The Miami Heat are completely changing the way they approach basketball: ‘It’s a new era’

The Miami Heat are completely changing the way they approach basketball: “It’s a new era”

The Miami Heat have transformed their game, emerging this season as the league’s fastest-moving team. Known for their legendary conditioning, players like Dion Waiters and James Johnson can attest to the demanding fitness standards required to make it through training camp. But now, the focus is not only on endurance—it’s on pace.

Through their first seven games, Miami leads the NBA in tempo with an average of 106.4 possessions per 48 minutes. Their strategy emphasizes fluidity, spacing, and collaboration rather than traditional set plays.

“We run less pick-and-rolls, run fewer screens; there’s more five-out, and sharing the wealth,” Heat center Bam Adebayo told The Athletic after a thrilling 120-119 win over the LA Clippers. “That’s the best way to play basketball. We’re all on this journey together—no one can drive the bus alone.”

Last season forced the Heat to confront their shortcomings after being swept in four games by the Cleveland Cavaliers in what became one of the most lopsided playoff series in NBA history, with a 122-point combined deficit.

“We were done at the end of April, and it was a very painful, embarrassing first-round loss,” said coach Erik Spoelstra.

Author’s Summary

The Miami Heat have embraced a faster, more collaborative style that marks a bold new chapter for a team seeking redemption after a humbling postseason defeat.

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The New York Times The New York Times — 2025-11-05

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