Miami lost 115-110 at Charlotte on Saturday and sits 0-3 for the first time since 2007-08, the Miami Herald reported. Mavericks visit Monday, and the rally that fell short proves this team can fight but has not yet learned to start.
Dug Another Hole
The Hornets led by 23 in the third quarter. Miami never led by more than four. Charlotte opened the second half with a 15-0 run and the game was effectively decided before the Heat reacted. Brandon Miller scored 34 on 10-of-29 shooting and still won the night. Starting games this way is a habit, and three losses by 25, 17 and 5 say so.
The Late Charge
Miami answered with its own 15-0 run in the fourth and tied it at 100. Davion Mitchell scored 15 of his 22 in that quarter and added 10 assists. He hit a 28-footer with eight seconds left to cut it to three. After two Grayson Allen free throws, his last look from 27 feet bounced away. Effort arrived late. It cannot keep arriving late.
Giannis Problem
Giannis Antetokounmpo took 11 shots, scored 14 and finished minus-20 in 25 minutes. ESPN reported he fouled out. Bam Adebayo scored 20 but needed 17 shots and turned it over four times. Tim Hardaway Jr. went 0-for-5 from three. The two bigs have not yet shown they can share a floor and a rhythm.
What Is Next
Dallas arrives Monday, October 26, on NBA TV, then Miami goes to Atlanta on Wednesday. The Heat sit 14th, one game behind Chicago for tenth. The payroll is $206.9M, above the $200.4M tax line. Ownership is paying tax prices for a winless team.
Bottom Line
Open question: who sets the standard for the first six minutes? Spoelstra needs a opening unit that competes before the deficit, not after it. A first win Monday matters less than a first quarter that matches the last one.
What is the Heat's record after the Hornets game?
Miami is 0-3 after losing 115-110 at Charlotte on October 24. The Miami Herald reported it is the first 0-3 start since 2007-08.
When do the Heat play next?
Miami hosts the Mavericks on Monday, October 26, on NBA TV. They visit the Hawks on October 28.
