Game Recaps.

Miami Bounces Back Against Wagner, but the Shooting Still Needs Work

Miami needed a response after the Florida loss, and it got one in an 83-57 win over Wagner.

Heat Instant Reaction | The Third Quarter Got Away From Miami

The Heat were tied with the Warriors at 53 at halftime, then lost the third quarter 38-23. Golden State went on a 26-9 run in that quarter and won 120-100. Miami is now 3-6, and the two things that stood out most to me were how poorly the Heat shot from three and how much trouble they had defending it.

Heat Instant Reaction: Bam and Klay Lead a 20 Point Comeback Against the Clippers

The Heat were down 20, shot 10-for-40 from three, and still found a way to beat the Clippers 117-116 in overtime. After the way Miami defended against the Lakers, I wanted to see a better effort on that end. The second quarter was brutal, but the defense made some of the biggest plays of the night when Miami needed them.

Heat Instant Reaction: Miami Had No Answer for Luka in 138-117 Loss

After two encouraging wins, this was a frustrating performance. The Heat lost 138-117 to the Lakers, and the defense never found an answer for Luka Dončić.

Miami vs. Florida Instant Reaction: Offensive Struggles Cost Canes in Season Opener

Miami opened the season with a 77-67 loss to No. 1 Florida. I liked some things, especially from Acaden Lewis and Somto Cyril, but the Canes struggled to finish inside, committed too many fouls, and let their turnovers become Florida points.

Dolphins Instant Reaction: Miami Lets a 13-3 Lead Slip Away Against New England

This was a frustrating one. Miami led 13-3 at halftime and had a chance to build on last week’s win over the Jets. Instead, the offense stalled, New England found explosive plays, and the Dolphins lost 24-19.

Miami Instant Reaction: Canes Survive UNC

Miami leaves Chapel Hill with a 38-35 win and an undefeated record, but it was closer than I wanted. The offense kept answering, while the defense struggled to tackle and get off the field.

Heat Instant Reaction: Miami Finds Its Rhythm in 145-125 Win Over Indiana

This is more of what I wanted to see. The Heat beat the Pacers 145-125 to pick up their second straight win and open NBA Cup play with a victory. The start was rough defensively, but Miami adjusted; the offense flowed, and you could see the vision for how this team can play.

Heat Get Their First Win: Five Takeaways From Miami’s 129-117 Victory Over Atlanta

Bam made franchise history, Davion kept Miami moving, and Wiggins and Pelle delivered as the Heat earned their first win, 129-117 over Atlanta. My five takeaways, including Hardaway’s defensive struggles and Giannis’s growing off-ball role.

Heat Remains Winless: The Fit, Supporting Cast, and Effort All Need Work

The Heat are 0–4, and the problems go beyond missed shots. My takeaways from the Mavericks loss: the Bam–Giannis fit, an underperforming supporting cast, players who deserve more minutes and an effort level that needs to improve before Miami heads to Atlanta.

Douglas Returns, Willis Takes a Step Forward: Five Takeaways From Dolphins vs. Jets

Caleb Douglas returned with two touchdowns, Malik Willis played more decisively, and Miami protected the football against the Jets. My five takeaways, including Chop Robinson’s pressure, Michael Taaffe’s interception and Ollie Gordon’s physical running.

Miami Makes a Statement Against Pitt: Four Takeaways From the 52–23 Win

Malachi Toney’s record-setting performance led Miami to a 52-23 win over Pitt. My four takeaways on Toney’s value, Javian Mallory’s growing role, a dominant defensive line, and why Mario Cristobal has this program heading in the right direction.

Heat Show a Spark in Charlotte, but a 0-3 Start Demands Changes

Miami’s fourth-quarter comeback showed a glimpse of how this team is supposed to look, but the Heat still fell 115–110 to Charlotte. Davion Mitchell stood out, while the Bam–Giannis fit and rebounding remain concerns. At 0-3 for the first time since 2007-08, Miami needs to make adjustments.

Heat vs. Pistons Takeaways: It Has Only Been Two Games

Two games in, I’m not ready to write this Heat team off. My takeaways from the Pistons loss, including missed open 3s, Bam finding his fit, and why better defense can get Miami running.

Heat Takeaways: Giannis Shows MVP Potential, but Miami Needs a Defensive Response

Giannis is going to be in the MVP conversation, but Miami has a lot to clean up defensively. Here’s what stood out against Minnesota and what I want to see tonight against Detroit.

Dolphins v. Bengals Takeaways: Defense Leads the Way, but Questions About Willis Grow

Dolphins at Vikings: Six Takeaways From Miami’s Performance

Miami’s performance against Minnesota gave me a mix of encouraging signs and areas that still need work. Here are my six biggest takeaways:

Week 3 Takeaways: Dolphins v Chiefs

The Dolphins stayed within one score of the Chiefs into the fourth quarter but ultimately lost 24–10. Miami is still searching for its first win, though this game gave me a few encouraging individual performances to take away. Here is what stood out.