The Miami Heat's roster is currently flawed, and the only way it can create small advantages on a night-to-night basis is through style of play, specifically by playing fast as a unit. It was somewhat refreshing for Erik Spoelstra to finally admit that.
After the Heat's win over the Denver Nuggets, which marked the team's third victory in a row, Spo revealed the importance of playing fast for his team. In short, if the Heat aren't playing fast, they don't have much of a shot to compete with some of the more talented teams in the league.
And he couldn't be more right.
"The slower we play, the more average we become, regardless of whether teams scout us or try to prepare for. It's got to feel different when you play against it. It requires mental, physical energy, and commitment every single night, which we're fully capable of."Erik Spoelstra
Why pace is so important to the Heat
Objectively speaking, this makes a ton of sense. It helps explain why Spo and this coaching staff have been so adamant about playing with pace.
The team's electric pace played a big role in their 14-7 start to the season, and it's helped spark them of late. When they're playing fast and when the offense is clicking, the Heat team has the ability to play above their talent level.
That's what Spo is trying to consistently get out of this roster, especially with how many injuries the team has had to battle through so far this season.
The Heat's electric pace
Through 33 games this season, the Heat is still sitting atop the league in pace. There have been ups and downs this season, but this has been one of the most consistent elements of the team's success this year.
And it's a big reason why the Heat are three games over .500 at this point in the season. I'm not sure if that's the only reason why the Heat has managed to survive this season with Tyler Herro only playing in six games, and with both Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo in and out of the lineup (due to injuries) at different points this year, but it certainly helps take the pressure off some of the other supporting players.
Spo realized this during the summer and made it a priority throughout all training camp to play fast. The team is now reaping the benefits of that.