Miami Heat Roundtable: What to make of this poor start
![MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at American Airlines Arena on November 12, 2018 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at American Airlines Arena on November 12, 2018 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/41909846d39ba8f81836bcded35875f05db7e211255657047d156fba4793749a.jpg)
If you could blame the team’s losses on one single overarching problem, what would it be?
Eyrich: Turnovers, plain and simple. It was huge problem last season too and unfortunately, it has carried over into this season as well. Most of them are head-scratching at best, and entirely kill the momentum. If they are able to turn around this specific problem, then their offensive problems more than likely become non-existent.
Campbell: Scoring. Where are all the scorers who take over games late at? Richardson can be the guy, but hasn’t been playing as that guy consistently enough. And their guy who was the guy, hasn’t been the guy since turning 36 (and out due to paternity leave). So who will be the Heat’s go-to guy not named Dwyane Wade? I’ll wait for that answer.
Rahming: Just like I said coming into the season: free throws. The team has to be better at hitting these free shots with the time stopped. Currently, the Heat are seventh in the league in free throws attempted per game at 36.3, but are somehow woefully in 26th place in percentage. That number is a very discouraging 71.8 percent. That’s not something to be proud of. For a team that prides itself on defense but not necessarily athletic ability, it is irresponsible on the players’ behalf to not be knocking down these shots.
Johnson: Turnovers are still hampering Miami’s forward progression. Miami is third-worst in the Association in opponent points off turnovers per game, giving up a tad over 20 each night. That’s no recipe for success.