The Miami Heat's new-look offense may be the exact springboard that the team needs to jump back into contention in the Eastern Conference. And if the first two regular-season games are any indication, this Heat team has the chance to easily surpass all expectations that were placed upon them before the start of the year.
Through two games, the Heat's offense ranks third in points per game and eighth in offensive rating. They're also leading the league (by a good margin) in PACE of play. As a pleasant surprise, one of the Heat's biggest areas of concern heading into the year on the offensive end of the floor has also been a strength for the team.
The Heat ranks third in 3-point percentage and top-10 in 3-point makes per contest. Again, it's only been two games, but it's difficult not to be encouraged by the early results.
Erik Spoelstra is an evil genius
As Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra indicated before the season, there are changes that have been made to the offense - and it's not just that the team is playing faster. Sure, there's an element to that, but it goes deeper than that.
Specifically, as we saw in game one, there's been a cut in pick-and-rolls being called. Miami just ran 29 pick-and-rolls in the opener. To put that number in perspective, the Heat's season-low last season for pick-and-rolls called was 41. It's clear that there's been an adjustment to the offense overall.
After the Heat's season-opening loss to the Orlando Magic, Spo was encouraged. We saw exactly why in the team's second game of the season, against Memphis.
And after the team's big win over the Grizzlies, Bam Adebayo tried to put some of those changes into words:
"You can't really scout plays for us. There are no plays. In the whole first half, I don't think Spo ran a play."Bam on the new offense
Again, offense is always going to look easy and free-flowing when it seems as if everything is falling for the team. However, Miami is going to get a strong early-season test in its home-opener against the New York Knicks, who have looked mightily impressive through their first two games (beating the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics).
New York also has the second-best defensive rating through two games to start the season.
Sunday's tilt against the Knicks will be a good test for the Heat. It will certainly help put their new offense into proper context.
But make no mistake; if the Heat's offense passes the test and looks impressive again, the rest of the East will officially be on alert.
Perhaps what makes the Heat's offense more impressive is the fact that they're doing all this without Tyler Herro. Once he does return, this Heat offense could get that much more lethal. Miami is far from a legit championship contender at this point, but there could be something special brewing for the Heat.
And for the first time in a long time, it's thanks to what appears to be an explosive new offense.