The Miami Warmth ended the season successful 6 of their ultimate 7 video games, and solely dropping their ultimate one to the Orlando Magic whereas resting half their roster. Their latest win streak helped many overlook a few of the issues and points they had been going through earlier than that.

And now, they’re coming into the 2022 NBA Playoffs because the #1 seed within the East. Issues are completely trending in the best route and there may be nice mojo across the workforce. In truth, we discovered that most of the gamers took a bonding journey to the Bahamas for a number of days earlier than coming again to observe this week.

On prime of that, the Warmth had been happy to see the convention bracket work out of their favor in about the easiest way doable contemplating how all the things was trending. The Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Brooklyn Nets all landed on the alternative aspect of the bracket — which means the Warmth would solely see one among that trio in a possible convention ultimate.

However there’s been a whole lot of speak about that — and whereas it’s good to see these groups on the opposite aspect, that doesn’t imply the Warmth received’t should work onerous, actually onerous, to get there. We don’t know the first-round opponent but, however even a second-round opponent of the Toronto Raptors or Philadelphia 76ers will likely be a tricky matchup.

That’s why I believe you will need to bear in mind this workforce should earn their manner — nothing will doubtless be simple shifting ahead. There are issues round this workforce. Let’s check out three of the most important issues the Warmth ought to have heading into the playoffs.

#1 — Closing time

The Warmth’s largest situation all through the season has been their predictability in clutch moments. They’ve had their moments the place they’ve finished nicely right here, however there have been loads of instances the place they’ve relinquished leads and given groups the flexibility to shut the hole on them due to their offense.

When the Warmth have been dangerous, they cease working an offense and switch right into a workforce they aren’t. They don’t seem to be a give the ball to somebody and let him make a play sort of workforce. When their clutch go-to is a Jimmy iso, then the Warmth haven’t been good. In truth, as a lot as we belief Jimmy Butler to do proper, it’s not as a one v one participant with a clock winding down.

Miami has labored higher when Kyle Lowry has the ball in his palms or at the very least directing the Warmth in these moments. Tyler Herro has finished nicely additionally, however none of it’s iso — and iso is predictable. Opposite to most NBA Playoff video games, the ultimate 5 minutes don’t have to be iso-driven basketball. One of many Warmth’s largest issues goes to be what they do and who they’re as the sport winds down.

#2 — Looking

In all equity, the Warmth do loads of this as nicely, particularly Jimmy Butler. However one among Miami’s largest issues goes to at all times been the matchup looking that opponents will do towards their inferior defenders: Max Strus, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Herro.

There are two methods this turns into a main concern for Miami. The primary is that groups know that Miami is a switching workforce. They are going to change 99% of actions, even when it isn’t vital. That implies that even when the offense hasn’t yielded a shot within the first 16 seconds of a shot clock, a easy display with Strus will create a mismatch of their option to get a greater high quality shot. Miami almost at all times has a kind of gamers on the ground.

Their particular person protection has improved (i.e. Strus in Boston), however towards superior offensively gifted gamers, it’s onerous to be good extra instances than not. We haven’t actually seen the demise defensive lineup of Miami: Lowry, Oladipo, Butler, Tucker, and Adebayo — principally due to the offensive spacing that’s sacrificed for that. However they might must experiment with it in some unspecified time in the future.

I believe Miami wants to protect towards the looking of their gamers and be capable of ship well timed double groups to trigger issues. It’s a priority.

#3 — Deep Ball Reversal

Right here’s a enjoyable stat: the Miami Warmth led the NBA in 3-point % taking pictures as a workforce (37.9%). Additionally they led the NBA in defensive 3-point % taking pictures as a workforce (33.9%). The distinction between what the Warmth are capable of present with their elite 3-point shooters and their defensive tactic of limiting paint factors and forcing contested threes has labored.

However there have been a handful of video games the place this has reversed on them — a workforce will get sizzling from deep and Miami has no probability as a result of their protection is designed to surrender the three versus paint factors. So when a workforce is simply cooking, they will get cooking fairly good towards Miami. This can be a worry of mine in a playoff sport or two.

And now we have additionally seen what occurs when Strus, Robinson, and Herro all collectively have tough taking pictures nights — the Warmth wrestle. They’ll’t afford all of their exterior shooters to be chilly. Miami does depend on 3-point taking pictures to maintain their offense. When the blokes are hitting, there’s nothing prefer it.

COMMENT
What are your issues for the Warmth heading into the playoffs?