3 Things the Heat must do to pass their toughest test of the season (so far)

Coming off two straight wins, the Miami Heat host the New York Knicks in what is their toughest test of the season so far. Here’s what they need to do to make it three in a row.

1. Don’t let Jalen Brunson beat you

It’s been a relatively quiet start to Brunson’s season. He’s posted 22, 26 and 21 points while shooting 47.4% overall and 36.4% from 3-point range. Those aren’t bad numbers by any stretch, but they are a far cry from the MVP-caliber explosions he was known for last season.

It’s not a matter of whether Brunson will erupt; it’s when. The Heat have to make sure it doesn’t happen Wednesday night.

As such, Terry Rozier will have his hands full to start the game. Rozier got torched by Cade Cunningham in the first half of Monday’s win over the Detroit Pistons, and Brunson is a much greater offensive threat.

Jimmy Butler will choose his spots to pick up Brunson, likely in the second half. Haywood Highsmith could be an option that coach Erik Spoelstra turns to if things get out of hand early.

2. Bam Adebayo vs Karl-Anthony Towns

If Brunson has been quiet to start the season, Adebayo has been silent. He’s averaging 11 points so far this season and has yet to make a 3-pointer of flash the dominance he showed in the preseason.

This matchup against Towns could be his get-right game. Towns has struggled as the anchor of New York’s defense, and Adebayo tends to take matchups personally against All-Star big men. Last season, Adebayo averaged 20.5 points and 47.2% shooting against Towns’ Timberwolves.

The Knicks are a much stronger defensive team on the perimeter, where OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges have the potential to give Rozier and Tyler Herro fits. The Heat relied on their guards to carry the offense against the Pistons, but they will likely rely on Bam to do more heavy lifting in this matchup.

3. Win the bench minutes

The Heat have the third-most productive bench in the league, out-scoring opponents by 6.5 points per game with their reserves on the floor. Part of that is due to Butler joining them for key minutes, but credit should also go to Duncan Robinson, Alec Burks, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Thomas Bryant for their effort when four of the five starters exit the game.

The Knicks don’t have such a second unit. Dealing with injuries to Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa, New York is already short-handed. When Brunson exits the game, they rely on Miles McBride to lead the offense. Towns has had a tendency to disappear. 

Winning these bench minutes could be a game-swinging advantage against a top-heavy Knicks team.