Giannis attacks the basket during Miami’s season opener against Minnesota, finishing with 35 points in his Heat debut.
Miami’s 131-106 loss to Minnesota was a disappointing way to open the season. Giannis gave us plenty to be excited about, but the defense let Edwards and Ball get comfortable, and I still want to see more from Jović. It is only one game, but Miami needs to clean up a few things heading into tonight against Detroit.
1. Giannis Is Going to Be in the MVP Conversation
Giannis finished with 35 points on 13/19 shooting (68.4%), and I think he'll be in the MVP conversation. Even in a game where Miami struggled, he showed how difficult he is to stop around the basket.
His shooting still needs improvement, especially at the free-throw line and from beyond the arc. He went 9/14 from the line (64.3%) and missed both three-point attempts. The finishing was there, but leaving five points at the line is frustrating. He'll get plenty of opportunities there, and Miami needs him to take advantage.
2. Going Under Screens Was Not Working
I did not like Miami going under screens and playing drop coverage against Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. They had too much space to get their shots off, and once they got going, Miami struggled to slow them down.
Edwards scored 45 points (16/29 - 55.2%), including 9/17 from 3 (52.9%). Ball added 21 points shooting 7/17 (41.2%) and went 5/13 from 3 (38.5%). Combined, they made 14/30 threes (46.7%).
Those are their numbers for the whole game, and some of the makes were tough shots. Still, I wanted to see Miami adjust the coverage and make them work harder for their opportunities. Giving those two room to pull up was not working.
3. I Still Need to See More From Nikola Jović
Jović still looks lost at times. His play feels erratic, and I want to see him become someone Miami can depend on more consistently.
I do not need him to make a big play every time he touches the ball. I want him to look comfortable, make quicker decisions, and play within his role. There is talent there, but I need to see it turn into more dependable basketball.
4. I Want to See Defensive Progress Tonight
I understand this team will need time to figure things out defensively. There will be early mistakes, but I want to see some progress tonight against Detroit.
The Pistons depend heavily on Cade Cunningham to create offense. Miami needs to make him uncomfortable without losing sight of everyone else. Communication has to improve, especially on screens and when deciding when to help.
One game is not enough to judge this team, but it gives us things to watch. Tonight, I want to see Miami make adjustments and put together a more connected defense.
Giannis attacks the basket during Miami’s season opener against Minnesota, finishing with 35 points in his Heat debut.
Miami’s 131-106 loss to Minnesota was a disappointing way to open the season. Giannis gave us plenty to be excited about, but the defense let Edwards and Ball get comfortable, and I still want to see more from Jović. It is only one game, but Miami needs to clean up a few things heading into tonight against Detroit.
1. Giannis Is Going to Be in the MVP Conversation
Giannis finished with 35 points on 13/19 shooting (68.4%), and I think he'll be in the MVP conversation. Even in a game where Miami struggled, he showed how difficult he is to stop around the basket.
His shooting still needs improvement, especially at the free-throw line and from beyond the arc. He went 9/14 from the line (64.3%) and missed both three-point attempts. The finishing was there, but leaving five points at the line is frustrating. He'll get plenty of opportunities there, and Miami needs him to take advantage.
2. Going Under Screens Was Not Working
I did not like Miami going under screens and playing drop coverage against Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. They had too much space to get their shots off, and once they got going, Miami struggled to slow them down.
Edwards scored 45 points (16/29 - 55.2%), including 9/17 from 3 (52.9%). Ball added 21 points shooting 7/17 (41.2%) and went 5/13 from 3 (38.5%). Combined, they made 14/30 threes (46.7%).
Those are their numbers for the whole game, and some of the makes were tough shots. Still, I wanted to see Miami adjust the coverage and make them work harder for their opportunities. Giving those two room to pull up was not working.
3. I Still Need to See More From Nikola Jović
Jović still looks lost at times. His play feels erratic, and I want to see him become someone Miami can depend on more consistently.
I do not need him to make a big play every time he touches the ball. I want him to look comfortable, make quicker decisions, and play within his role. There is talent there, but I need to see it turn into more dependable basketball.
4. I Want to See Defensive Progress Tonight
I understand this team will need time to figure things out defensively. There will be early mistakes, but I want to see some progress tonight against Detroit.
The Pistons depend heavily on Cade Cunningham to create offense. Miami needs to make him uncomfortable without losing sight of everyone else. Communication has to improve, especially on screens and when deciding when to help.
One game is not enough to judge this team, but it gives us things to watch. Tonight, I want to see Miami make adjustments and put together a more connected defense.
