The Miami Heat struggled against the Detroit Pistons in their regular season opener
The Miami Heat did not have the most promising start to their season against the Detroit Pistons.
Miami won the game 103-102 but had a multitude of problems throughout the game. Following the victory, analyzing the Heat’s positives and negatives is key.
Here’s a look at five major takeaways:
1. Ability to close out games
The Heat held a comfortable lead for the majority of the game. However, in the final six minutes, Detroit fought back. They brought the game within one. Jimmy Butler stopped Cade Cunningham on the final possession, but the game showed vulnerability in Miami’s crunch-time ability. For the Heat to compete against teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, they must sustain their leads.
2. Tyler Herro’s efficiency
One of Herro’s largest critiques throughout his career is his lack of efficiency. His consistency struggles were prevalent in the win. He scored 16 points on 29.2 percent shooting and 2-of-7 from three-point range. If the Heat look to find success, Herro will need to consistently average 20 or more points.
3. Backcourt defense
Cunningham’s efficient display of 30 points on 48.1 percent shooting brought light to the lack of defensive ability in Miami’s backcourt. Kyle Lowry, Herro, and Dru Smith struggled against the star guard. However, two-way guard Josh Richardson was sidelined due to a foot injury. Richardson’s frame allows him to defend larger guards, such as Cunningham.
4. Potential of Jaime Jaquez Jr.
The Heat’s No. 18 pick showed promise of great things to come in his career. Jaquez scored six points along with two rebounds, assists, and steals. He did so in only 13 minutes, providing a small sample size to view. However, the rookie’s composure will continue to impress throughout the season.
5. Kevin Love and Thomas Bryant are key to the Heat’s success
Love and Bryant provided much value to the Heat’s narrow victory. Love shot 50 percent from three-point range, while Bryant dominated on the inside. Miami will need to rely on these big men offensively for All-Star center Bam Adebayo to focus on the defensive end.
