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Miami Heat: A deep dive into the hottest team in the NBA

By Justin Chen

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 16: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts after making a basket during the third quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Kaseya Center on November 16, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 16: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts after making a basket during the third quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Kaseya Center on November 16, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro
Miami Heat Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro (Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports) /

Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro

We all know what Jimmy Butler can bring to the table, but all eyes were going to Miami’s young stars Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. After Pat Riley said that he needed a 25-point-per-game scorer and needed Adebayo and Herro to step up, they have done just that. Despite being in trade talks and rumors all summer long, Herro has proved everyone wrong, averaging 25/5/5 just before he went down.

Through the early woes, the guard was the main offensive drive for Miami and was monumental for the early wins during the streak. With Herro out for a few weeks with a sprained ankle, it’s a “next man up” mentality for Spo and the Heat and now it’s been on Adebayo’s shoulders.

Adebayo has finally emerged as a consistent 20-point, 10-rebound player. It’s no coincidence that Adebayo’s big games have resulted in Miami wins. All starting with a 22-point, 19-rebound, and 10-assist game against the Lakers, the big man has kept it up with double-doubles during the win-streak. Though the offensive production has been a welcome sight for both Riley and Heat fans, his defensive play remains one of the best in the league.

He’s held opposing guards and centers alike to poor shooting nights. To name a few, Adebayo has held Jaren Jackson Jr. to 14 points on 5-13 shooting, rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama to four points on 2-6 shooting, and Jaylen Brown to four points and 2-9 from the field.

Though his name has been left off the top-five spots for Defensive Player of the Year odds so far, he’s proved that those odds were made by the untrained eye.

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