Miami Heat: 10 stats that show why they should be feared in Orlando

The Miami Heat have a feared legacy, but is that what the numbers say about this year’s team?

2. 5th in opponent points in the paint per game- 44.4 PPG allowed

When you think about basketball in 2020, there is no mid-range game anymore, as we all know. You are either taking the three-point shot or you are getting a shot in the paint.

When it comes to the latter of those two options, the Miami Heat are in the top five in the league at preventing the other team from getting those easy buckets.

While they will always give maximum effort in all facets of the game, preventing easy paint scores is all about will, want to, and determination. That is just what this number says about the Miami Heat and why it should inspire fear.

3. 5th in assists per game- 26 APG

While this may be an arbitrary number to some, it is a very important number in the game of basketball and especially for the Miami Heat.

What this says is not only are the Miami Heat keeping each other involved and engaged as one unit but also that they are making defenses work on the other end of the floor. There is this old adage in the game of basketball that goes the ball moves much faster than the man.

What this is saying is that by keeping the ball moving, you can get to your spot, put your team in the right spot, or manipulate the defense easier, more efficiently, and likely more effectively than by trying to dribble to the spot.

Because the Miami Heat are so potent offensively, likely a mutually endearing set of circumstances, the ball movement and subsequent work by the defense can mean dire consequences for the opposition. This is why this stat builds on the fear that should be had for the Miami Heat in Orlando.