Erik Spoelstra’s Andrew Wiggins benching showed Heat both sides of a bold change

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra moved Andrew Wiggins to the bench and inserted Pelle Larsson into the starting lineup during a victory against the Sacramento Kings. Larsson recorded 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists on 3-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc. The new starting group of Davion Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Larsson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bam Adebayo achieved a +60 net rating in 11 minutes together.

However, writer Michael Saenz notes the adjustment delivered mixed overall outcomes. Larsson encountered early foul trouble, while Wiggins managed only six points on 2-for-6 shooting while continuing to struggle defensively. The Heat's reserves generated just 16 bench points in total, leaving Miami aiming to build positive momentum as they conclude their road trip against the Utah Jazz.