Heat Defense: Klay Thompson Calls for More Practice After 138-Point Loss
The Miami Heat ranked 25th in defense through 10 games, prompting a 30-point performance from Klay Thompson in a win over the Clippers.
By Ethan Cook ·
Klay Thompson cancelled his trip to Catalina Island after the Miami Heat surrendered 138 points to the Los Angeles Lakers last Monday. The five-time All-Star stated the team needed to return to practice immediately following the defeat, which marked the fourth time in their first seven games that Miami allowed at least 125 points.
The Heat currently hold a 4-6 record and rank 25th in the league in defensive efficiency. Opponents are shooting 39.4 percent from beyond the arc against Miami, the third-highest rate in the NBA. The team also allows a league-worst average of 20.5 open three-point attempts per game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo attributed the struggles to a lack of trust among teammates. He noted that players often hesitate to close out on dribble handlers because they feel unsupported, leading to missed opportunities for step-back jumpers. Antetokounmpo, a former Defensive Player of the Year, emphasized the need for consistent effort and rebounding.
Coach Erik Spoelstra rejected the idea that the team simply needs time to gel. He stated that the league does not wait for teams to find their rhythm. The coaching staff has adjusted the offensive strategy with consultant Noah LaRoche, shifting from 23.5 on-ball screens per game early in the season to 57 in a recent win against the Atlanta Hawks.
Despite the defensive woes, the Heat have generated high-scoring outputs in certain matchups. The team's offense is currently ranked 20th, though it operates most efficiently when running on-ball screens. Spoelstra noted that the team is still learning how to space the floor effectively with both Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo on the court.
Team leadership made a point to be present during the Heat's recent Los Angeles trip. President Pat Riley visited the locker room after the loss to the Lakers and attended shootaround before the game against the Clippers. Former captain Udonis Haslem also joined the team at UCLA, addressing the players in a private session.
Klay Thompson responded to the team's early struggles with a 30-point performance in an overtime win against the Clippers two nights after the loss to the Lakers. He scored the winning three-pointer on 11-of-22 shooting and described the victory as a gritty effort that provided a much-needed boost for the squad.
