Miami Heat: Opposing Stars Going Through Defensive Gauntlet
By Isiah Curry
Miami Heat: They Have Several Capable Of Taking On Any Defensive Assignment
Because they can defend opposing matchups on their own, the luxury is there to provide help in mismatch scenarios. As a result, they’ve built comfortable leads against upper-echelon opponents and not only because they’re a great defensive team, but because they’re an instinctual one.
Coach Erik Spoelstra has a great take on the whole scenario.
"“What we have,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said following the Heat’s 106-93 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, “are a bunch of likeminded guys that treat competition in the same type of way, with great passion. And that’s the way those guys are wired.”"
On a nightly basis, the Heat are structured to maintain this high level of defensive intensity, even during stretches that seem bleak. This is a battle-tested group of players who have bought in and are willing to accept all defensive assignments.
So far, it’s awarded them a top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Nonetheless, you can expect Miami’s competition to rise as the season continues — therefore, an influx of challenges await them.
The Heat will continue their two-game road trip as they’ll face the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, just before returning home for two games against the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz.
Next. They Have So Much Room For Improvement… It’s Scary. dark
With Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Donovan Mitchell next in line, will the Heat continue their defensive tirade against another batch of top-tier NBA talents?
We’re bound to find out. In due time.