Miami Heat, three losses and one question: what’s wrong?

Three games, three losses and plenty still to fix. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Miami Heat haven’t started the way they hoped, and a 115-110 loss to the Charlotte Hornets confirmed the struggles of a team still searching for the right balance.

But what isn’t working? An analysis by ClutchPoints identified Miami’s main problems early in the season, from the chemistry between Giannis and Adebayo to the defensive struggles.

Giannis and Adebayo are still building chemistry

One of the first issues to address is how Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo fit together. Both are accustomed to major responsibilities, particularly around the basket, and now must learn to share space and possessions.

And Giannis isn’t the only one who needs to adjust. After years alongside offensive focal points such as Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro, Adebayo must also find a different way to make an impact.

The numbers through these first three games illustrate his struggles: averages of 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3.7 assists, while shooting 42.9% from the field and 23.1% from three.

It isn’t just an offensive issue. The two are still figuring out how to move together, when to give each other space and how to make the most of their respective strengths on defense, too.

It will take time, practices and, above all, games. The duo’s potential isn’t in question, but for now, the chemistry is still very much a work in progress.

Defense is the real warning sign

While some offensive struggles were predictable, seeing Miami rank 27th in the NBA in defensive rating after three games is considerably more surprising.

The Heat have players such as Giannis, Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell, all capable of making a difference defensively. Yet so far, that individual talent hasn’t translated into convincing team defense.

The problem appears to be primarily chemistry. The newcomers are still learning Spoelstra’s system, while the returning players must adjust to different teammates and responsibilities.

Davion Mitchell tried to put the situation in perspective, noting how early it still is to draw conclusions.

We have to keep fighting and stick with it. It’s a new team: we’re still getting to know each other’s personalities and games. It’s our third game. We’re not panicking. We’ll figure it out

Davion Mitchell

Giannis calls for trust, but Miami also needs three-point shooting

After scoring at least 30 points in each of the first two games, Antetokounmpo finished with 14 against Charlotte, hampered by foul trouble.

But rather than focusing on his own numbers, the Greek star keeps returning to something he considers essential to making this team work: trusting one another.

We have to trust what we’re doing and the work we’ve put in. I don’t know if it was nerves or excitement for the first game, but we have to get better. Our offense has to get better. We have to trust each other. Our trust can’t disappear

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Some numbers help explain what isn’t working. Giannis is averaging 3 assists on 10.3 potential assists: in other words, he’s creating plenty of opportunities for teammates, but too often they aren’t converting them into baskets.

Three-point shooting is another problem to solve. Miami is shooting just 30.3% from beyond the arc, ranking 21st in the NBA.

Klay Thompson has started 9-for-26 from three (34.6%), while Tim Hardaway Jr. is struggling at 3-for-17 (17.6%). Both were brought in partly to provide scoring and perimeter threats, essential to spacing the floor and creating more room for Giannis and Adebayo to operate.

If those percentages don’t improve, opposing defenses will have a much easier time loading up on the Greek star and limiting his drives.

Miami must find a way to play together

There were some encouraging signs against Charlotte, though.

With Giannis on the bench in foul trouble, the Heat put together a 25-4 run, erasing a 21-point deficit with a lineup of Adebayo, Mitchell, Tim Hardaway Jr., Portis and Pelle Larsson.

That doesn’t mean Miami plays better without Antetokounmpo. Rather, it shows that some combinations are already working and that Spoelstra must find a way to replicate those same dynamics when the Greek star is on the floor.

Giannis himself admitted that this start has been a shock, while Mitchell chose a rather distinctive word to describe the team’s current situation.

I think the watchword for our group is suffering, and right now we’re going through it. We embrace it because you learn so much from these situations

Davion Mitchell

Certainly, nobody in Miami expected to remain winless after three games. But it would be just as premature to conclude that this team can’t work.

The talent is there, and there’s plenty of it. Now they have to find a way to bring it all together.

Three games aren’t enough to write off a project like this, but they are enough to see that something isn’t working. Giannis came to Miami to win, and sooner or later, the Heat will have to start showing they can do it.