Last spring, the Miami Heat came within one game of reaching the NBA Finals for the second time in three seasons, and injuries played a role.
So far this season, they’re just 2-5 as they’re struggling offensively, but fans should keep the faith.
This is still a very interesting and strong team, and there are three reasons everyone should pay attention to it as the season wears on.
1. Tyler Herro
After being on the rise for three seasons, Tyler Herro is now a full-time starter for head coach Erik Spoelstra, and he seems to deserve it.
Last season’s Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 19.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from 3-point range.
He is coming off a 34-point performance in which he shot 13-of-22 overall and 5-of-8 from downtown versus the Sacramento Kings.
In addition, it seems he has also shown some improvement on the defensive end.
Per InStat, through these first 4 games, Tyler Herro is holding opponents to 0.77 points per possession on isolations. This is shocking, but doesn't seem fluky when you go back and watch some of his reps against bigger wings (e.g. against Siakam last night). pic.twitter.com/eMBYXzoYWa
— optimistic Heat fan (@kellyoburner) October 25, 2022
The development of Herro from Sixth Man of the Year to a legitimate All-Star will be vital for the Heat’s chances of getting back to the championship series.
2. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler may not be a superstar, but he is arguably the game’s most dangerous player in crunch time.
If your team is down 110-105 with a few minutes remaining, you cannot go wrong with giving Butler the ball and letting him do his thing.
JIMMY BUTLER. CLUTCH pic.twitter.com/KFXr7mpx5x
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 16, 2020
Jimmy Butler's two clutch steals in Game 2. Absolutely huge plays. pic.twitter.com/GP1mZe5yf2
— Couper Moorhead (@CoupNBA) September 18, 2020
When the chips are down, Butler operates on opponents like a surgeon.
3. The Heat Always Find A Way To Compete
One thing is for sure: Ever since Butler joined the Heat three years ago, people have always counted them out at various points of the season, only to see them fight back and give themselves a chance to win during the playoffs.
The team and its renowned culture are comprised of president Pat Riley‘s DNA, and Riley is the ultimate ball-buster who will never back down or relent.
Look for the Heat to scratch and claw come postseason time and perhaps pull off an upset over a more talented squad.
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