The way the Miami Heat have been winning through the first month of the season proves that they're a dark horse contender that no one will want to face come playoff time. And once this team is back at full health, they will truly prove themselves as a complete team that no one could've seen coming.
Over the team's current five-game winning streak, the Heat have won with their defense and have won with their offense. They won a shootout against the Philadelphia 76ers, won a clutch game against the Dallas Mavericks, and completely dominated the Chicago Bulls.
The Heat continue to prove that they're a deep, versatile, and dynamic team that can win in many different ways. That, perhaps more than anything, is a positive sign that this team could be a fringe-championship contender in a watered-down Eastern Conference.
Miami is hoping to make it six-straight wins during the month of November as they prepare to take on the Milwaukee Bucks at home Wednesday night.
No one is talking about the Heat's defense
Much has been made about the Heat's revamped offense to start this season, but it'd be a true crime if the team's defense didn't get more attention. In fact, there's an argument to be made that the team's defense has played an equally important part as the offense in the Heat's early-season success.
In terms of efficiency, their defense has been better. Miami ranks 12th in offensive rating this season. On the other end of the floor, the Heat is fourth in defensive rating. Sure, Miami is averaging the most points scored per game, but let's not sleep on the Heat's team defense this year.
If they could find a way to shore up their overall rebounding, there's an argument to be made that the Heat would be considered an elite squad on that end of the floor. But, again, that speaks to their overall team defense.
The fact that the Heat can win both with their offense and defense proves just how dangerous this team has the potential to be. The most encouraging part of the Heat's early-season success is that they're doing all this without a fully healthy roster.
Tyler Herro has just played one game, and Norman Powell has been in and out of the lineup over the last few weeks. Nikola Jovic also hasn't found his groove and has missed a handful of games this year.
There's a chance that this Heat team is just scratching the surface of what they can be at their peak. Especially with how wide open the East feels, nothing can be completely off the table for the Heat this season.