Miami Heat lack size in loss to the Celtics

The struggles continue as the Miami Heat drop their second game of the season 111-104 to the Boston Celtics at the FTX Arena. Not the kind of start we were hoping for, and there are some serious flaws on this team that have already been exposed in the first two games of the season.

This rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals felt a lot like last seasons Eastern Conference Finals as the Celtics just continued to attack the Heat with size and ball movement until they couldn't keep up anymore. The energy expended on defense to make up for the lack of size on the current roster is not going to be sustainable for the season. Omer Yurtseven and Victory Oladipo sitting the first two games with an injury doesn't help, but that can't be the only solution. Offensively they had struggles, but they also had five different players score 17 or more points. You would expect a Heat team with that kind of diverse scoring to be able to win the game, but there was something in the way.

The duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown once again powered the Celtics offense to the victory as they combined for 57 points on an efficient 22-of-40 shooting. On multiple occasions they would find themselves covered by 6'5'' Tyler Herro with help from 6'0'' Kyle Lowry. That is just too easy for Brown (6'6'') and Tatum (6'8''). Not diminishing the effort both of those players have been putting on the defensive side of the ball, but the lack of size was such an apparent issue that it's hard not to talk about it. Brown and Tatum have both shown the ability to break down the defense and make the right play, whether it's use their length to finish at the basket or find the open man, which then starts the ball movement that creates open looks. Miami just couldn't figure out a way to disrupt Boston's flow on the offensive end.

There were definitely some positives in this game, however, one of them being the continued success of Tyler Herro in his starting role. He led the team with 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting to go with six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. It was always going to be a struggle guarding big wings like Tatum and Brown, so you can't blame him entirely for their strong night. In fact, we should appreciate the hustle and effort he puts on the less glamorous side of the court. His quick feet allow him to stay in front of defenders and he's shown the ability to get steals and blocks with his timing since he lacks the length. Just an overall great game from boy wonder and he's just going to build on it from here.

Another positive that needs to be said is the response from Kyle Lowry. He finished the game with 17 points on an inefficient 4-of-13, but he did have six assists, four rebounds, three steals, one block and no turnovers. Even though there were some questionable decisions made down the stretch by the floor general, there is no denying the difference he makes when he plays like the Kyle Lowry we've seen the last couple of years.

Bam Adebayo also had a bounce back game as he started the game on fire making six of his first seven shots on his way to 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and a team-best +20. The only things that held him back to an even bigger game was the foul trouble. He picked up his 3rd foul a minute into the second half and would then pick up his 4th half way through the third, which kept him out until the fourth quarter. Both fouls were moving picks and he picked up three in total in the game. Definitely something that needs to be addressed, but it was still great to see Bam have a huge impact on the success of the team.

Jimmy Butler had a solid performance with 18 points on 9-of-17 shooting to go with seven rebounds, five assists and a steal. Craziest stat of the night? Jimmy didn't have a single trip to the free throw line in this game. Gabe Vincent was tonight's bench contributor as he also finished with 17 points on an efficient 7-of-13 shooting, but it was his tenacity on the defensive end that really shined. When things were looking bleak in the second half it was Vincent that kept us alive. He was making pull up jumpers on one end and forcing bad shots and turnovers on the other. Need more of that as the season continues on.

The Miami Heat now have a quick turnaround as they face the Toronto Raptors Saturday, October 21 at 8:00 PM EST at the FTX Arena. This will be another great test for us as Toronto is another team with a lot of size and length. Will the Heat be able to overcome it and get their first win of the season? I sure hope so. These recaps are tough after a loss. Have a great night!