Week 2 Takeaways in the NBA

By: Yusuf House - Cultura en Inglés

Phoenix Suns off to a Respectable Start: The Suns have started the season 5-2. With their two loses being by a combined total of two points, the Suns could’ve easily been 7-0. Their most impressive performance was a 130-122 victory over the Clippers. This is fairly impressive considering the teams loss of Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft due to testing positive for a banned substance. New coach Monty Williams has the team off to a respectable start, the Suns are tenth in points allowed (106.2) per game and ninth in points scored (115.4). Devin Booker had a spectacular performance against the Sixers dropping 40 points, in a 114-109 victory ending Philly’s undefeated streak. 

Miami Heat off to a Hot Start: The Heat have looked impressive early this season with statement wins over the Bucks and a 29 point blowout over the Rockets. Jimmy Butler had 18points 9 assists and 7 rebounds in the blowout win and seems to be fitting in well with a balanced Heat roster. Miami also has a balanced roster with role players including Duncan Robinson, Meyers Leonard, James Johnson, and Goran Dragic. Heat rookie Tyler Herro has been huge for the Heat. Herro has reached double figures in scoring 5 out of 6 games.

Houston Struggles to Adjust: It was expected to be a challenge for Westbrook and Harden to find the right balance entering the season. So far that has mainly proved to be true. The Rockets have the fourth best offensive rating (111.3) in the NBA. However, the Rockets have a defensive rating of 116.2 (29th in the league) and a net rating of -4.8 (23rd). Opponents are shooting 47.2 percent from the field against them. The biggest surprise with the Rockets this season has been the teams chemistry or lack therof. Following Houston’s embarrassing 129-100 loss to the Heat coach Mike D’Antoni called his team soft. Eric Gordon was quoted recently “There’s not really a good energy with us”