What's fueling the rocky start for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat - ESPN

IF THE NIGHT had ended differently, Klay Thompson would have had a very different agenda for his off day in Los Angeles. There had been talk of a visit to Catalina Island and extended visits with friends and family in his hometown.

But those plans evaporated quickly after the Miami Heat gave up a staggering 138 points in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last Monday.

«We need to practice,» Thompson said.

It was Miami's fourth game of its first seven in which the defense had given up 125 or more points — and it could've been worse. The Lakers had scored 79 points in the first half.

«It's important for all of us to stay present and not look too far ahead in the season,» Thompson told ESPN. «When you have big expectations, you think about the postseason, you think about seeding. I think we just need to really stay week-to-week.

»That's the true joy when you build a great team. It's just the beginning stages, and then you see it jell."

Thompson would know.

The five-time All-Star won four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and said he still believes in what this Heat team can become just as much as he did when he gave up millions of dollars in a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks to join Miami this summer to play alongside superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks in June.

«That Heat culture is real,» Thompson said. «I just love the intensity and competitiveness from everyone in this organization. Mr. Riley, Coach. My dad [Mychal Thompson] played for Mr. Riley [with the Lakers], so this is a pretty full-circle moment for us.»

But this 4-6 Heat team has a long way to go before being considered great — or maybe even playoff-bound.

Through 10