Miami fell 115–110 to Charlotte, dropping to 0-3 for the first time since the 2007-08 season. Finally, I could see what this team is supposed to look like, but it took another big deficit to get there. The fourth-quarter comeback gave me something to be encouraged about. It also made the basketball before it even more frustrating.
1. The Fourth Quarter Showed What This Team Can Be
Miami erased a 23-point deficit with a 27-4 run, tying the game at 100 with 5:42 remaining. That was the spark I had been waiting to see.
For that stretch, Miami looked like a team capable of putting things together. The problem is that they needed that kind of comeback in the first place. I want to see them bring that urgency earlier instead of waiting until the game is almost out of reach.
The comeback deserves credit, but Miami still lost. They need to carry what worked into the next game.
2. Davion Mitchell Had a Great Game
Mitchell finished with 22 points and 10 assists, shooting 8/13 from the field (61.5%) and 3/4 from 3 (75.0%). He scored 15 of his points in the fourth quarter, helping bring Miami back into the game.
This was a great performance. Miami needed someone to create offense, and Mitchell delivered as both a scorer and a playmaker. On a night with plenty to be frustrated about, he was a clear positive.
3. Bam and Giannis Are Still Figuring Out How to Play Together
Bam finished with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Giannis had 14 points and six rebounds before fouling out. I still do not think they look comfortable playing alongside each other.
With Giannis in foul trouble, Miami’s comeback came with Mitchell, Bam, Pelle Larsson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bobby Portis on the floor. That does not mean Bam and Giannis cannot work together, but it gives Spo something to study when figuring out the rotations and spacing.
It has only been three games. I understand this pairing will take time, but I want to see a clearer plan to get the best out of both players.
4. This Team Should Be Better on the Glass
With Bam and Giannis, plus the size Miami can bring in with Portis and Nikola Jović, losing the rebounding battle is frustrating. Charlotte also finished with a 21-10 second-chance-point advantage.
Size doesn't automatically secure rebounds. Miami still has to find bodies, box out, and finish possessions. But with this roster, rebounding should be an advantage.
The defense already has enough to work through. Giving opponents another opportunity after forcing a miss makes everything harder.
5. Spo’s Comments Need to Turn Into a Response
After the game, Erik Spoelstra said, “We need inspiration.” He talked about players inspiring their teammates to give an extraordinary effort. We saw some of that during the comeback. Now I need to see it consistently.
I still believe this team deserves time to gel, but that does not mean Miami should keep doing the same things and wait for different results. Whether it is adjusting rotations, clarifying roles, or demanding better effort on the glass, something needs to change.
Three games do not decide a season. A 0-3 start still deserves a response. The fourth quarter gave Miami something to build on. Now they need to make that stretch look less like an exception.
Miami fell 115–110 to Charlotte, dropping to 0-3 for the first time since the 2007-08 season. Finally, I could see what this team is supposed to look like, but it took another big deficit to get there. The fourth-quarter comeback gave me something to be encouraged about. It also made the basketball before it even more frustrating.
1. The Fourth Quarter Showed What This Team Can Be
Miami erased a 23-point deficit with a 27-4 run, tying the game at 100 with 5:42 remaining. That was the spark I had been waiting to see.
For that stretch, Miami looked like a team capable of putting things together. The problem is that they needed that kind of comeback in the first place. I want to see them bring that urgency earlier instead of waiting until the game is almost out of reach.
The comeback deserves credit, but Miami still lost. They need to carry what worked into the next game.
2. Davion Mitchell Had a Great Game
Mitchell finished with 22 points and 10 assists, shooting 8/13 from the field (61.5%) and 3/4 from 3 (75.0%). He scored 15 of his points in the fourth quarter, helping bring Miami back into the game.
This was a great performance. Miami needed someone to create offense, and Mitchell delivered as both a scorer and a playmaker. On a night with plenty to be frustrated about, he was a clear positive.
3. Bam and Giannis Are Still Figuring Out How to Play Together
Bam finished with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Giannis had 14 points and six rebounds before fouling out. I still do not think they look comfortable playing alongside each other.
With Giannis in foul trouble, Miami’s comeback came with Mitchell, Bam, Pelle Larsson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bobby Portis on the floor. That does not mean Bam and Giannis cannot work together, but it gives Spo something to study when figuring out the rotations and spacing.
It has only been three games. I understand this pairing will take time, but I want to see a clearer plan to get the best out of both players.
4. This Team Should Be Better on the Glass
With Bam and Giannis, plus the size Miami can bring in with Portis and Nikola Jović, losing the rebounding battle is frustrating. Charlotte also finished with a 21-10 second-chance-point advantage.
Size doesn't automatically secure rebounds. Miami still has to find bodies, box out, and finish possessions. But with this roster, rebounding should be an advantage.
The defense already has enough to work through. Giving opponents another opportunity after forcing a miss makes everything harder.
5. Spo’s Comments Need to Turn Into a Response
After the game, Erik Spoelstra said, “We need inspiration.” He talked about players inspiring their teammates to give an extraordinary effort. We saw some of that during the comeback. Now I need to see it consistently.
I still believe this team deserves time to gel, but that does not mean Miami should keep doing the same things and wait for different results. Whether it is adjusting rotations, clarifying roles, or demanding better effort on the glass, something needs to change.
Three games do not decide a season. A 0-3 start still deserves a response. The fourth quarter gave Miami something to build on. Now they need to make that stretch look less like an exception.
