We never expected the Miami Heat to get off to a flying start despite the signing of Giannis Antetokounmpo, but we certainly didn’t predict an 0-4 record either. Their latest defeat came against the Dallas Mavericks, who beat them 113-109 in Florida.
The returns of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving to the starting line-up were obviously key. The second-year player delivered an all-round performance with 29 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks to lead a Mavs side that is showing signs of becoming a good team, although it remains unclear whether that will be enough to stop them entertaining trade offers for Kyrie Irving.
The worst thing for the Heat wasn’t just losing, but how it happened. They led for much of the game and even entered the final quarter with a seven-point advantage. It wasn’t enough. Miami conceded an 18-7 run before Flagg and Zaccharie Risacher helped Dallas seal the win in the clutch, with the latter delivering a crucial block in the closing seconds.
The usual Giannis isn’t enough
Giannis Antetokounmpo has started the season in top form. Last night, he did everything he could with a triple-double of 29 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. The Greek star is performing as expected, but the rest of the team is struggling, with the exception of Davion Mitchell, who also did his part with 21 points.
The Heat are lacking both shooting and consistency. Excluding Antetokounmpo, the starters managed just 4 of 21 from three-point range. At times, as Erik Spoelstra has already said, the Heat look like the team they want to become, but if they continue playing in fits and starts, it will be difficult to reach the level they are aiming for.
Bam Adebayo owns up
There were doubts about the fit between Giannis and Bam, and so far, those who questioned their chemistry appear to have been right. Physically, they are both powerhouses, but whether they can develop an effective partnership on offence is another matter.
Against Charlotte, we saw plays being forced to get the centre his shots, but that is exactly the problem: a lack of fluidity. Bam’s shooting struggles are not helping either, as he went just 3 of 10 from the field last night, although he insists it is only a temporary issue.
“My shot isn’t falling. I’m not going to overthink it. It’s funny how from the outside I’m being made into the scapegoat. When the energy changes, get ready for what’s coming,” he declares.
(Photograph by IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)