How Do The Miami Heat Stack Up To The Best In The West?
By Noah Decker
The NBA season is just beyond the All-Star break and the Miami Heat have the fourth-best record overall, currently at 40-21. They will look to make a return to the NBA Finals after their defeat in 2020 and try to win their fourth franchise title.
The Heat have a good chance to win the title this year. They have put themselves in a great position in the Eastern Conference.
They will have to go through some tough opponents in the East, but they have the mental strength and skill to win every series that they could play in.
Without trying to get too far ahead just yet, let’s think about what it will look like if they make it out of the East this year. What will their potential NBA Finals matchup look like?
How well do they stack up against the top teams in the Western Conference? Let’s find out.
Phoenix Suns
After losing in the NBA Finals last year to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Phoenix Suns are out for vengeance. They have earned the top record in the NBA, with the closest team being six games behind.
Must Read. Heat’s Path Through Eastern Conference Not An Easy One. light
Now that they have true playoff experience, they have developed a formula for success. Why have they been so successful?
First of all, Monty Williams is an incredible coach. He understands his players and speaks truthfully to them.
His players listen to him and absorb what he teaches them. That becomes clear if you hear any player on the Suns talk about their coach, especially Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul.
Second, Chris Paul is an incredible floor general and leader in basketball. Some say that he is the very best leader in basketball.
What is for certain is that the young stars in Phoenix have learned from his example, leading to the development of a winning culture in Phoenix. Statistically, he is also taking care of business.
Before injuring his thumb recently, he led the league in assists and is third in steals. Reportedly out until the end of the regular season, potentially, he’s the type of guy that could jump right back into the mix come playoff time.
It is hard to judge how the Miami Heat stack up against the Suns. The teams have only played each other once this season.
The Heat won that game by 23 without Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo. Talentwise, the teams are about even, but talent doesn’t play too much of a factor with either team.
Both teams will go up against teams with more talent but win those games because of the team chemistry they have on the court. The Suns have great leadership, great offense, and great defense.
It is hard to point out a flaw in their game. The best chance a team has to beat them is to catch them on a day where, either, Chris Paul or Devin Booker are struggling.
The efficiency of both players is so pure that you can only hope for an off night. The Miami Heat have a solid collection of defenders who can make these players uncomfortable, which hopefully leads to a poor shooting night.