2025 Miami Heat Regular Season Thread

[3ammy3uck3ts]

Miami's team defensive rating was top 3 in the NBA through the first 7 games of the season (in which Bam played them all fully). This was while maintaining the fastest pace in the NBA. Limited sample, but an unprecedented combination.

Bam missed 6 full games with foot injury and only played 8 minutes in the game he got hurt. During this 7 game stretch, Miami's team defense performed as the 19th ranked defense in the NBA (still maintaining the fastest pace of play in the NBA).

As a result, before last night's game, Miami's team defensive rating for the season had dropped to 15th in the NBA.

1 game into Bam's return and Miami is back in the top 10 in defensive rating at #9 (while still maintaining the fastest pace in the NBA).

Bam's impact on defense and importance to this team is nothing new and is undeniable. But, I will be very interested to see if Miami can maintain a top 10 defense on the season while continuing to play at one of the fastest paces in the NBA. I'm not sure that's ever been done before.

Small sample obviously, but a fascinating dynamic to monitor.

I checked in on this this morning lol. 90 DRTG last night despite a bad rebounding game, obviously against weak talent but still an elite defensive game where we finally leaned on our best players to run away in the 4th. 2nd best defense in the league when he’s on the court (OKC is just insanely stacked with high level defenders and unfortunately able to play by a different set of rules on that end), 2nd best defensive rebounding team when he’s on the court. Hopefully the admin does their job of pushing him for DPOY and he gets some credit. He is laughably tied for the 11th best odds right now

[3ammy3uck3ts]

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Another 1 hit wonder DPOY, love it.

What many that deep data-loving folks who get off on defense fail to understand that defense is a team effort. It doesn't matter how good a single individual is on the defensive end, they can't impact the game the same way a great offensive player can affect the game.

There are some on RealGM who would swear Gobert-Draymond-T Camara-Derrick White-J Holiday go 82-0 and win every game 62-61. And these same people will rant about how perennial 1st team all-NBA guys are overrated. There was a poster who was basically saying Jokic wasn't as good as everyone thought because he was averaging 4TO/game

Mobley is a good player, but he is VASTLY overrated on these boards.

It’s funny and on here specifically, ironic see the clout he gets considering he’s not even as good as Bam was when he was 23-24.

[Tim_Hardawayy]

I still think the pace won’t help in the playoffs, but it’s not like anyone had us as a contender coming into the year anyways. That said, if it wins us 50-55 games, we look like a really attractive destination for any disgruntled star out there. Free flowing offense, awesome defense, no state tax, live in Miami…

[greg4012]

Miami's team defensive rating was top 3 in the NBA through the first 7 games of the season (in which Bam played them all fully). This was while maintaining the fastest pace in the NBA. Limited sample, but an unprecedented combination.

Bam missed 6 full games with foot injury and only played 8 minutes in the game he got hurt. During this 7 game stretch, Miami's team defense performed as the 19th ranked defense in the NBA (still maintaining the fastest pace of play in the NBA).

As a result, before last night's game, Miami's team defensive rating for the season had dropped to 15th in the NBA.

1 game into Bam's return and Miami is back in the top 10 in defensive rating at #9 (while still maintaining the fastest pace in the NBA).

Bam's impact on defense and importance to this team is nothing new and is undeniable. But, I will be very interested to see if Miami can maintain a top 10 defense on the season while continuing to play at one of the fastest paces in the NBA. I'm not sure that's ever been done before.

Small sample obviously, but a fascinating dynamic to monitor.

I checked in on this this morning lol. 90 DRTG last night despite a bad rebounding game, obviously against weak talent but still an elite defensive game where we finally leaned on our best players to run away in the 4th. 2nd best defense in the league when he’s on the court (OKC is just insanely stacked with high level defenders and unfortunately able to play by a different set of rules on that end), 2nd best defensive rebounding team when he’s on the court. Hopefully the admin does their job of pushing him for DPOY and he gets some credit. He is laughably tied for the 11th best odds right now

And Miami's early season schedule has been a gauntlet.

[3ammy3uck3ts]

Miami's team defensive rating was top 3 in the NBA through the first 7 games of the season (in which Bam played them all fully). This was while maintaining the fastest pace in the NBA. Limited sample, but an unprecedented combination.

Bam missed 6 full games with foot injury and only played 8 minutes in the game he got hurt. During this 7 game stretch, Miami's team defense performed as the 19th ranked defense in the NBA (still maintaining the fastest pace of play in the NBA).

As a result, before last night's game, Miami's team defensive rating for the season had dropped to 15th in the NBA.

1 game into Bam's return and Miami is back in the top 10 in defensive rating at #9 (while still maintaining the fastest pace in the NBA).

Bam's impact on defense and importance to this team is nothing new and is undeniable. But, I will be very interested to see if Miami can maintain a top 10 defense on the season while continuing to play at one of the fastest paces in the NBA. I'm not sure that's ever been done before.

Small sample obviously, but a fascinating dynamic to monitor.

I checked in on this this morning lol. 90 DRTG last night despite a bad rebounding game, obviously against weak talent but still an elite defensive game where we finally leaned on our best players to run away in the 4th. 2nd best defense in the league when he’s on the court (OKC is just insanely stacked with high level defenders and unfortunately able to play by a different set of rules on that end), 2nd best defensive rebounding team when he’s on the court. Hopefully the admin does their job of pushing him for DPOY and he gets some credit. He is laughably tied for the 11th best odds right now

And Miami's early season schedule has been a gauntlet.

In shock we’re 9-6 right now tbh, especially considering both Bam and Powell have missed chunks here early on

[3ammy3uck3ts]

I still think the pace won’t help in the playoffs, but it’s not like anyone had us as a contender coming into the year anyways. That said, if it wins us 50-55 games, we look like a really attractive destination for any disgruntled star out there. Free flowing offense, awesome defense, no state tax, live in Miami…

That should be the main goal right now, we need to look as attractive as possible for the next legit star that asks out. Like a Giannis, Ant, Jokic (FA soon I think), etc. we’re looking primed for a star to slide right in and take us over the top

[Tim_Hardawayy]

I still think the pace won’t help in the playoffs, but it’s not like anyone had us as a contender coming into the year anyways. That said, if it wins us 50-55 games, we look like a really attractive destination for any disgruntled star out there. Free flowing offense, awesome defense, no state tax, live in Miami…

That should be the main goal right now, we need to look as attractive as possible for the next legit star that asks out. Like a Giannis, Ant, Jokic (FA soon I think), etc. we’re looking primed for a star to slide right in and take us over the top

Follow the Rockets model except ideally get someone who isn’t 37. Ant on this squad, can you imagine.

[greg4012]

Over the last 82 full games that Bam has played in (including the playoffs), Bam is 37% from 3 (101/273) averaging 3.3 3PA per game.

Since last season's all-star break, Bam has played in 39 full games (including the playoffs), and in that stretch he is shooting 41.4% from 3 (65/157) on 4 3PA per game.

[heater4life]

I still think the pace won’t help in the playoffs, but it’s not like anyone had us as a contender coming into the year anyways. That said, if it wins us 50-55 games, we look like a really attractive destination for any disgruntled star out there. Free flowing offense, awesome defense, no state tax, live in Miami…

I think pace will slow a bit late into the season and into the playoffs. Part of the problem on the boards has been due to our offensive scheme. Can’t run down the floor and crash the boards at the same time.

Can’t wait to see what Herro looks like in this offense.

[Tim_Hardawayy]

I still think the pace won’t help in the playoffs, but it’s not like anyone had us as a contender coming into the year anyways. That said, if it wins us 50-55 games, we look like a really attractive destination for any disgruntled star out there. Free flowing offense, awesome defense, no state tax, live in Miami…

I think pace will slow a bit late into the season and into the playoffs. Part of the problem on the boards has been due to our offensive scheme. Can’t run down the floor and crash the boards at the same time.

Can’t wait to see what Herro looks like in this offense.

Oh I'm not suggesting we should slow the pace down. Run all you want in the regular season, rack up the wins. I'm just saying that it won't be possible in the playoffs, the games will slow down whether we want them to or not. There's nothing inherently bad about being a team that plays with pace, its just you have to be able to win the grind out games if you want to be a champion or even contender.

I also think in general the regular season looks more lackadaisical than ever, and that goes for the league as a whole. So its hard to really gauge how good this team can be.

[3ammy3uck3ts]

The pace slowing down in the playoffs is inevitable, that “could” be an issue for us, time will tell. That’s where the superstar and high level playmaker comes in handy and gets you over the top. Maybe we get that all in one

[Tim_Hardawayy]

The pace slowing down in the playoffs is inevitable, that “could” be an issue for us, time will tell. That’s where the superstar and high level playmaker comes in handy and gets you over the top. Maybe we get that all in one

I really wanted Luka but Ant's not a bad consolation prize, and supposedly him and Spo have a good rapport from team USA. I'm also on team Zion, not that I believe in him but if you're gonna take a chance on someone, at least go with a young guy whose biggest issue seems to be conditioning, which is our strength. And with Bam finding his touch and Ware also able to hit the 3, could make for an interesting unorthodox offense where Zion's the one attacking and the bigs are spacing the floor.

[greg4012]

I still think the pace won’t help in the playoffs, but it’s not like anyone had us as a contender coming into the year anyways. That said, if it wins us 50-55 games, we look like a really attractive destination for any disgruntled star out there. Free flowing offense, awesome defense, no state tax, live in Miami…

I think pace will slow a bit late into the season and into the playoffs. Part of the problem on the boards has been due to our offensive scheme. Can’t run down the floor and crash the boards at the same time.

Can’t wait to see what Herro looks like in this offense.

Oh I'm not suggesting we should slow the pace down. Run all you want in the regular season, rack up the wins. I'm just saying that it won't be possible in the playoffs, the games will slow down whether we want them to or not. There's nothing inherently bad about being a team that plays with pace, its just you have to be able to win the grind out games if you want to be a champion or even contender.

I also think in general the regular season looks more lackadaisical than ever, and that goes for the league as a whole. So its hard to really gauge how good this team can be.

Overall, Miami is currently an average NBA offense per offensive rating (rank 16th; was 11th before Bam missed time).

Miami actually isn't living off its transition offense. According to NBA.com, Miami currently ranks 18th in the NBA in Points Per Possession in transition offense (link: https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/transition?dir=D&sort=PPP).

Obviously, Miami is pushing pace regardless of if it's transition or not and is prioritizing acting fast whether in half court or transition. So, Miami leads the league in overall pace.

I can't find an easy stat to reference halfcourt offensive efficiency. But, according to the below linked database, Miami's offense actually ranks 5th in the NBA in points per possession in the "After Made Shot" category, which categorizes every possession that begins with taking the ball from out of bounds (includes possessions after dead ball turnovers).

https://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2025&po=0&frdt=2025-10-21&todt=2025-11-19&view=off&sort=aoeffmk&order=DESC

Wild that these tracking numbers infer that Miami is actually better as a halfcourt offense. If anyone has better numbers to reference, I'm eager to see them.

Miami playing with pace and pushing in transition is a huge story for the offensive overhaul, but it's far from the whole story with Miami's shift in offensive playstyle.

Will be fascinating to monitor how this continues to unfold, especially with Herro returning.

[Tim_Hardawayy]

I think pace will slow a bit late into the season and into the playoffs. Part of the problem on the boards has been due to our offensive scheme. Can’t run down the floor and crash the boards at the same time.

Can’t wait to see what Herro looks like in this offense.

Oh I'm not suggesting we should slow the pace down. Run all you want in the regular season, rack up the wins. I'm just saying that it won't be possible in the playoffs, the games will slow down whether we want them to or not. There's nothing inherently bad about being a team that plays with pace, its just you have to be able to win the grind out games if you want to be a champion or even contender.

I also think in general the regular season looks more lackadaisical than ever, and that goes for the league as a whole. So its hard to really gauge how good this team can be.

Overall, Miami is currently an average NBA offense per offensive rating (rank 16th; was 11th before Bam missed time).

Miami actually isn't living off its transition offense. According to NBA.com, Miami currently ranks 18th in the NBA in Points Per Possession in transition offense (link: https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/transition?dir=D&sort=PPP).

Obviously, Miami is pushing pace regardless of if it's transition or not and is prioritizing acting fast whether in half court or transition. So, Miami leads the league in overall pace.

I can't find an easy stat to reference halfcourt offensive efficiency. But, according to the below linked database, Miami's offense actually ranks 5th in the NBA in points per possession in the "After Made Shot" category, which categorizes every possession that begins with taking the ball from out of bounds (includes possessions after dead ball turnovers).

https://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2025&po=0&frdt=2025-10-21&todt=2025-11-19&view=off&sort=aoeffmk&order=DESC

Wild that these tracking numbers infer that Miami is actually better as a halfcourt offense. If anyone has better numbers to reference, I'm eager to see them.

Miami playing with pace and pushing in transition is a huge story for the offensive overhaul, but it's far from the whole story with Miami's shift in offensive playstyle.

Will be fascinating to monitor how this continues to unfold, especially with Herro returning.

That is interesting, but I have to wonder how much pace factors into that still. For example, if you don't score the basket within 5 seconds, but you pushed the ball quickly and that got the defense out of position, does that still count as a halfcourt set? Because I guess technically it is, but pace is what helped create the confusion and mismatch.

Regardless, its been an unexpectedly fun start to the year. I was very down on Spo's offense coming into this season so I'm eating a lot of crow for sure.

[greg4012]

Oh I'm not suggesting we should slow the pace down. Run all you want in the regular season, rack up the wins. I'm just saying that it won't be possible in the playoffs, the games will slow down whether we want them to or not. There's nothing inherently bad about being a team that plays with pace, its just you have to be able to win the grind out games if you want to be a champion or even contender.

I also think in general the regular season looks more lackadaisical than ever, and that goes for the league as a whole. So its hard to really gauge how good this team can be.

Overall, Miami is currently an average NBA offense per offensive rating (rank 16th; was 11th before Bam missed time).

Miami actually isn't living off its transition offense. According to NBA.com, Miami currently ranks 18th in the NBA in Points Per Possession in transition offense (link: https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/transition?dir=D&sort=PPP).

Obviously, Miami is pushing pace regardless of if it's transition or not and is prioritizing acting fast whether in half court or transition. So, Miami leads the league in overall pace.

I can't find an easy stat to reference halfcourt offensive efficiency. But, according to the below linked database, Miami's offense actually ranks 5th in the NBA in points per possession in the "After Made Shot" category, which categorizes every possession that begins with taking the ball from out of bounds (includes possessions after dead ball turnovers).

https://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2025&po=0&frdt=2025-10-21&todt=2025-11-19&view=off&sort=aoeffmk&order=DESC

Wild that these tracking numbers infer that Miami is actually better as a halfcourt offense. If anyone has better numbers to reference, I'm eager to see them.

Miami playing with pace and pushing in transition is a huge story for the offensive overhaul, but it's far from the whole story with Miami's shift in offensive playstyle.

Will be fascinating to monitor how this continues to unfold, especially with Herro returning.

That is interesting, but I have to wonder how much pace factors into that still. For example, if you don't score the basket within 5 seconds, but you pushed the ball quickly and that got the defense out of position, does that still count as a halfcourt set? Because I guess technically it is, but pace is what helped create the confusion and mismatch.

Regardless, its been an unexpectedly fun start to the year. I was very down on Spo's offense coming into this season so I'm eating a lot of crow for sure.

Yes the pace is still helping just like the seven seconds or less PHX suns were more than just a transition offense, just as the spacing is still helping. I found it surprising myself, but it's consistent with a perspective of divorcing the concept of pace from the concept of living off transition offense. Interestingly, Miami is still not a great transition offense.

The principles of spacing and pacing implemented for this offense are the foundation. In the playoffs, teams gameplan for all of an offense's tendencies and try to install ways to shut down what a team wants to do. It seems a lot of what Miami wants to do is based on general principles and free flow based off those principles. But, then there are counters. Just like we saw last night with Miami probably running more pick and rolls in the 4th quarter than they had in any game this season.

Pace and spacing are the names of the game for Miami's offense. Transition is just a part of it.

[MartyConlonJr]

Hopefully the admin does their job of pushing him for DPOY and he gets some credit. He is laughably tied for the 11th best odds right now

In fairness you have to play 65 games to qualify, Bam already missed 6 games, playing 9/15 so needs to play 56/67 remaining games to qualify. He has eaten aome early allocation there.

I haven't looked at the odds and assume Wemby is up there unless he is already disqualified.

[3ammy3uck3ts]

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And so it begins.

[3ammy3uck3ts]

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