OKC Thunder: 3 keys to split the season series vs. Heat
OKC Thunder key number 2: Attack the Heat areas of weakness
While the Miami Heat are much improved since Jimmy Butler returned from a positive bout with COVID-19 they are still off the playoff ladder. Their struggles this season are a result of players missing numerous games because of the health and safety protocols as well as ongoing injuries.
In truth, the Heat probably overachieved last season and got hot at an opportune time in the bubble. That said, this squad is much better than their current 10th place on the East ladder.
As the initial match between the Heat and Thunder demonstrated (118-90) they are very capable of dominant performances. The Heat excels in specific areas particularly defensively.
They rank first at holding opponents to the fewest points in the paint (40.3) and seventh for the fewest opponent fast-break points (not that the Thunder feast in this area to begin with).
Erik Spoelstra has his squad focus on protecting the paint and stopping teams in transition. It’s partially why they rank 27th in rebounding and 30th on the offensive glass collecting a mere 7.2 per game.
But don’t get too excited about that last stat because ranking just ahead of them in 29th is the Thunder who collect slightly more offensive boards (7.8) per game. OKC is much better on the defensive glass ranking third with 37.1 per game.
Another area Miami struggles with is opponent points scored off turnovers where they rank dead last allowing 20.2 points per game and commit the most turnovers (16.4) per game.
While the Heat ranks 17th on perimeter defense (allowing opponents to shoot 36.8 percent) there are other areas of the floor the Thunder should focus on. In particular, the Heat allows opponents to shoot 61.5 percent from five feet or less and 43.3 percent in the mid-range.
That should conceivably afford Shai Gilgeous-Alexander an opportunity to feast in his sweet spot.
As the Thunder seek to even the season series versus Miami they’ll need to be aggressive defensively to get those turnovers and capitalize on scoring in that mid-range and five feet or under spots on the court.