Can Miami Heat Win Without A Superteam – Facing Brooklyn Nets?
If the Heat are outmatched by the talent of NBA superteams, then they will have to outwork them. If Miami plays to their strengths and attacks their opponent’s weaknesses, then they will have a chance to win.
Let’s look at each of these superteams individually to see how Miami could challenge them. Starting with the Brooklyn Nets, the trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving is one of the greatest offensive trios in NBA history.
All three players can create their own shot and score with efficiency from all areas on the floor. However, one thing this team lacks is something that the Miami Heat excels at: defense.
Although they improved slightly, there was a point last season in which the Nets had the worst defensive rating of all time. The Miami Heat have the right pieces to take advantage of this.
If Jimmy Butler plays with the aggression he is capable of, he will be able to attack the basket with little to no resistance. This would open up the floor for his teammates.
Someone such as Bam Adebayo should have an easier time scoring inside, especially with Brooklyn’s small ball starting five. Miami’s shooters should also feel more comfortable on the floor, which, on some nights, could lift the team to victory if some of the Nets players are having an off night.
It would be irrational to say that the Miami Heat could stop all three stars on the Nets, but if you tried telling that to Jimmy Butler, he would probably laugh at you. Starting with Butler, the Heat have great defenders who are confident that they can limit Brooklyn’s offense, at the very least.
The Miami Heat also have a better coaching staff than the Nets. The Nets are going to be very difficult to beat, but it is possible if the Heat stick to their game plan.