The Miami Heat Still, Ultimately, Win When They Play Their Brand Of Defense
The Miami Heat were able to do what they did early because of their elite defense and pressure. Treacherously swarming and attacking the Pels on that side of the ball, that’s how they got up big and maintained.
With “maintained” being the operative word again, that style never allowed the Pelicans back in it. And again, though Atlanta would eventually sneak out with a win on Monday, the Hawks’ offensive approach did allow the Heat back in it.
And that’s the difference in how the Miami Heat get it done, at their peaks, against how most other teams do it.
Yes, they made some shots, the ball popped around on offense, and they moved with purpose on that side of the ball but that along with the defensive stuff is exactly what Heat Ball is and is all about. This is how they win, how they always have, and how they will look to continue to get it done this year.
And as always the case before now in most years for the Miami Heat—it can still work.