3 Biggest Reasons You Should Be Watching the Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have started the season surprisingly well, coasting to an 18-7 record, good for third in the Eastern Conference. The Heat have been especially dominant at home, losing their first game at home to the Western Conference leading (and tied for the NBA leading) Los Angeles Lakers Friday night.

With the Heat playing better than expected, there are many reasons to watch the team play.

3. The Emergence of Young Players

Rookies Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro high five. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The new wave of players brought in during the past few years to lead the Heat have stepped up tremendously. Rookies Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro rank second and fifth, respectively, on the team in scoring. Bam Adebayo is putting up 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists as a 22-year-old, and is looking like the Heat's center of the future. Duncan Robinson is showing that he can flat out shoot at any level.

2. Jimmy Butler is Balling

Jimmy Butler has been the leader this team needs. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Jimmy Butler has been playing out of his mind recently, scoring 20 points-per-game with close to seven rebounds and seven assists a night. He has also been a great mentor and friend to young up-and-comers Adebayo and Herro. The chemistry and great play of Jimmy Butler has been incredible for this young team.

1. Ball Movement

Kendrick Nunn looks to pass vs. the Pelicans. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Miami Heat have been passing the ball spectacularly this season, averaging over 25 assists-per-game as a team. Furthermore, the Heat have five players averaging over three assists-per-game, showing that the team as a whole is dedicated to finding the open man.