What is the Actual Issue with Miami’s Shooting?

The Miami Heat had one of their poorest shooting nights in a very long time on Friday, going 0 for 14 from three in the first half.

Now, the issue with Miami is not the three point shooting specifically, since this won’t happen much. There will not be many times that Duncan Robinson shoots up 8 threes in a game and only makes one.

The actual issue is when you begin to dive into the numbers of their offense inside the three point line. Miami was one of the best three point shooting teams this past season, so it’s clear they must stick to their roots, especially when Duncan Robinson is on the floor.

But, three point shots are generated by the activity around the basket and mid-range area.

The Heat are currently 28th in the NBA in 2 point field goal attempts per game, and that can be problematic.

Now, you can point to the fact that Jimmy Butler has been out and he is the heart and soul of their offensive attack, but just because he’s not out there should not result in a lack of penetration.

You may also point to the turnover issues this team has endured, since that ultimately means they have less possessions offensively. That’s a reason Coach Spo alluded to getting “shots on goal” before their match-up with the Mavericks, but getting “shots in goal” may have been more effective.

Although these statements can be used as counters for being third to last in the NBA on two point attempts, it doesn’t make it any better. One of the main reasons the Golden State Warriors were effective from three is that they generated a lot of stuff from the mid-range and paint early on.

Now, to add on to that, Miami ranks 27th in shot attempts per game less than 5 feet from the basket. And that stat right there is the true tell.

Once again, Jimmy Butler is a big proponent of utilizing a floater in that area, but it still falls onto others. Bam Adebayo has been expanding his range little by little each game, which definitely is a positive, but at times he will be needed to attack. The reason his jumper has been discussed is to broaden his game a bit, so it will open up his ability to drive to the basket. We saw him do it a bit in the win over Milwaukee, and it’ll be needed going forward.

Bam shouldn’t be the only one to blame. Guys like Andre Iguodala settling for threes early in the game is not ideal, but if he would put the ball on the deck and get to the basket, opportunities will begin to form.

The point is that Miami’s three point shooting can be their biggest strength, but also their biggest downfall.

It just comes down to realizing what the defense is giving them. And since Duncan has made his way to the top of the scouting reports for other teams, getting inside the paint will maximize the play of both Duncan and everybody on the floor.

A lot of the top teams seem to be struggling to start the season, but the good thing about Miami’s struggles is that they’re visible.

Turnovers are the primary issue, followed by getting to the basket which leads to getting to the free throw line. And by the way, the Heat are in the middle of the pack in free throw attempts, which should take a leap once Jimmy gets his rhythm.

Either way, the Miami Heat have some things to clean up, but I don’t think they’re as dramatic as some people think they may be. It all comes down to their leader and star, Jimmy Butler, since he can take control of a game and a team when he needs to, and I feel like that is coming soon.