During the first four games of the season, the Miami Heat's offense wasn't just difficult to watch. It was statistically one of the worst units in the NBA. Over the past two games, though, something has shifted significantly.
After dropping their first four games of the season, the Heat have won two by double digits. But it's not merely the fact that the Heat are making shots now. Sure, many will assume it's that simple. It's not.
There have been clear adjustments made by Erik Spoelstra in the last few days, and they've led to an awakening of sorts for the Heat's offense.
Erik Spoelstra's tweaks might've saved the Heat's offense
During the first four games of the season, the Heat's offense ranked 27th in offensive rating. In the last two games, that's turned on a dime. Over the last two games, the Heat have the top-ranked offensive rating in the league.
Sure, they're two very small sample sizes, but huge differences nonetheless.
The biggest change for the Heat during that stretch? Spoelstra has introduced more pick-and-roll sets and given the assignment of Bam Adebayo and/or Giannis to play better off each other by utilizing the "dunker spot" when either of them isn't involved in an offensive action or doesn't have the ball in their hands.
You can't argue with the results. And it's not just the winning or the fact that the Heat have scored an average of 137 points in the last two games.
Since those changes, both Bam and Giannis have looked much more comfortable in their roles within the Heat's offense. It's also allowed Spoelstra to utilize the duo much more without hesitation about whether there will be enough spacing around them.
Giannis and Bam are starting to figure it out offensively as a duo
During the first four games of the season, Giannis and Bam played 71 minutes together and had a net rating of -31.6. Their offensive rating was a lowly 101.3. In the last two games, Giannis and Bam have played 35 minutes together and have a net rating of 27.8 on the floor. Their offensive rating? 131.6.
But it's not just the advanced stats that back up this theory. After the Heat's win over the Pacers, Giannis gave some insight into the differences these changes have had on the team's offense.
"I've got to keep creating space for Bam...when he's in the top, I've got to work the baseline. When I'm on top, he's got to work the baseline. We've got to keep working on being away from one another and working from one another's space and vicinity.
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win. And if it's me sometimes setting screens...rebounding the ball, I'm going to do it."
If nothing else, Giannis makes it clear that there were adjustments that he's embraced and is still working through with Bam. Over two games, it's made all the difference for the Heat.
Now it's about stacking this momentum and stringing together more wins to get back in thick of the Eastern Conference race. More than anything, the Heat needs to prove that they've truly turned the corner.
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