OKC Thunder: 3 keys to watching the 2020 NBA Finals
Coach Spo versus Vogel:
Defensive plans will be key in this series with the Lakers (106.5) ranking third and Heat (107.2) fifth in points allowed. As per NBA.com stats other key defensive stats are:
Lakers:
- Defensive rebounds: rank 11th – 33.6
- Defensive rebound percent: rank 10th – 74.5
- Steals: rank third – 8.5
- Blocks: rank first – 5.7
- Opponent turnover volume: rank 14th – 17.9
- Second chance points allowed: rank ninth – 11.5
- Fast break points allowed: rank fifth – 9.2
- Opponent points in the paint: rank seventh – 40.0
Heat:
- Defensive rebounds: rank eighth – 34.6
- Defensive rebound percent: rank eighth – 75.3
- Steals: rank fourth – 7.5
- Blocks: rank eighth – 4.1
- Opponent turnover volume: rank seventh – 15.3
- Second chance points allowed: rank 10th – 11.9
- Fast break points allowed: rank 10th – 12.1
- Opponent points in the paint: rank 11th – 42.0
The Lakers rank ninth in perimeter defense among the 16 squads who played in the postseason. Having just faced the best perimeter defenders (Celtics) in the bubble the Heat will welcome that opportunity and hope their shooting prowess returns without all those lengthy Boston wing defenders to deal with.
While the Heat utilized their zone defense to great effect versus all three Eastern clubs none of those clubs
Erik Spoelstra also has the experience over Frank Vogel having won two championships. Most notably, those two rings required Spo beating Vogel’s Pacers in six games in the first round of 2012 and in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals of 2013.
Something else Spoelstra has the distinct benefit of is knowing LeBron James. Having coached the superstar he’ll be able to give tips to star Jimmy Butler as will Iguodala who has four title runs of experience guarding him while with the Warriors.