In Miami, the best offense remains the defense

The most prolific offense in the NBA with 124.8 points scored on average, c Heat hit hard again last night won by 36 points in Chicagowith 143 points on the clock! This is the 6th highest total in franchise history, and the Heat have already reached 140 points four times this season. Miami finished the game with eight players with 10 or more points, although Tyler Aro still hasn’t played this season, and Nikola Jovic and Andrew Wiggins recently joined him in the infirmary.

“It all started with our defensive intentions”, shades of Erik Spoelstra. “We found our identity before Bam’s injury. Defensively we covered a lot of ground, the guys accepted the challenge, made things difficult for them. We were able to limit their game in transition. They are a very good team in attack, and we often forced them to play late in possession. Offensively, it also looked like we showed like we showed like a good ball from ten days ago, shahithm ten days ago. the ability to attack, put pressure on them, draw fouls or penetration and making the right choices.

What is also impressive is the depth of the lineup. No big names, but Spoelstra gets the best out of his group, and tonight he used his 6th different starting five since the start of the season.

Cashad Johnson will miss the chance

With Andrew Wiggins out for the first time this season, the Heat had to field a new starting five, with Kel’el Ware starting alongside Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell, Pele Larson and Bama Adebayo. A game of musical chairs that benefits, for example, Keshad Johnson, the author of 14 points in 29 minutes.

“It’s definitely a ‘next man up’ mentality. Coach Spo told me to be ready and be myself: bring the energy” explains the “sophomore”. “That’s what I tried to do, since Wiggins and Jovic have played a minute, everyone has to raise their level.

Also a sophomore, Kel’el Ware praises the mentality of this group. “We have guys who stay fit, guys who are hungry and can come in, defend hard, impact the game.” he enumerates. “I think that’s what’s allowed Keshad to become more and more comfortable offensively and play his game.”

A final word for Erik Spoelstra, proud to be able to count on young men ready to take on the challenge every night. He doesn’t talk about it, but his work as a coach always works wonders.

“I’m really happy for KJ. He’s very serious in his work, behind the scenes. The minutes I’ve been giving him so far haven’t been very “fair” for him. This is the first time I’ve played him at position 4. The second time I’ve put him as a pivot… and his first match was against Jokic, let’s be serious, it’s not very fair…” he smiled. “He’s stayed valuable. Malik, Udonis, Bam… They’re all taking him in. He works, he stays ready, so he doesn’t need to get in shape to be ready. That’s where he finally got an opportunity in a more natural role for him, and he made a big impact defensively. Very good on switches, defending in the post. And on other assists, he gave us great energy in the circle. in the back, hit some 3-pointers, but other than that, it’s energy, toughness, physical impact.