On today’s episode of Locked On Heat, we’re diving into the Miami’s recent struggles, especially their notorious third-quarter issues. Let’s break down the main points from the first part of the episode.
- Third-Quarter Troubles: The Heat’s third-quarter performance has been a recurring problem for years, with no discernible reason. Against Sacramento, Miami was outscored by 20 points in the third quarter, blowing their 13-point lead at halftime. This pattern has been a significant factor in their losses. Is it a matter of fatigue? Lack of focus? Their point differential in all third quarters this season is among the worst in the NBA.
- Late Game Decisions: The Heat had a chance to win with a three-point lead and 38 seconds left but faltered due to defensive breakdowns and questionable coaching decisions. Eric Spoelstra’s choice not to call a timeout and stick with the same lineup was criticized.
- Free Throw Concerns: Miami’s free throw shooting has been subpar, ranking 28th in the league. Missed free throws by key players like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have cost them crucial points in tight games.
- Defensive Struggles: The Heat’s defense hasn’t been as strong as in previous seasons. They’re allowing top players from opposing teams to score too easily, which is a shift from their usual strategy of focusing on stopping star players.
- Rookie Contributions: Pelle Larson, the rookie selected by Miami in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, was a bright spot, showing promise in a 13-point performance and, perhaps inexplicably, sharing the floor with key rotation players in the closing minutes of the game. However, there’s a debate about whether it’s time to give another rookie, Kel’el Ware, more playing time, especially given the team’s rebounding issues.
- Coaching and Adjustments: There’s a call for better in-game adjustments from the coaching staff, particularly in the third quarter. The Heat’s preparation and effort seem to wane after halftime, leading to their struggles.
With a season-defining six-game road trip ahead, this was a game that Miami needed to win. They’ll need to address their lapses, improve free throw shooting, and make strategic adjustments to turn their season around. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis on Locked on Heat.
