NBA Playoffs 2020: 5 reasons the Miami Heat can win it all
By John Likanje
2. Elite shooting, well-balanced scoring and stingy defense
As mentioned before, Robinson is Miami’s top sniper at 44.8 percent. But he’s not their only elite shooter. Kelly Olynyk shoots 43.2 percent on 3.1 attempts per game. Meyers Leonard hits 42.9 percent on 2.4 shots a night. Then there’s Crowder (39.3 percent), Herro (39.1 percent), Dragic (37.7 percent) and Nunn (36.2 percent). That’s seven above-average shooters playing major minutes.
Seven guys score double figures for the Heat: Butler (20.2 PPG), Adebayo (16.2 PPG), Dragic (16.1 PPG), Nunn (15.6 PPG), Robinson (13.3 PPG), Herro (12.9 PPG) and Crowder (11.9 PPG). Dragic, Herro and Crowder all come off the bench as well.
Miami’s defensive-oriented mindset will be a point of emphasis during its playoff run. Despite being middle of the pack in points allowed (11th at 108.9 PPG), the Heat are seventh in both defensive rebounds (36.0) and opponent field goal percentage (44.7).
Individually, Spoelstra is a defensive-minded coach. Butler is ninth in total steals (92). Adebayo is fifth in defensive win shares (3.6) and sixth in total defensive boards (518). Even without looking at the statistics, the team is comprised of mostly defensive-minded guys. Crowder and Iguodala will guard the opposing squad’s best wing player. Even Haslem and Solomon Hill, who have barely seen the floor this season, can provide valuable minutes in the frontcourt.