Fresh off a Mexico City victory over the Brooklyn Nets, the Miami Heat are now tasked with taking on the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Miami Heat are still in search of consistency.
At 12-13, this season has so far proved tougher than expected for the 2017-18 squad. Between having come off a 30-11 run at the end of last year and managing to keep the majority of the roster intact, many expected smoother sailing ahead.
But this is the NBA, where anything can happen and nothing is guaranteed. Not even a win against the Memphis Grizzlies, who have now lost 14 of their last 15 games.
However, coming off a victory in Mexico City over the Brooklyn Nets, the Heat certainly have what it takes to earn another W. A few things just have to happen, in order for that to be possible.
For starters, Goran Dragic needs to get his hot hand back.
When people speak on Miami’s recent inconsistencies, they’re referring to the team across the board. Yes, even Dragic, who fans have come to recognize as the Heat’s rock. Because despite starting off the season strong, averaging 19.8 points on 50.5 percent shooting from the field in October, the point guard has wavered as of late.
After earning league Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors on November 27, for averaging 23.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steal over three Miami wins, the 31-year-old suddenly went cold. He averaged just 6.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists over the next three matchups, even shooting 0-of-8 from downtown. Apparently finally getting recognized, was not in the star’s best interest.
The good news is, he scored 20 points on Sunday versus the Nets, while also grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out three assists and scrummaging three steals. So hopefully, Dragic is on his way back to once again performing like the elite player he is.
Because at the end of the day, the co-captain sets the tone for his team. And when he’s struggling, wins are hard to come by. Especially given Hassan Whiteside isn’t around to pick up the offensive slack.
Tyler Johnson needs to continue his shooting streak too.
The ultimate Sixth Man is back.
After an unsatisfying start to the year, the 25-year-old is getting back to his old ways. In the last five games, Johnson has averaged 16.6 points, shooting a whopping 60.8 percent from the field and 48.1 percent from downtown.
And while his recent contributions haven’t always been enough to tip the scale, it sure is good to have the sharp-shooter back. Because as Heat Nation knows, this team has come to live and die by the 3-ball. And when those shots aren’t falling, their entire offense falls apart.
Miami needs Johnson to keep leading the second unit with his unparalleled energy and will to win, while also continuing to light it up on the court.
Then there’s staying strong on defense.
Miami Heat Basketball stands for a handful of things, but one of the most important is defensive prowess. And lately, the team has doubled down on just that, knowing just how much of a difference it can make. In 12 wins, the Heat have allowed 96.0 points per 100 possessions, compared to 113.3 points in their 13 losses.
Which means guys like Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk have to be ready to go.
While the rookie has the pep in his step it’ll take to keep up, he has to make sure to stay out of foul trouble. With being so young and still learning the ropes, it’s easy for him to get excited and make careless mistakes. Olynyk on the other hand has enough experience and basketball IQ to lock it down, but sometimes can be a step behind. So each will have to step up in different ways, to get the job done.
Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow will also be key on the other end of the floor, in limiting uncontested shots and easy looks at the basket.
Next: Miami Heat: Tyler Johnson could be team's X factor
The Miami Heat will take on Marc Gasol and the rest of the Memphis Grizzlies tonight, at 8 PM ET.