Week 3 NBA power rankings: 2. Miami Heat
Last week: (2-1) – @ DAL (W), vs. BOS (L), vs. UTA (W)
Offensive rating: 113.0 (3rd in NBA)
Defensive rating: 101.3 (4th in NBA)
The Miami Heat have looked absolutely dominant at times throughout this season. Though they took one of their only two losses last week to the Celtics, they also picked up a win vs. the Jazz.
That’s a statement victory for them, especially considering it was coming off of a blowout loss. They have a winning mentality, and as corny as that sounds, it’s crucial to being a successful team in the NBA.
Jimmy Butler will be in MVP talks if he continues to play like this, and the same can be said for Tyler Herro and the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Miami’s offense is alright, but they hang their hat on the defensive end. While the one loss last week isn’t the end of the world, they do end up falling one spot and are no longer the top team in the power rankings.
Season outlook: People seem to forget that the Heat were in the NBA Finals just one calendar year ago. They are the real deal and have only improved since then. There’s absolutely no reason not to consider Miami true Finals contenders because that’s exactly what they are.