Miami Heat: Off to a 1-3 start, ‘symmetry’ on both sides at the core of issues

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has a discussion with official Jacyn Goble in the second half of a game against the Toronto Raptors(Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports)
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has a discussion with official Jacyn Goble in the second half of a game against the Toronto Raptors(Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports)
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Miami Heat
Precious Achiuwa #5 of the Toronto Raptors guards Kyle Lowry #7 of the Miami Heat(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Miami Heat: Off To A 1-3 Start, ‘Symmetry’ On Both Sides At The Core Of Issues

In one example, here is this sequence from Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler from the Toronto defeat on Monday. It, not only, shows why you need Bam Adebayo to be as aggressive as humanly possible but what happens when you are in sync and symmetry with your teammates.

It’s that type of stuff that helped them carry a five-point lead into the fourth period of this game before losing it, as well as get a win over these same Raptors on Saturday. In that one, it allowed them to go up by as many as 24 points or so, before the Caleb Martin kerfuffle gave the Raptors a boost of energy big enough to disrupt the Heat’s dominance.

Being in symmetry shows up in more ways than just the philosophy though. Yes, the philosophy keeps you from going so Isolation heavy late in the fourth period of Monday’s Toronto defeat as the Miami Heat did for several straight possessions but it also expresses itself in a multitude of ways.

Bam Adebayo can be aggressive without worrying about stepping on anyone else’s toes.

Kyle Lowry can also get to his offense in rhythm, without feeling as if he is taking valuable touches from anyone else.

Being in better sync should also allow Jimmy Butler to not be so conceding, for lack of better terms, when it comes to his offense in relation to Tyler Herro’s offense, as it has seemed at times. Tyler Herro is the better all-around offensive player, but Jimmy Butler isn’t that far behind him there.

And Jimmy Butler’s style, trustworthiness, and track record so deem him the man for this Miami Heat team right now on offense. Tyler should have a huge part in whatever they are doing, but all that plays off what Jimmy Butler is doing.