It Starts With Defense
Oct 28, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) is pressured by Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The concerns with this Heat team coming in were on the offensive end, not on defense, but the D looked even better than it did in the preseason. Miami held the Hornets to 39.3 percent shooting, including just 6-of-24 from long range.
Al Jefferson got going early, scoring 13 points in the first quarter (including Charlotte’s first eight points of the game). Erik Spoelstra and the Heat must have made some kind of adjustment, because Jefferson was held to just four more points for the rest of the game.
After that, the Hornets had no consistent source of offense, and Miami was able to force 13 turnovers by gumming up Charlotte’s ball movement.
Justise Winslow was fantastic, sticking to his man like glue and blocking off passing lanes with heady anticipation. Miami was able to convert those turnovers into fast break points and four-to-six point swings that helped them build some momentum on offense. For this Heat team, it all starts with defense.
Next: Speaking of Winslow