By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Miami Heat stumbled to a 0–2 start in the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season on Friday, suffering a 128–111 defeat against the Detroit Pistons at the Kaseya Center.
The visitors established control early. Leading from start to finish, they stretched their advantage to 23 points during the second half en route to securing a comfortable victory.
Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated for large stretches, putting up a game-high 36 points. The former champion with the Milwaukee Bucks shot 15-of-26 from the field, including a three-pointer, and made 5-of-8 from the free-throw line. Antetokounmpo also grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out five assists, and recorded two steals and one block in 33 minutes of action.
Coming off the bench, Swedish Pelle Larsson logged 29 minutes, tallying seven points on 1-of-7 shots, alongside two rebounds, a steal, and an assist. Serbian Nikola Jovic saw 13 minutes, managing five points, four rebounds, one steal, one block, and one assist. In garbage time, Italian Simone Fontecchio collected one rebound. In contrast to fellow Europeans, Russian Vladislav Goldin was inactive.
The pressure now intensifies for the team coached by Erik Spoelstra. The Heat must quickly rectify these early struggles. Fortunately, they have an immediate opportunity to finally get into the win column. On the second night of a back-to-back, they clash with the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Saturday.
On the winning side, the Pistons shot 47.4% from three-point range for a 2–0 start. John Collins scored 23 points, while Paul Reed posted a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double.
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