The Miami Heat have been one of the league’s hottest teams, but how do they compare to other teams vying for a
postseason spot?
Over the past ten games, few teams have been as hot as the Miami Heat, but are they the hottest team in the NBA?
Given that the Heat are preparing for yet another deep playoff run, it’s a question that deserves to be asked. Being a
great basketball player is one thing, but being good enough to defeat the league’s best teams is quite another.
The Heat, who have been 8-2 recently, are ranked as follows after the last ten games:
Net rating (plus-9.2): fourth place
Third in defensive rating (106.8) and eighth in offensive rating (116).
To see where the Heat rank among the hottest teams over the past ten games, let’s dive into the statistics, schedule,
and eye test.
Over the past ten games, the Bucks’ net rating (plus-10) is marginally higher than Miami’s, but their schedule isn’t as
difficult. Milwaukee’s statistics are inflated by their three victories over the Charlotte Hornets during this run, but on
February 12, the Bucks make a statement by defeating the Nuggets.
For stretches of that game, Giannis Antetokounmpo—who has averaged 28.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists
over the past ten games—guarded Nikola Jokic as well as anyone could have, which is a crucial statistic to remember
should these teams play in June.
Under new coach Doc Rivers, the Bucks appear to be clicking, particularly defensively, but before we write off those
problems, we probably need to see more of them against more formidable opponents. This week’s games between the
Bucks and the Lakers, Clippers, and Warriors should help to clarify things.
