Heat coach Erik Spoelstra responded to Andrew Wiggins“slump at the start of the season, replacing him in the starting lineup with Pele Larson for Sunday’s game in Sacramento, Anthony Chung of The Miami Herald writes in history only for subscribers. It marked the first change of the season to a starting five that averaged 8.9 points per 100 possessions in 103 minutes combined, and Spoelstra felt it was time to shake things up.
“These are tough decisions. I really feel for the Whigs on this one.” he said. “Pelle gives us that ability to be a connector and a consistent energy and toughness that we think can complement this group.”
Larson capitalized on that opportunity, scoring 11 points, three rebounds and three assists in 22 minutes as Miami cruised to a six-point victory, though his playing time was limited by foul trouble. The new starting lineup outscored the Kings by 12 points in 11 minutes on the court. Wiggins had six points, three rebounds and one assist in 32 minutes in his first game as a backup since coming to Miami in the 2025 trade. Chan noted that he entered the night averaging career lows in points (8.6 per game), field goal attempts (8.4), free throw attempts (0.7), rebounds (3.1), assists (1.7), steals (0.6) and minutes (25.8).
“Wigs was good in the second unit tonight,” Spoelstra said. “Now we are at the point where everything is in hand.”
More on Heat:
- Ryan Conwell continues to expand its role with the cost stand Tim Hardaway JrChan adds. The rookie guard was in Spoelstra’s final lineup Sunday, while Hardaway, who was signed in free agency over the summer to provide outside shooting, was held scoreless in seven minutes.
- after the game Janis Antecumpa responded to critical comments what Doc Rivershis former coach in Milwaukee, made recently on The Bill Simmons Podcastrelay Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “You have his number, right? You do. I know you do. You should go and ask him why he thought that; it’s on him.” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s not about me. I have to focus on my team and what I have to do and how I can be better and how I can help the team. … Never let bitterness and pettiness stand in the way of your goals and dreams, man. For every athlete, never let that (happen). It’s crazy, but you should go ask him why he said what he said. Not me.”
- ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne takes a detailed look at why the Heat got off to such a slow start amid high expectations following the Antetokounmpo trade this summer. Defensive issues have been the main reason, and Miami ranks 25th in the league despite having several high-level defensive players. “Now we don’t trust each other” Antetokounmpo said recently. “We’re not putting in the extra effort. We’ve been doing that for two games, but we continue to have bad habits of creeping into games.”
