The Miami Heat aren’t as bad as we think, but they aren’t as good as they can be either.
Just because we saw basketball just about two short months ago doesn’t mean that they can come right back in and be that same team. If the fact that some of those key guys are no longer there isn’t enough or the fact that they are going to get every opponent’s best shot due to how far they went last season, then the fact that two months is an eternity when it comes to something as nuanced, detailed, and high-level as professional sports and athletics.
On the second part, where most of us are probably wrong, watching the Miami Heat would lead you to believe that they are a bad defensive team, who can score the ball on anyone. Well, the numbers don’t say that.
The numbers, offensive and defensive ratings to be precise, say that the Miami Heat are a pretty good defensive team and a below average offensive team right now. That speaks to a few things.
First of all, the Miami Heat are built around their three point shooting. If they aren’t falling for them, which is rare with their many varying potent options, then it’s going to be a rough night to win.
We saw that against the Milwaukee Bucks on the frontend of that two-game series they played recently. That was only further piled upon by the fact that the Bucks couldn’t miss.
The number’s, via that fact, say they need to attack the basket and paint a bit more, while also using their three point shooting to impact, change, or dominate games when they can. That’s where Jimmy Butler is so useful, as his attacking ability and ability to get to the free throw line are next level.
Perhaps that interpretation has a little to do with his absence across a few games this season as well.