo chasing history

Xavier Restrepo enters this season 283 receiving yards away from 2,000 in his Miami career. If he gets there, he’d be the 10th Hurricane ever to do that — joining a list that includes Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne, Michael Irvin and Lamar Thomas.

Moss has the Miami record: 2,547. Restrepo needs 830 to tie him and finished last season with 1,092 yards.

Kicking game strong

Kicker Andres Borregales is back for his senior season and should continue his climb up Miami’s all-time scoring list.

Borregales was brilliant in 2023, connecting on 22 of 26 field-goal tries. He’s 56 for 67 on those in his Miami career and has 289 points through three seasons.

Michael Badgley (403) and Carlos Huerta (397) are Miami’s all-time leaders in points. Borregales might have a shot of chasing down their marks this season.

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The schedule

There might be a real argument for a “state championship” in the Sunshine State this year, since 2024 will mark only the fourth time in the last 20 seasons that Miami, Florida and Florida State will all play one another; the Hurricanes open in Gainesville against the Gators on Aug. 31. Florida State comes to Miami Gardens on Oct. 26.

Other games of note: home against Virginia Tech on Sept. 27, the return of former coach Manny Diaz when Duke visits on Nov. 2, and a finale at Syracuse on Nov. 30.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football





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Miami, FL

What’s open and what’s closed in Miami, Broward and Palm Beach for Christmas 2024?

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What’s open and what’s closed in Miami, Broward and Palm Beach for Christmas 2024?



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MIAMI — South Florida shoppers and diners face a familiar question on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: what’s open and what’s not? From supermarkets like Publix and Winn-Dixie closing their doors to convenience stores like 7-Eleven ready to rescue last-minute needs, holiday hours vary widely across the region. 

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Here’s what you need to know about supermarkets, restaurants, shopping malls and more on Dec. 24 and 25: 

South Florida supermarkets

  • Publix: Open on Christmas Eve until 7 p.m.; closed on Christmas Day.
  • Winn-Dixie: Open on Christmas Eve, closing at 9 p.m.; closed on Christmas Day.
  • Aldi: Open on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on Christmas Day.
  • Fresh Market: Christmas Eve hours 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. closed on Christmas Day.
  • Sedano’s: Christmas Eve hours 7 a.m. to 6 p.m; Christmas Day 8 .m. to 6 p.m.
  • Trader Joe’s: Open on Christmas Eve from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Christmas Day.
  • Whole Foods: Many stores open on Christmas Eve with modified hours; closed on Christmas Day.

Department and big retail stores in South Florida

  • Target: Open on Christmas Eve from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed on Christmas Day.  
  • Walmart: Open on Christmas Eve from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed on Christmas Day.
  • Big Lots: Open on Christmas Eve from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed on Christmas Day.  
  • BJ’s Wholesale Club: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Closed on Christmas Day.  
  • Costco: Open on Christmas Eve from 9  a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Christmas Day.
  • Sam’s Club: Open on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed on Christmas Day.

Miami, Broward, Palm Beach pharmacies and convenience stores

  • CVS: Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; hours may vary by location.
  • Walgreens: Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; hours may vary by location.
  • 7-Eleven: Open 24 hours on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

South Florida malls

  • Aventura Mall: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Brickell City Centre: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Broward Mall: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Coral Square Mall: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Dadeland Mall: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Dolphin Mall: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • The Falls: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Florida Keys Outlet Marketplace: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Galleria Fort Lauderdale: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Miami International Mall: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed  on  Christmas Day.
  • Miami Worldcenter: Individual store hours vary on Christmas Eve. Closed on Christmas Day. Lucky Strike, however, is open on Christmas Day from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.
  • Pembroke Lakes Mall: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Sawgrass Mills: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Shops at Merrick Park: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Westland Mall: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.

Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach restaurants

At least some of these restaurants locations are open on Christmas Day: 

Government offices, libraries, garbage collection

  • No services on Christmas Day. 

Mass transit in South Florida

  • Miami-Dade: Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover will run Christmas Day on a Sunday schedule. Metrolink will not be operating. STS customers can reserve or cancel a trip at 305-871-1111.
  • Broward: Broward County Transit buses will run Christmas Day on a Sunday schedule. Trip planning help for fixed and TOPS Paratransit routes will be available 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 954-357-8400 (TTY 954-357-8302).
  • Tri-Rail: The rail service will run on its weekend/holiday schedule.
  • Brightline: Service on Christmas Day.

Please note that hours can vary by location, and some stores may have further modifications. Check with your local store to confirm their specific holiday hours to ensure a smooth shopping experience.



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Adebayo scores 23 points as Heat snap 3-game skid with 110-95 win over Nets – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

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Adebayo scores 23 points as Heat snap 3-game skid with 110-95 win over Nets – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale


MIAMI (AP) — Bam Adebayo scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half and the Miami Heat snapped a three-game skid with a 110-95 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.

Nikola Jovic scored 18 points and Tyler Herro added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Heat, who are 7-0 when holding opponents under 100 points. Miami’s Duncan Robinson had 17 points, shooting 5 for 10 from 3-point range.

Cam Johnson and Noah Clowney each scored 19 points for Brooklyn. The Nets’ Keon Johnson scored 15 and Tyrese Martin finished with 14.

Brooklyn closed the first half on a 17-6 run and cut its deficit to a point at the break. The Heat outscored the Nets 52-38 in the second half.

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Heat star forward Jimmy Butler missed his second straight game because of a stomach illness. Miami reserve guard Dru Smith left the game because of a lower left leg injury early in the second quarter and did not return.

Takeaways

Nets: Brooklyn is 2-8 since a season-best three-game win streak in November. Six of the losses have been by double figures, including two by 25 or more points.

Heat: Miami snapped a three-game skid. The win marked the second time this season Miami avoided a four-game slide.

Key moment

After scoring eight points and squandering a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 121-114 loss at Orlando, Miami began the fourth period Monday with five unanswered points, stretching its lead to 88-78. The Heat outscored Brooklyn 27-17 in the period.

Key stat

Miami shot 21 of 24 from the line, with Adebayo going 7 for 8 and Herro 5 for 6.

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Up next

Both teams are back in action Thursday. The Nets visit Milwaukee and the Heat are at Orlando.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Sitting at .500 again, Miami Heat’s struggles have their season at an impasse

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Sitting at .500 again, Miami Heat’s struggles have their season at an impasse


About a week ago, even amid Jimmy Butler rumors, the Miami Heat were enjoying their longest win streak of the season and hoping to maintain their turnaround to challenge in the Eastern Conference.

Now, they enter the holiday week having lost three in a row, with each loss highlighting a different concern. Blowing a 25-point lead against an injury-depleted Orlando Magic team certainly poses worries, even without Butler in the lineup.

Sealing the deal remains the point of the game, though.

Whether it’s closing out close games (1-6 in matchups decided by three or fewer points) or just beating good teams (5-8 against opponents .500 or better), the Heat are struggling to stand out in ways that broaden their margins. Stretches like the last three games have seen them blow an eight-point lead in overtime within two minutes (at the Detroit Pistons last Monday), lose the battle on the glass against one of the league’s worst rebounding teams (Oklahoma City on Friday) and score eight points in the final period against a team missing its two best players (Orlando on Saturday).

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Even with Butler missing most of the last two games, those results aren’t reassuring. Against Detroit, he had a seemingly flawless game, but Miami still lost by one point. Coming close without the cigar is tough business for any team, but especially one capable of resembling playoff form one moment and suddenly collapsing by the next.

Entering Monday, Miami is still sixth in the East, but it’s closer to Play-In territory than consistently resembling teams who have either weathered storms without their best players (Orlando) or resemble new form after slow starts (Milwaukee is 15-12 after starting 2-8).

“Being able to close out games, a lot of that is my responsibility with Jimmy not here,” Tyler Herro said. “So I’ll be better on Monday and going forward.”

The Heat have an NBA-high six losses by one possession this season, which could pose ample regret down the stretch if the team remains on the outside looking in for postseason hopes. But beyond playing for the playoffs, rumors about Butler’s future make it even tougher to envision this team’s identity beyond this season. Miami has enjoyed great success since acquiring the six-time All-Star in 2019, but stretches like this past weekend illustrate the fine margins it must thrive with, with or without its star player.

On the season, Miami’s net rating swings by plus-8.7 points depending on Butler’s presence. The difference between him being on the court (plus-6.2 net rating) or on the bench (minus-2.5) is that of Miami being either seventh in the NBA or closer to 20th. But coach Erik Spoelstra won’t blame one variable for any loss, even if that variable has star power behind it.

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Whether Butler is injured, ill or (rumored to be) traded, Spoelstra doesn’t dwell on narratives when it comes to wins or losses.

“I’m not thinking any other thought. If guys say they can go, we’re going right now,” Spoelstra said after Friday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, during which Butler played only seven minutes.

From examining depth (hello, extended Kel’el Ware minutes on Saturday!) to simply staying afloat until the team is fully healthy, the Heat will need to succeed at the edges to remain viable in the East playoff picture. No matter how the Butler saga shakes out, Miami will still be relying on Herro and Bam Adebayo to hold things down as Spoelstra remains focused on how to maximize his roster, possessions and, ultimately, the team’s season.

Matchups against teams like the Brooklyn Nets (11-17) can be chances for Miami to start another win streak or simply play its best game of the season, but it would still be only one win against a relative sea of confounding defeats. At this point, how well the Heat carries things from one game to the next will determine their season, but the real test will be how well they carry things from one quarter to the next.

One night, the Heat can beat the team with the NBA’s best record (Cleveland Cavaliers), and on others, they lose two road matchups by a combined three points to a team with Play-In ambitions (Detroit). Now at .500 again, Miami’s identity this season might be stuck somewhere in the middle. No matter how strong its glimpses of potential may seem, inexplicable lapses can only make it harder to maximize a path upward in the East standings or assess how to best retool for the future.

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At this point, the best case for the team (and fans) is to simply take it all one day at a time.

(Photo of Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson: Fernando Medina / Getty Images )



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