The unsung hero of the Miami Heat's great start

Nov 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) passes the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images | Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat are 6-4, not a start anyone had expected. They are running the NBA's fastest offense, the second-best scoring offense, and a top 10 defense in the NBA. They have done this without Tyler Herro, without Bam Adebayo (2.5 games and counting), and Norman Powell (3 games).

This start wouldn't be possible for the Miami Heat if it wasn't for their acquisition late last season, Davion Mitchell. Mitchell was acquired from Toronto by the Miami Heat and later signed a 2-year $4-million-dollar extension. Mitchell has earned every dollar of that extension so far starting in every contest for the Miami Heat displaying amazing point of attack defense along with playmaking that has helped maintain Miami's fast-paced offense.

1. Davion's Defense

Nov 8, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) drives past Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Miami's defense ranks 6th in defensive rating (111.4) and 3rd in steals (10.4). Much thanks to Davion Mitchell averaging 1.6 steals per game (19th in the NBA), and his defensive tenacity that is shown every night. He is nicknamed "off-night" for a reason. Davion Mitchell had 5 steals against the Trail Blazers and has consistently locked down the NBA's best scorers. Davion's 19 steals are good for fourth in the NBA.

Lol just watch Davion Mitchell do multiple different elite stuff on defense in just one possession pic.twitter.com/QgOpH5SoVK

— John Jablonka (@JohnJablonka_) October 27, 2025

2. Davion Mitchell Playmaking

Oct 12, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) dribbles the ball at Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black during the first half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Now Davion's growth as a point guard is the most encouraging sign and arguably the most important aspect in Miami's success. Davion Mitchell is 6th in the NBA in assist to turnover ratio (5), has the NBA's 5th most assists with (75) and is having a career year as a playmaker. Davion is truly embracing Miami's point guard role and engineering one of the NBA's best offenses.

Davion Mitchell playmaking tape through 7 games (54 ast : 10 tov) 📽️ pic.twitter.com/NTfHMMRd8F

— 🌴🇺🇸🇨🇴🌴 (@Birdey954theWin) November 5, 2025

Now Davion is about as selfless as a player as you can imagine, but he does it with great decision making. Davion always seemingly makes the right pass, which is why his assist to turnover ratio is so good. But he also isn't afraid to score either, showcased by his double double in the season opener in Orlando (16 points and 12 assists).

Now the question becomes, what do you do with Davion once Herro returns? Does he slide to the bench, does Powell, does Wiggins, or maybe, just maybe does Tyler Herro come off the bench. Time will certainly tell with that, but Davion Mitchell has meshed with everyone he has come into contact with on the Heat, but most importantly has formed an amazing connection with Bam Adebayo, Miami's All-Star center.

Davion Mitchell feeding Bam pic.twitter.com/s1N9xDZTSP

— Heat Clips 🎬 (@MiamiClip) November 6, 2025

So, the Miami Heat's top 10 offense, and defense has seemingly found an engine at a premium price, and it will be interesting to see whether his impact comes from the starting lineup or off the bench when Tyler Herro returns.

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