Areas where the Miami Heat need to improve: Scoring
This goes hand-in-hand with the need to improve their three-point shooting, but it takes it to another level. Miami just needs to score the ball more this season.
It’s no secret that the Miami Heat are one of the best defensive teams in the league. They added the necessary pieces in order to be exactly that.
However, defense can only get a team so far. Though it is a very important aspect of the game, it is only 50% of the game at the end of the day.
In order to win games in the NBA nowadays, a team has to be able to score the ball at an elite level. Last season, the Heat simply did not do that.
Last year, they finished 25th overall in points per game (108.1). Four of the five teams below them in the rankings were non-playoff teams (Pistons, Thunder, Magic, Cavaliers) and the other was the Knicks.
Most of the top teams in the league last year scored the ball in bunches. The Bucks, Nets, Jazz, and Suns all finished top-ten in points per game.
If the Heat want to compete for a championship, they need to put more points on the board every game. It’s just as simple as that.
They did manage to add some solid pieces to help with this, though. Kyle Lowry will act as a great facilitator and scoring option, while PJ Tucker will open up opportunities for others with his floor spacing.
Miami should be able to have a better season on the offensive side of the ball this year. If they can pair a good offensive season with their elite defense, they could make a serious run at the title.