Miami Heat: Fast Break Scoring Must Improve To Maintain Top Seed
Albeit, the Heat have demonstrated in short bursts to be a team that’s spirited enough to attack in early offense. In light of their erratic style of play, pegging them for the third-highest turnover rate in the league, Lowry’s ball-advancing essence has unlocked new dimensions to Miami’s floor game.
Jimmy Butler has benefited the most from this, as featured below in a recent Heat loss to Dallas, per NBA.com. Lowry secures the uncontested rebound and pitches ahead to Butler, as the 2022 All-Star forward squeezes through traffic and finishes the connection.
As Lowry’s facilitating does keep the offense from reaching stagnation, Miami has the personnel to create and control the tempo, even when the 35-year-old isn’t on the court. That responsibility shifts to what their defense will generate, a ship that is ultimately anchored by Bam Adebayo.
If the conversation is about players who can garner attention in the open court, there are only a few in today’s league who are deemed physically imposing.
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, and even Butler are a few names that should headline that list, but what’s truly unique about Adebayo is that he carries those similar instincts, in addition to creating those opportunities on the defensive end.
With the ball, several teams struggle to match his force on the break in a similar manner to thee aforementioned guys. As you view this next possession, it begins with a Kelly Oubre turnover as Miami immediately enters a transition phase.
Bam pushes after obtaining the steal and as PJ Washington hip-rides, Adebayo only has one man to beat with Gordon Hayward as the lone defender. At last, Charlotte fails to protect the lane and Adebayo steers clear for the two-handed finish.
Coast to coast—Bam Slam! As indicated by the commentator, “that’s a 6’10 human being“.