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Miami Heat: New league trend brings unorthodox matchup against Spurs

By Chase Eyrich

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 29: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 29: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich are both well known for their defense first mentalities, but now they must change with the rest of the league.

The San Antonio Spurs have had a history of being one of the best defensive teams in the league, and the Miami Heat have created their culture around it.

But now that the league is moving towards a heavy guard influence and playing at an incredible pace, both teams are trying to find ways to adjust.

Even with their 6-3 record, the Spurs haven’t found their defensive identity yet. Their struggles have allowed over 111 points per game in the first nine of the season; the latest display of these issues was an 117-110 loss to the Orlando Magic.

Miami, on the other hand, has been experimenting with a faster offense to keep up with the rest of the league. With the exception of the 101 points that Miami posted in the season opener, the team hasn’t failed to score 110 or more points in every game.

The Heat are playing at a pace that no one would have expected in the last few seasons, but it has come at a price. While the offense has seen success, the defense has faltered.

Miami has allowed 112.6 points per game this season, with three teams scoring 123 or more on Spoelstra’s squad.

The two programs are working out ways to run with the new NBA. DeMar DeRozan has been in full All-Star mode, averaging 27.3 points, which has helped keep their offensive production high.

Miami will need Josh Richardson to continue his strong play, averaging 26.3 points over the last four games. He was a huge reason the Heat were able to beat the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, and end a three-game losing skid.

It’s likely that we will see the new NBA’s fast pace tonight, as both teams big men are dealing with injuries.

Hassan Whiteside is listed as day-to-day still, and Pau Gasol is out.

Bam Adebayo got the most recent start at center to fill Whiteside’s shoes, and had a solid 11-point and eight-rebound performance, reassuring the Heat of their young core’s potential.

The Spurs certainly bring in more experience to this game, but Miami still matches up well, so it’s likely that we see a close, high-scoring game.

Efficiency will be key for the Heat; if they can limit their turnovers, they could get back to .500 with a win.

Next. Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade keeps turning back the clock and more. dark

Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET, inside AmericanAirlines Arena.

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