(Photo via Pelle Larsson IG)
The Miami Heat were able to earn a much needed victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday evening, snapping a three-game losing streak.
There’s still plenty of work to be done to get things back to the Heat’s October and November winning ways. They remain just 2-8 over the last 10 games, and will be without their All-Star duo for the second consecutive game for Saturday’s home back-to-back versus the Indiana Pacers.
However, their previous win may have validated the impact of this true Heat X-factor this season in Pelle Larsson.
Larsson had missed six games in a row after suffering an ankle sprain in the NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Orlando Magic. He returned to action Friday, and his play provided a huge spark that this team has been desperately searching for. He finished with a career-high 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists on an efficient 9 of 13 shooting.
For the 2025-26 campaign, Larsson is averaging 12.9 points, 4.7 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game when receiving at least 25 minutes or more. Miami is receiving tremendous value from the former 2024 second-round draft pick in an expanded role during his sophomore season.
There are several stats that show Pelle Larsson has been a game changer for the Miami Heat:
- 12-6 when Larsson starts
- 10-3 when getting 26+ minutes
- 1-5 when Larsson does NOT play
After the Friday win, coach Erik Spoelstra, Norman Powell and Jaime Jaquez Jr. each expressed how great it is to have Larsson back in the lineup.
Larsson’s rookie year had him held to just 55 games played, mostly due to the coach’s decision. He wasn’t a consistent rotation player, and mostly just filled in when there were injuries. This season, however, he is proving to be a staple in Spoelstra’s rotation no matter the circumstances.
Larsson has played his way into a real role for this group. He does a lot of little things that make him a valuable winning player that any contending team would love to have. Whether that is stepping in to take charges, taking hits with his scrappy defense or crashing the boards.
Opposing teams can feel his presence, and he is not afraid of the moment.
Statistically, the Heat are a better team with Larsson involved. Even once fully healthy, Spoelstra needs to keep finding a way to get him extended playing time.
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Jaquez and Larsson add a lot of energy and toughness off the bench. They both still have much room to grow. Both are better than average defenders and aren’t afraid to drive into the paint.
There’s a few players on the team who could use a dose of whatever it is they have. Athleticism isn’t everything. Skill, toughness, BBIQ and relentlessness count for something too.
Hear hear!