The Miami Heat has some figuring out to do on the offensive end; if they can do that, they have the potential to be scary good.
Through the first four games of the season, there is a lot to be encouraged about for the Miami Heat. Perhaps what’s most encouraging is that the team already has two signature wins through the first week of the season, blowing out the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets.
The fact that Miami has done this while being relatively average on the offensive end is perhaps what’s most impressive about this team. The Heat hasn’t been anything spectacular on the offensive side of the court; in fact, they rank 15th in the league in offensive rating through four games.
The Heat is just shooting 44.6 percent from the field overall as a team (ranked 18th in the league) and just 30.6 percent from 3-point range (with ranks 27th in the league).
The reason why they’re able to get away with this is due to their overwhelming defensive ability. Where the Heat leaves much to be desired on the offensive end, it more than makes up for it defensively.
Through four games, Miami is ranked first in the league in defensive rating, surrendering just 92 points per 100 possessions.
The big question is which of these early-season trends is more likely to last and which is more likely to bust for the Heat? The team’s roster suggests that the Heat should have a better offense. Neither Kyle Lowry nor Duncan Robinson has really got in rhythm at any point this season.
They’re part of the key to the Heat turning their offense around.
You’d expect this Heat team to figure it out sooner rather than later. With so many different additions to this rotation, it was always going to take some time for Miami to gel on the offensive end.
Defensively, it’s a bit of a quicker transition for new players. The Heat has defenders all over the floor, and above-average ones at that.
Plus, if there’s one thing that this franchise has continuously leaned on, it’s being tough on the defensive end of the floor.
Of course, for this team to really take a big step in the contender direction, they’re going to need to remain a top 5 defense and get their offense into, at least, top 10 in the league. It’s not inconceivable either.
If the Heat can play up to its potential, this is a championship contender. At this point, it’s hard to deny that. Miami already has a couple of signature wins on the season and this team still isn’t 100 percent comfortable playing with each other.
If Miami can remain healthy, it’s going to be interesting to see how this team looks in March and April.
The Heat has gotten off to a great start and has already sent multiple messages to the rest of the contenders in the conference. If this team figures out itself on the offensive end, they have the potential to be scary good this season.