Heat’s domination continues: 5 insights from Game 3 victory over the Knicks

<< photo by antonio filigno >>

Miami Heat overcame their own offensive woes to take a 2-1 series lead against the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. In a 90s-era Knicks–Heat game, the teams combined for shoot at 21% from three-point range. Miami had their worst offensive performance of the playoffs, scoring just 105 points on 96 possessions, but their defense was impressive, managing to hold the Knicks under 90 points per 100 possessions. This was only the second time this season the Heat held an opponent to under 90 points per 100 possessions. The game was a make-or-miss league issue for the Knicks. The Knicks’ bench, which ranked fourth in aggregate point differential per 100 possessions in the regular season, was unable to deliver against Heat‘s highly performing bench that has made terrific role players out of undrafted players.

## Offense Woes

The Knicks shot 8-for-40 from beyond the arc, 5-for-7 from the right corner and 3-for-33 elsewhere. They’ve now shot worse than 33% from 3-point range in seven of their eight playoff games. The heat prevented the Knicks from good offensive moves by ensuring that their defense was absolutely terrific. Miami was able to load up to the strong side and still recover quickly on those occasions when the Knicks did move the ball. The Knicks did not have the right mindset on that end of the floor. Their half-court offense was brutal, and despite having 21 transition points, their most in the series, their good possessions on Saturday were few and far between.

## Defensive Implications

The Heat‘s defensive strategy was highly effective against the Knicks in Game 3. Miami was able to hold the Knicks under 90 points per 100 possessions which they managed to achieve only twice before in the 92 total games of the regular season. Miami managed to load up to the strong side and still recover quickly on occasions when the Knicks moved the ball somewhat quickly. Bam Adebayo was able to contain Quickley’s drive, help contain the defense, and force a turnover from Randle. Heat‘s defense was high energy and highly effective at shutting down the Knicks.

## Role Players

Miami has made terrific role players out of undrafted guys. The Heat bench has been highly successful in delivering for the team in the playoffs. Duncan Robinson and Caleb Martin have the best cumulative plus-minus marks on the team, with Martin being ranked 1st in aggregate point differential per 100 possessions. The Heat‘s undrafted players have been contributing more towards the Heat‘s playoffs bid than the Knicks’ highly rated bench. The Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley has been struggling in the playoffs, only managing 10-for-28 (36%), including 3-for-16 from 3-point range in the series, and he has just one assist in 57 minutes.

## Player Injuries

Jimmy Butler, who sprained his right ankle in Game 1, seemed to turn that ankle again with a little less than seven minutes to go in the third quarter on Saturday but managed to carry on till the end of the third period and played in the fourth quarter, stopping the Knicks from cutting a 22-point deficit down to 14. Quickley turned his left ankle midway through the fourth quarter but did not return. It remains to be seen if the Knicks’ injured players will be in a position to make an appearance in the following games.

The next game between Miami Heat and the New York Knicks is set for Monday, May 9, at 7:30 pm on TNT.