3 Observations from Heat's loss to Pistons, including a troubling defensive stat

Three observations from the Miami Heat’s 123-121 road loss to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.

Miami’s defense continues to be an issue.

The Heat defense allowed the Pistons to score 116 points per 100 possessions, which would rank 24th in DRTG this season. Before the game, the Pistons ranked 23rd, scoring 109.3 points per 100 possessions.

The Pistons shot 53.5% on 2s, but more concerning was giving up 28 free-throw attempts in a close game. Most of those fouls were committed by the usual suspects: Limited defenders Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier, and youngsters Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson. But Haywood Highsmith also counted for a team-high four, including two in overtime (not counting a take foul late).

Everyone has a bad game, but the Heat’s best defenders really can’t afford to be sloppy on that end when the team is already handicapped by so many minus defenders in the rotation.

Tyler Herro’s favorite pass.

Tyler Herro will – and should – get plenty of attention for his 40-point outing, but don’t forget about his eight assists. Herro is averaging a career-high 5.3 assists this season, using his drive-and-kick game to set up teammates with his new signature side-arm jump pass. This has quickly become Herro’s favorite throw.

Miami drawing up plays for Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo’s struggles on offense have been well-documented and coach Erik Spoelstra said the other day that he needs to find ways to get Bam shots in better spots. 

Well, Spoelstra drew up this sweet play in overtime to give the Heat a brief lead. 

Adebayo brings the ball up to draw Detroit’s Jalen Duren away from the paint. Duncan Robinson comes up to get the ball and Adebayo takes off toward the basket while Tyler Herro sets a back screen. Duren has to travel too much distance and fouls Bam on the alley-oop. 

This accomplishes what the five-out offense sets out to do. “Five out” doesn’t just mean launching 3s. It means starting sets on the perimeter to create space, and Bam ended up with a wide runway to get to the basket.