Miami Heat vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Five Major Takeaways

The Miami Heat (1-2) came up short against the Minnesota Timberwolves (1-1) in Saturday night’s 106-90 defeat

The Miami Heat’s weaknesses were exposed in Saturday’s blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Heat are sitting at a 1-2 record ahead of a showdown against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. A multitude of adjustments are necessary for Miami to find success in the coming weeks.

Here are the five biggest takeaways from the loss against the Timberwolves:

1. The Heat need to make their free throws

Miami struggled to convert at the free throw line, despite the 14 attempts. As a team, they shot 57.1 percent from the charity stripe. All-Star center Bam Adebayo was at the center of the mishap, shooting 50 percent from the line. If Miami hopes to beat teams of relative skill level, converting at the free throw line is instrumental.

2. Nikola Jovic can be a spark plug off the bench

Tonight marked the regular season debut for sophomore forward Nikola Jovic. He thrived in his limited minutes, scoring 8 points along with 11 rebounds, four assists, and a steal on 50 percent shooting. He found playing time through the Heat’s multiple injuries similar to his rookie campaign. He struggled in moments on the defensive end but has the potential to provide meaningful minutes.

3. Josh Richardson should start when he returns

The two-way presence of Richardson will allow the Heat’s success to rise. Veteran Kyle Lowry is starting at point guard but may find himself on the bench when Richardson returns from injury. Richardson’s efficiency at size provides value for a weak Miami backcourt.

4. Miami needs to improve from three-point range

Inconsistency from beyond the arc continues to cause problems for the Heat. Last season, they ranked among the last in the league for three-point shooting. In only three games, Miami’s lack of efficiency from the three-point line is prevalent. They shot 30.8 percent from three-point range in the loss to Minnesota.

5. Thomas Bryant and Duncan Robinson are pivotal pieces off the bench

When Bryant and Robinson struggle, Miami seems to fall apart as a whole. The pairing combined for only 13 points and eight rebounds. When Robinson is efficient, it only boosts Bryant’s energy. This duo will play a key role in whether or not the Heat are successful in the postseason.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.

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