5 reasons the Miami Heat can win 2022 NBA Championship

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 15: Head coach Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat look on against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at FTX Arena on January 15, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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NBA playoff predictions, Duncan Robinson

MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 28: Duncan Robinson #55 of the Miami Heat warms up prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at FTX Arena on December 28, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Miami can field elite shooting lineups

Shooting has never been as important as it is in the modern NBA. That’s precisely why the Heat have gone out of their way to acquire and retain elite snipers from behind the three-point arc.

Both Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro have obvious defensive deficiencies, but they more than make up for them with their three-point prowess. Both guys get a lot of long-range shots up and hit them at a nice clip. Opponents know they can’t afford to give either guard any space on the perimeter unless they want to give up a relatively high percentage shot from three.

Of course, plenty of quality teams have a couple of shooting specialists they can deploy at any given time. The difference with the Heat is that they can field entire lineups with quality shooters. Adebayo, PJ Tucker, and Dwayne Dedmon give Spoelstra a trio of bigs who can space the floor. Combine that with the presence of primary ball handlers who can shoot like Lowy and Butler and it’s easy to see the pressure opposing defenses can face.

Spoelstra won’t need to go with his best shooting lineups in every series, but it’s an ace up his sleeve that can swing any game in his favor during the fourth quarter. Elite shooting is key in any postseason series and the Heat have plenty of it.

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