OKC Thunder face inspired Miami Heat club – preview
Key Stats:
Looking at the main three categories the Heat experienced big shifts this past week due to the three-game losing streak.
Miami began last week as the only club in the top five for all three categories but after a 1-3 week rank fourth offensively (111.6), ninth defensively (104.6), and second in net differential (+7.0).
In comparison, the OKC Thunder ranks 28th offensively (99.4),15th defensively ( 107.5 ), and 26th in net differential (-8.1).
Scoring:
The Heat score 110.6 per game ranking fourth overall and allow opponents to score 104.0 which ranks ninth.
The Thunder ranks 28th in scoring per game with 99.3 points and allows opponents to score 107.5 points per game ranking 16th.
Rebounding:
On the glass, the Heat pull down 48.8 rebounds per game ranking first overall. Offensively, the Heat pulls down 11.6 boards which is tied for fifth-best.
OKC ranks eighth averaging 47.5 boards per match ranking fifth and 10.6 offensive boards per match which rank 12th.
Dime dishers:
As for playmaking, Miami averages 23.9 dimes per match ranking 11th while the Thunder dish 19.7 assists which is the worst assist per game ranking in the association.
Perimeter:
Miami ranks precisely in the center (16th) shooting with an efficiency of 34.0 percent
while the Thunder struggle from deep shooting 30.4 percent to rank 29th.
Turnovers:
One area not typical of an Erik Spoelstra roster is turning over the ball but their 15.2
turnovers per game rank 20th.
Miscellaneous Categories:
Erik Spoelstra’s clubs are always gritty and the long-serving Heat bench boss is known for his tricky defensive schemes.
That leads to his team performing well in the miscellaneous categories like second chance points where Miami score 16.2 points (tied for second). It’s their opponents who suffer the most as Miami holds them to 15.2 points scored off turnovers (ranks eighth), and 10.8 second-chance points (tied third). Where they shine is in the paint holding opponents to the fewest (40.8) points in the association.
NOTE: stats were taken on November 14th from NBA official site and could experience shifts as games tip-off.