NBA Miami Heat

Balance Key to Miami Heat’s Undefeated Start

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By @ShaneRantSports

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Forget LeBron James — the Miami Heat has wasted no time this season in finding their stride. Now 3-0, the Toronto Raptors were the late victims of Miami’s post break-up massacre, 107-102. Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have played great, but only some of the early success can be credited to the duo. The key to the Heat’s fast start has been a balanced attack.

Through the first three games, the Miami bench is averaging 28.3 points per game, including a 35-point performance in the double-digit victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The leading factor in the bench performance has been Erik Spoelstra’s decision to start Norris Cole at point guard and have Mario Chalmers as the sixth man. The former Kansas Jayhawk is averaging 13.9 points to start the NBA season.

Not only are the role players adding significant depth, but the starters are doing their part. Four or more players have scored double-digits in each game thus far. That is a big change from the “Big 3” era when Wade, Bosh and James scored 75 percent of the Heat’s points nearly every night.

The consistent and balanced attack has taken a substantial amount of pressure off Wade, who has played over 30 minutes in every game thus far, including Miami’s first back-to-back. He nearly had a triple-double against Toronto with 19 PTS, 11 REB and seven AST.

It is quite transparent that some big changes have taken place since James went back to the Cleveland Cavaliers. There is a sense of joy and confidence that was not seen last season. It is almost as if James carries the burden of winning and the media no matter where he goes. Without James, there is no pressure and ESPN isn’t examining what the Heat players had for dinner and with whom.

As always, there is the disclaimer that it is very early in the season, but there is no reason not to like how Miami is playing. Wade and Bosh are the duo they need to be and the role players are on point. Balance has allowed them to start undefeated and will be the key throughout the entire season.

Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].

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