Heading into this year’s new NBA season, coach Erik Spoelstra made it a point to “take a deep dive” into the Miami Heat’s offense. The Heat were ran off the floor by the Boston Celtics’ historic shooting in the first round of the 2024 postseason. Now, it seems like Spoelstra is trying to replicate a bit of the franchise rival’s blueprint.
Miami has been getting 3-point looks up at a much higher volume than years past during this build. They recently tried a regular season franchise-high 54 attempts from long range in a win against the Toronto Raptors at home. In an era where outside shooting has such an emphasis on the game, the Heat have adjusted to a modern day offense.
The sharpshooting backcourt of Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson has played a big part in this. Herro is averaging a career-high 10 attempts per game from deep, and his prolific shooting ability has brought a big impact to what the team is trying to do. His embrace to getting up more of those looks has benefited both the Heat and himself, as he has put together an All-Star caliber campaign.
Herro’s shot diet has adjusted to more of an inside-out game of rim attacks and 3-point volume. The product has led to a much more efficient game from the polarizing combo guard.
Fortunately for Miami, their uptick in offense hasn’t drifted too far apart from their defensive identity.
Getting all these 3-point looks up as a team is leading to a faster style of play. The Heat have been one of the best in the league at controlling the ball, and have taken advantage in the turnover battle for majority of the season. That defense is leading to easy offense and an improved fastbreak execution from years prior.
The scary thing for the league is that the Heat are just getting started. The defensive efficiency isn’t where they would like it to be, but their play as of late has shown plenty of signs to improve in that regard. Bam Adebayo’s defensive impact remains as the anchor to the team, and the new revamped lineup that provides a nice combination on both sides of the floor is only getting better.
They have moved up to the Eastern Conference’s fifth seed at a 12-10 record— the first time being two games above .500 all season. It appears that the Heat are on the brink of their much needed breakthrough; being winners of seven of their last 10 games and riding their first three-game win streak.
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