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Here’s why Erik Spoelstra had to make drastic Heat starting lineup change

After the first 10-game sample size for this new Miami Heat team, coach Erik Spoelstra has already experimented with a major rotation change. And it instantly paid off, as Miami secured a bounce back win against the Sacramento Kings in…

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 8:42 PM
Here’s why Erik Spoelstra had to make drastic Heat starting lineup change
Key Things to Know
  • Erik Spoelstra replaced Andrew Wiggins with Pelle Larsson in the Miami Heat's starting lineup.
  • The rotation change immediately led to a bounce-back victory against the Sacramento Kings.
  • Wiggins has struggled with two-way performance, averaging a career-low 8.3 points and shooting 31.7% from three-point range.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra altered his starting lineup by inserting Pelle Larsson and benching Andrew Wiggins. The rotation adjustment immediately paid off with a victory over the Sacramento Kings after an inconsistent 10-game start to the season.

Dan Riccio highlights that Wiggins has struggled with two-way play, averaging a career-low 8.3 points on 40% shooting. Spoelstra praised Larsson's defensive energy and connecting ability, emphasizing that lineup decisions will prioritize on-court chemistry over reputations and contract sizes.

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