The Miami Heat defeated Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz on Friday night, giving the Jazz just their seventh loss on the year. With the league's best record right now, Utah has been a dominant force in the NBA so far this season. However, Miami turned up the heat on defense in this matchup, causing problems for Utah they have yet to deal with this year.
Donovan Mithell was vocal about the Heat's defense in this matchup. Miami didn't stick to just one set defense, but rather, played multiple styles of defenses to disrupt the Jazz's efficient offense.
Via Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune:
“Spacing was huge. … There are certain times where Royce [O’Neale] will drive and I’m standing right there next to him, as opposed to getting to the corner so he has a lane. Or vice versa. Or I’m driving and Rudy [Gobert]’s standing there. Or I should hit Rudy on a pass,” Mitchell said. “Little things like that that we didn’t execute in the game.”
With the Heat causing problems for the Utah Jazz, the rest of the league is likely to take notice. The multiple styles of play seemed to work, as Miami took away the ball movement that's been working for Utah.
For the Jazz to maintain their impressive play, they're going to have to find a way to counter Miami's defensive approach. The Heat may have created the blueprint on how to beat the Jazz. Utah will need to get creative to remain in first place for the rest of the season.
We'll see if the Orlando Magic took any notes from Miami, as they're Utah's next opponent, playing Saturday night in Orlando.
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