By The NBA Playoffs are finally here and this is what to take in after game one. For starts, the Sixers and the Suns look promising in advancing into the next round. The Nets and Celtics series looks to be an Eastern Conference Finals type of game; and the Milwaukee Bucks looks to regain their second straight championship. However, what many people aren’t talking about are the Miami Heat. The Miami Heat are one of the best teams in the East and in the NBA. They have one of the most balanced teams with one of the best benches in the league as well. Here’s the reasons why they are a dark horse to win the championship.
Miami Heat: Best 2 Way team in the NBA
The Miami Heat have prided themselves off of playing aggressive defense and spacing out the floor. In game one, the Heat shot over forty percent from three with going 18/38. They also had 35 assists and only 15 turnovers as a team. Duncan Robinson led the way with 27 points off of the bench. In game 2, Jimmy Butler led the way with an efficient 45 points. He also shot 4/7 from three and went 11/14 from the free throw. Yes they are the favorites against the Hawks but this doesn’t take away from the consistency and defensive clinic that the Heat were showing.
Speaking on defense, the Heat are one of the most well versed defensive teams in the playoffs. They have the unique ability to switch through the 1 to the 5. Bam Adebayo is one of the most underrated big men in the league. He has a solid touch around the rim, athletic, a good rebounder for his size, and he’s one of the best help defenders in the league. Another part of his game that doesn’t get a lot of credit is his ability to aggressively hedge or switch to smaller defenders and still cause them to shoot tough shots. His ability to guard smaller defenders during a switch is credited to his quick feet and awareness of where he is on the court. There is no one on that Heat roster that can be isolated without some sort of help.
Elite Bench and Depth
To win in the playoffs, a team must be as good as the starters and superstars. The initial game-plan for some teams is to put their best defender on the opposing teams best player, or sometimes put two players on them. When that happens, other players must step up and create for themselves or just simply hit the wide open shots. Well as of both games 1 and 2, the bench has also been carrying the load of scoring. Duncan Robinson made quality minutes with his catch and shooting ability that dominated the Hawks. Tyler Herro, a candidate for sixth man of the year award and most improved player is playing solid minutes as well, providing instant offense on the court.
On the other hand, let’s not forget about Victor Oladipo, who I believe can take this team to the next level. Oladipo is another two way player who may not be a marksman from beyond the arc, but he is respectable there. He’s a shifty slasher who can get his shot up and also create plays for himself and his teammates. When he comes back from injury, I believe he will be a key piece in Miami’s redemption story.
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