Erik Spoelstra has made Miami’s defensive struggles his top priority after the Heat opened the 2026-27 season with a 3-6 record.
“We’re losing games because of our defense. That has to be our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd priorities,” Spoelstra said. “Everything else we’ll start to make some progress.”
The Heat coach also expressed frustration with the discussion surrounding how Bam Adebayo fits alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Miami has been working to make that partnership more comfortable, but Spoelstra does not want it to distract from the team’s defensive problems.
“We worked on trying to get him in spots he can feel comfortable and more aggressive… We’re working on guys feeling comfortable playing with Giannis. He draws so much attention. And yet, I just absolutely hate those discussions right now,” he said.
Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.3 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists through nine games. He is shooting 56.0% from the field in 32.7 minutes per contest.
Adebayo has contributed 18.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, shooting 53.8% from the field. He is also averaging 3.1 assists and 2.0 steals.
The Heat’s early results underline why Spoelstra wants a defensive response. Miami lost its first four games, allowing at least 113 points in each, before winning consecutive games against Atlanta and Indiana.
The team then dropped two of its next three contests, including a 138-117 loss to the Lakers and a 120-100 defeat against the Warriors. Miami has allowed at least 115 points in seven of its first nine games.
Davion Mitchell has provided another major offensive contribution, averaging 16.1 points and 8.2 assists while shooting 50.0% from the field. Klay Thompson is adding 13.8 points per game and shooting 41.3% from three-point range.
The defensive priority also has immediate schedule implications. Miami begins a three-game road stretch against Sacramento on Sunday, November 8, followed by visits to Utah and the return home against Cleveland.
