The Breakdown: Understanding the Miami Heat's High-Powered Offense

We break down the six important plays of the Miami Heat.

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Image via Complex Original
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With the second round of the NBA Playoffs now underway, it’s time to start taking a closer look at some of the contenders for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. In “The Breakdown,” a series in partnership with Complex’s new hoops site, TriangleOffense.com, we’ll scope out some teams and key in on the important plays they’re using. First up: the Miami Heat.

Watch Heat highlights on SportsCenter and you’d think Miami scores all its points on fast break alley-oops and rim-rattling dunks. There’s no question that the Heat’s transition game is potent, but increasingly dangerous too is Miami’s half-court offense. Put them together and it’s little surprise that Miami, per basketball-reference, boasts the NBA’s second highest offensive rating, scoring 112.49 points per 100 possessions. How do they do it? Check it out.

Chris Bosh Pick and Pop

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Chris Bosh Pick and Pop

In seven years in Toronto, Chris Bosh never attempted more than 49 three-pointers in a season. Since coming to Miami, though, Bosh has extended his range, becoming a capable shooter from deep. What this means for defenses is that they have to pick their poison when Bosh sets high ball screens for LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. They can take their chances fighting through the screen or double the dribbler and let Bosh pop out to the perimeter for an open three.

LeBron James Iso in the Post

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LeBron James Iso in the Post

LeBron has always been dangerous off the bounce, but he’s also become a problem in the post. With the 6-8, 250-pound James often matched up against smaller perimeter defenders, the Heat look to get James the ball alone on the block. From there, James can go to work or kick it out to one of Miami’s shooters on the perimeter.

Five Out: Ball Movement

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Five Out: Ball Movement

Inspired by Chip Kelly’s spread offense at Oregon, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra often opts for small lineups that take advantage of the team’s quick guards and shooters. With five players on the perimeter, the Heat can whip the ball from side to side and create driving lanes for LeBron or Wade. If the defense collapses, LeBron or Wade can kick it out to one of the shooters spotted up on the perimeter.

Five Out: Isolation

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Five Out: Isolation

The set is the same but the action is different. Instead of moving the ball around the perimeter to keep the defense on its heels, the Heat, when the one-on-one matchup is favorable, will isolate LeBron on the perimeter. On this play, for example, LeBron is matched up with Paul Millsap. The rest of the Heat players hold their positions on the perimeter, allowing LeBron to use his quickness to get past Millsap and attack the basket.

Off-Ball Screens for Ray Allen

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Off-Ball Screens for Ray Allen

Ray Allen’s shooting numbers have dipped this year (he’s down from 41.9 percent from three a year ago to 37.5 percent) but he’s still a threat—something the Miami offense exploits. The Heat run off-ball screens for Allen, which allows the sharpshooter to get free on the perimeter for open looks. Or, if the second defender switches onto Allen, this frees up the screener to roll to the basket.

LeBron in Transition

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LeBron in Transition

One of the benefits of playing LeBron at the 4 is that it allows the Heat to get out in transition—fast. Whether he grabs the board himself or gets the outlet pass, LeBron can move the ball from one end of the court to the other in just a handful of dribbles. What’s more impressive, though, is the way the Heat space the floor on the break: instead of cutting to the paint and creating traffic, the rest of the Heat set up wide on the perimeter, giving LeBron room to attack and options to find on kick outs.

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