With the Miami Heat in the middle of an offensive overhaul, it's easy to think that's been the biggest source of their strong start to the 2025-26 NBA season. Especially when it has accomplished things like helping Jaime Jaquez Jr. return to form following a disappointing sophomore campaign and highlighting Norman Powell as the most obvious steal of the offseason.
The stat sheet, though, says Miami's new-look offense isn't what has fueled this sprint out of the starting blocks. Rather, it's the Heat's fourth-ranked defense, per NBA.com, doing the heaviest lifting.