Heat off to worst start in nearly 20 years

When the Miami Heat traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, it certainly raised expectations for the 2026-27 season. 

The early returns have not gone as hoped.

At least not yet. 

Heat off to worst start in nearly two decades

With their 115-110 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, the Heat have now lost three consecutive games to open the 2026-27 season.

While it is way too early in an 82-game season to be overly concerned, the fact is this is still an unexpected start for the Heat.

Not only due to the presence of Antetokounmpo, but also because the Heat have rarely started a season this poorly. It's also been a long time since it happened.

This season's 0-3 start is only the fifth time in franchise history they have failed to win one of their first three games, and it is the first time it has happened since the 2007-08 season. They won just 15 games that season.

They have also made the playoffs just one time in those four seasons with a 0-3 start.

So, if nothing else, it is something to get your attention.

Antetokounmpo played just 25 minutes on Saturday, recording 14 points. He was averaging 35.5 points over the first two games entering play on Saturday. 

The Heat will have another chance to get their first win of the season on Monday night. They host the Dallas Mavericks.