Heat Check- Key Takeaways from Miami’s Season Debut

The Miami Heat’s season opener was against the Orlando Magic which resulted in a loss after  a close game and battle to the very end. Miami showed signs of weakness, but also signs of looming hope for a new start this season. Despite Tyler Herro's absence, the Heat managed to make it a close game against the Orlando magic which is a projected 3-5 team in the Eastern Conference this season. Players such as Normna Powell, Davion Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, and Kel’el Ware had promising plays that can make heat fans hope for a successful fresh season.

Norman Powell had a strong start for his Heat debut in which he was the leading scorer for the team and had 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists with 47.4% from the field and 50% from three-point range (via sports reference).

With Tyler Herro not available, Powell stepped up as the primary offensive options and where he delivered for his role and carried a heavy weight and scored efficiently. Despite Miami's long-range shooting being inefficient, Norman delivered with shooting 50% from three-point range and showed heavy effort on the glass, which showed strength as a guard having nine boards. He also contributed defensively with a steal and  a block which displayed his impact on both sides of the floor. He also made smart decisions often and didn't hold the ball for too long or settle on sloppy shots, and instead delivered efficient shots for himself, or got open looks for his teammates and created shots for them. His ability to score off the ball and on ball is an extreme advantage for the Heat. His rebounding ability is a huge factor especially against such a big team. The Miami Heat is a small sized team, so they need a guard with force such as Powell to contribute on the glass.

The Heat had 19 turnovers which is a lot for any team , while Powell had 3 of them. It isn't terrible, but as the leading option for the heat, minimizing those would be key. 

Miami will need to find ways to take some of the load off Powell, at least until Herro's return. Still, what fans see from Powell gives them hope for how well he will complement Herro once he's back. With both players on the court, the Heat could supply a dynamic backcourt duo that combines Herro's shot creation with Powell's attack. Miami’s offense will have to generate enough to be stable and not result in too many losses until we see Herros return.

Davion Mitchell picked up right where he left off from last season, where he had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists, and 2 steals with 46.7% from the field ( via sports reference). He played efficiently from both sides of the floor which generated offense, key playmaking skills, and a defensive force.

He created looks for his teammates and initiated offense which made him step into a bigger role with Herro returns.  Other than passing, he also puts up points so he can work well around the floor. His defensive contributions and energy were significant. Despite being a  smaller guard, his physicality and defensive IQ come in favor  by producing plays on the defensive end and dominating on the offensive end.

Scoring 16 points is a good sign for him, but the Heat need him to be consistent and efficient in order to win games. He’s a solid point guard, and if he can maintain or elevate his current role, he’ll become a key piece for Miami. As he grows, the ceiling of the team will grow right with him.

Bam Adebayo logged 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 30.8% from the field in the season opener (via sports reference). Recording a double-double is a strong way to begin the season, which proves his importance as both a  rebounder and glue player for Miami. However, he needs to improve his efficiency, converting more of his inside looks and making smarter shot selections. He also needs more force and assertion when attacking the rim, as he's proven capable of being a dominant player in the paint. With the team in a transition of waiting for Herro's return, the Heat depends on him not just for defensive stability but for his offensive production as well. 

Wendell Carter Jr. dominated Bam in the paint during the fourth quarter, and Bam’s lack of scoring and physicality was a major factor in Miami falling short. His presence down the stretch has to be stronger if the Heat want to turn these close games into wins.

The Heat had a lot of adversity and hardships last season with the Jimmy Butler trade fiasco, and adjusting to a new squad having to create chemistry after an unexpected turn of events. As the new season looms, there are forces on the team that can create a new brand for the team and start an impactful and meaningful season. 

On Wednesday night’s season opener, the Heat got strong contributions off the bench from Simone Fontecchio and Jaime Jaquez Jr, who each added 13 points. Jaquez took on the challenge of guarding Paolo Banchero and recorded two steals in a solid defensive game.

Kel’el Ware played only 14 minutes but still managed 7 points and 4 rebounds. Despite the potential chemistry between Adebayo and Ware when they shared the floor, coach Erik Spoelstra did not play him for long as Ware was doubtful to play just hours before tip off. 

The Heat showed a lot of fight against a good Orlando team without their star player, Tyler Herro. They showed resiliency and promise from multiple players. This is a fun youthful roster, looking forward to their star to return from injury. ​​This team isn’t projected to be a contender, but it’s one that can grow, build chemistry, and learn from each other. And who knows, maybe they’ll make a little magic happen along the way.

Written by Debbie Disla, @debbie.hearts on instagram