Instant Observations: Heat defeat Pistons as backcourt shines

The Miami Heat defeated the Detroit Pistons 106-98 on Monday Night. Jimmy Butler led the way with 23 points, and the Heat outscored the Pistons 28-19 in the fourth to secure the win. 

Here is what I saw that stood out on the court.

The Good: The Starting Backcourt 

The Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier backcourt experiment was one of the biggest questions going into the season for the Heat. Well, those questions were answered. Herro and Rozier have been steller in the backcourt. Against Detriot, Herro and Rozier combined for 39 points, 9 assists, and 9 rebounds despite some shooting struggles in the third quarter.

The two guards stepped up, scoring at all three levels and making clutch shots when the Heat needed them most. It is quite nice when you have more than one guard who can create off the dribble and score at all three levels.

The Bad: Duncan Robinson

Duncan has not shot the ball well to start the season. He is currently 4 of 17 from downtown through three games, including 2 of 7 in the contest against Detriot. Robinson is out on the floor to do one thing and one thing only: SHOOT THE BALL!!

If Duncan can not get his three-point shot going, it's hard to call him a reliable asset on the court. Hopefully, Duncan can get that stroke back soon, as his shooting could be crucial in key moments this season.

The Beautiful: The Collective Defense

The defense was the real highlight against Detroit. In today’s NBA, holding teams to under 100 points is not an easy task, yet the Heat held the Pistons to their lowest-scoring game of the season so far. Haywood Highsmith made his mark after not seeing any playing time against the Hornets on Saturday, getting two steals and having a game-high +17 in plus/minus.

Bam Adebayo's defense was on full display with three steals and three blocks, while Jimmy Butler chipped in with five steals. The Heat generated 15 steals as a team. What makes the Heat a constant threat, even when the offense isn't clicking on all cylinders, is their ability to lean on defense and stay competitive on any given night.