Miami Heat Better to Experience Growing Pains Sooner Than Later?

MIAMI, Fla. – Part of finding team success in the league is peaking at the right moment, never too early; perhaps the Miami Heat are saving the best version of themselves for a better time.

Although the losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons were discouraging, a better fighting sign was on display against the Charlotte Hornets. When facing a deficit as large as 23 points, the Heat responded with a 27-4 run in the fourth quarter to erase a blowout into a competitive matchup. Despite finishing on the losing side of a 115-110 outing, it could be the start of a turnaround.

Before Monday night’s 7:30 p.m. tipoff against the Dallas Mavericks at the Kaseya Center, Heat starting point guard Davion Mitchell was asked about the adaptation process of playing alongside a superstar of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s caliber.

“We’re just learning,” he said. “You have to expect that with someone like Giannis, one of the greatest players in the league, it’s going to look different than what we did last year. He needs touches and people need to figure out how to find a rhythm with him – I think we are.”

Despite the loss to the Hornets, six players reached double figures in scoring, including Mitchell (22) and Bam Adebayo (20), who combined for 42 points. However, Antetokounmpo struggled with 14 points on 36.4 percent shooting.

“It’s good to have growing pains right now,” Mitchell said. “I’m looking forward to when we actually show up, shine, and play our best.”

The Heat haven’t put together a balanced product for 48 minutes of basketball action. Either Antetokounmpo dominates while others struggle to keep up or it’s the complete opposite. The Heat currently allow the third-fewest points in the paint (an average of 38.7), but give up the most three-pointers made (42 percent).

While head coach Erik Spoelstra is keeping some of last year’s offensive principles this season, the Heat currently have the fourth-worst offensive rating (105.1). It’s going to take consistent production from everyone other than Antetokounmpo to pick that up.

Although being winless isn’t the best outcome to start the season, the Heat aren’t alone. There are six other teams with a 0-3 record:

- Sacramento Kings

- Golden State Warriors

- New Orleans Pelicans

- Brooklyn Nets

- Milwaukee Bucks

- New York Knicks

If the defending champions are struggling early, there shouldn’t be too much worry about the Heat’s underwhelming start to the season. 

Antetokounmpo is showing flashes of still being one of the best players in the league. If the supporting cast carries the offensive momentum for Charlotte throughout the season, the better the chance the Heat put a well-balanced product on the court. There are going to be games when the supporting cast/bench unit need to secure the win rather than the usual stars.

The journey to the first win of the season presents another opportunity on Monday night against Mavericks, which will be televised on WPLG Local 10 and NBA TV.

More Miami Heat News:

- Did Erik Spoelstra Reveal the Miami Heat's Backup Center Plans?

- Should the Miami Heat Trade For Championship-Caliber Glue Guy?

- Giannis Antetokounmpo Impressed With the Miami Heat's Bench Unit