How can the Knicks beat the Heat?
To say that the Miami Heat are a difficult team to break down would be an understatement. Having lost 4 of their last 5 games, the Knicks will need to conjure up something special to take down the Eastern Conference leaders.
In losses, the Heat are actually rather statistically consistent across wins and losses. If there is somewhere that stands out in losses, it is the fact that they lose the rebounding battle by an average of 3.4 and turn over the ball 14.8 times.
New York are certainly a solid rebounding team, but they don’t exactly have an intimidating perimeter defence. Considering the shooting ability of the Heat, the Knicks must find something new in their defensive standards if they hope to beat Miami.
Knicks Key Player: (G-F) RJ Barrett
The New York Knicks enter this game off the back of a concerning performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers. While they were able to compete, RJ Barrett was the only one of the Knicks starters to truly shine.
The Canadian international posted 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in 34 minutes of play. While he was 9 of 16 from the field, he was just 1 of 4 from three-point range and 5 of 10 from the free-throw line.
Barrett has progressed splendidly this season, but he’ll have one of the toughest nights of the season against the Miami Heat’s defence.
How can the Heat beat the Knicks?
The Miami Heat are on a roll. Their overall play has been excellent regardless of the lineup, and they now find themselves among the top of the Eastern Conference.
When the Heat take on the Knicks, they will need to close out on New York’s shooters. While their most dangerous offensive threats are cut from the cloth of isolation play, much of the Knicks’ effective offence comes from range. Which explains their recent 1-4 streak, where they’ve shot just 33.2% from deep and 41.7% overall.
The Heat are one of the league’s better defensive teams, but are more willing to give up semi-contested three-point shots, rather than shots at the rim. How adaptable they can be will determine their success.
Heat Key Player: (G-F) Jimmy Butler
The Miami Heat have been able to play effectively, despite many of their key players being out for extended periods. Much of their success as of late comes from the fantastic play of Jimmy Butler.
An all-around threat, Jimmy Butler can make a winning impact without scoring being the focus of his night. In his last game, a win over the Los Angeles Lakers, butler posted 20 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.
With the Heat likely to be missing their key playmakers in Lowry and Herro, Butler will step up to the plate as the first option again. If he can dissect the Knicks defence as he’s done to others this season, it’ll be a comfortable night for the Heat.
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