Miami Heat vs Oklahoma City Thunder Top 4 Takeaways

1. The Miami Heat vs Oklahoma City Thunder game showed us that The Oklahoma City Thunder is the real deal, and it’s not a fluke. They have a unique ability to out-score you but can also defend at a high level when needed. The roster is young, but they don’t play young. Shai Gilgeoious-Alexander has a smooth, calm game, and the team has taken after his identity.

2. The Miami Heat needs another guard and fast. The Heat are linked to stars on the trade market year after year, but they never seem to make a move. Jimmy Butler is older and battling injuries, so now is the time to add more firepower. Whether it’s Donovan Mitchell, Terry Rozier, or Tyus Jones, a need for a guard seems glaring now more than ever. 

3. Nikola Jovic should be considered a real piece of the future. A few weeks ago, he bounced from the Heat roster to the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He looked like a guy who would be used as a sweetener in a more significant trade. Now, it would be better to hold on to Jovic unless it is a move that makes you a clear championship contender. He has shown flashes as a scorer, facilitator, and defender. At 6-foot-10 and only 20 years old, the ceiling for a guy like him may not exist. 

4. Tyler Herro needs to play more off-ball. A need for a point guard is obvious, but a player like Herro would greatly benefit from one. He’s handling and creating more than you would like due to injuries. Even though he can do it, he would be much better in catch-and-shoot scoring positions with the ability to attack.