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Miami Heat Hot Topics: Chris Paul killed the noise, OT dominance and JJ back?

By Duncan Smith

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 17: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat talk prior to a game on January 17, 2020 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 17: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat talk prior to a game on January 17, 2020 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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In our Miami Heat Hot Topics series, we take a look at the week that was. We covered Chris Paul killing the noise, Heat overtime dominance and more.

In our ongoing Miami Heat Hot Topics series, we’ll catch up on the stories we’ve written so far these past couple days here at All U Can Heat. We covered Chris Paul killing the noise about a trade to Miami, the unprecedented overtime dominance of the Heat and James Johnson‘s triumphant return from the doghouse to head coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation.

Without any further ado, let’s get started on the (half) week that was.

Thank Chris Paul for killing the noise

Chris Paul was briefly rumored to be a trade target for the Miami Heat this summer after the Houston Rockets sent him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook. If the Heat were to actually get involved in a trade, either back then when the trade market was lively or now near the trade deadline, Paul would need to make certain concessions. He made it clear that those concessions are not going to be made, and that simplifies the decision for the Heat going forward.

James Johnson’s return to rotation is textbook Culture

James Johnson’s season has been redemption personified. He missed conditioning goals and was suspended to start the season, then was persona non grata for some time thereafter. Johnson was forced into action after hitting his conditioning targets and Jimmy Butler missed time, and he took full advantage of the opportunity. Say what you will about Heat Culture, but Johnson is the poster boy and he’s returned to its good graces.

Overtime dominance has been key to the Heat’s success

The Miami Heat are entering a historical epoch. Through 44 games, they have a 31-13 record and are 8-0 in overtime. Only one team, the 2000-01 Sacramento Kings, have ever won more than eight overtime games in a season and they only won nine. The 1977-78 Milwaukee Bucks have the best overtime winning percentage in NBA history at 88.9 percent and an 8-1 record. The margin between victory and defeat in games that go to overtime is infinitesimal, so the Heat are fortunate indeed to have such overwhelming success. Fortune aside, one more win will draw them even with the Kings, and two will make them the winningest overtime team in NBA history

Duncan Robinson is having a breakout season for the Heat

The Miami Heat have had surprises up and down their roster, and none has been more stunning than Duncan Robinson. He’s shooting 42.9 percent on 3-pointers, taking 7.6 attempts per game. Robinson has started 39 of the 44 games the Heat have played this season. Not bad for an undrafted 25-year-old who had to play his way onto the roster for a minimum contract in this past Las Vegas Summer League.

Next. Midseason grades for each Miami Heat player. dark

Make sure to check back soon for our next edition of Miami Heat Hot Topics.

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