The Miami Heat concluded their week 1-2 against the Milwaukee Bucks and two games against the Indiana Pacers. Their offense looked fluid and multiple players showed great improvement in those games. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Josh Richardson, Caleb Martin, and Kevin Love all made helpful contributions in their bench and or starter roles, all of which were a big help to Miami’s scoring. The Heat’s defense is anything but elite without the help of Bam Adebayo. Thomas Bryant and Orlando Robinson’s inability to switch and make consistent defensive stops were all too telling as the Pacers and Bucks averaged 70% from two-point range and 38% from three against Miami in those three games.
Up next, the Heat head north to play the Toronto Raptors and finish the week back home against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thankfully, Miami’s offense has been a positive in recent weeks. Their three-point firepower will be key in beating a relentless defensive opponent in Toronto, and Cleveland’s talented starting five. With Bam Adebayo and Haywood Highsmith listed as out, the entire team must dig deep against a scrappy Raptors and offensively powerful Cavaliers team. Protecting the paint and defending in transition will be key to Miami’s chances of success. Defensive collapses similar to last week will only make vibes worse.
Twenty games down with a lot of work to do!
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