The Miami Heat have emerged as the current best team in the NBA. No, it’s not because they’ve had a cupcake-like schedule but it’s their style of play. The Heat were one of the teams who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season and they responded in the off season by adding champions Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker — who has changed the offensive and defensive dynamic of this team. And based on their first few games, it’s clear that the Heat have one of if not the best defensive teams in the league.
The number one pleasant surprise for the Heat is the fact that they’re not just good on defense but they’re excellent. They’re the hottest team in the league because of how they’ve locked up all their opponents. It seems even the best offensive teams have a hard time scoring on them because the Heat’s starting five alone (Bam Adebayo, Lowry, Tucker, Butler, Duncan Robinson) can collectively put up a fight against anyone.
The Miami Heat defense this season 😮🔥 pic.twitter.com/owJFQ1gpIR
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 2, 2021
In this clip below, observe how the Heat works on the defensive end. They’re disciplined, know their own rotations and it’s clear that they make an effort to game plan for their opponents. They’re constantly communicating, switching, and making the right reads. It also helps that the team is collectively smart with the IQ of defensive-minded players like Adebayo, Butler, Tucker and Lowry combined. If this isn't clamp city, I don’t know what is.
Miami’s defense vs. Dallas was ridiculous. The Heat defense is insane.
-Bam switches onto Luka made him miserable. Jimmy was all over him fullcourt.
-Rotations are so good. They scramble so well.
-They double to help Robinson, then are so good at scrambling to cover for it. pic.twitter.com/KPaPPRTvmw— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) November 3, 2021
The Heat’s defense can help the Heat win not just the Eastern Conference but also the Finals. Not only are they versatile but they’ve also embraced their defense as part of their identity. This can end up huge for them especially in the playoffs where the game slows down and elite defense is a must to get to the top. The Playoffs is about defensive adjustments and assignments and from the looks of it, the Heat are already well capable of achieving that as early as now.
The Heat have a 94.0 defensive rating this season.
That would be the best defense by any team since the three-point era (1980). pic.twitter.com/3imU9GlIOp
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 30, 2021
The number one challenge for the Heat is to stay healthy and maintain this kind of level they’re playing with right now. It’s not going to be easy given their age and injury history but if their defense continues to hold their opponents’ offense then maybe they can find ways to manage during games. When they’re complete and operating on both ends of the floor, they’re a real threat.
Lastly, Miami’s defense also strengthens the case for Butler to win the MVP and Adebayo’s chances to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. That’s how impressive this defense is because it’s collectively become their biggest weapon to start the season. The best part about this Heat squad is not only are they a threat on defense but they're also a really good offensive team with Tyler Herro, Butler, Adebayo, Lowry and an injured Victor Oladipo who is poised to return this season. If this continues to hold up for the Heat, there's no doubt that they'll be the best team in the league.
Follow Us
Subscribe