Ltears in the eyes For the old times. The Miami fan again silently contemplates ‘his’ hero of him on the screen. The one who in 2020 was a cathedral piece to reach the Orlando ‘bubble’ Finals. The revival of Duncan Robinson could perfectly be an American movie script. After the fall to hell in 2022, without entering rotation in those Playoffs and disappearing from the map for Erik Spoelstra for the entirety of the subsequent regular season, the 29-year-old forward reemerges to be a key factor in the Finals against the Denver Nuggets. Proving that sometimes, and only sometimes, basketball is a game that can depend solely and exclusively on precision, at all levels. His case is extremely curious and enigmatic.
Duncan Robinson in a match.
No team had scored 15 triples against the Nuggets in the Playoffs. Until yesterday. And with that, comes the first defeat at home for Mike Malone’s team (9-1). The postseason remains the arena where the defense continues to be most effective.. Almost his only refuge. This occurs due to a natural inhibition of attacks, focused much more on resolving quality possessions. And for this reason, in these two months of final competition, the pace is reduced, allowing the defense to cultivate more effectively. Thus, the Playoffs are a ‘hit or miss’ competition. The translation is simple: whoever scores the most triples will win. After registering a dismal 7-27 from the perimeter in the first three quarters of the first game, Spoelstra’s pupils have hit 23 of the last 47 pitches. The result? They lost the first game (+10 last quarter) and won the second.
Fundamental in the last period
The Heat, with another game bordering on 50% from long distance (17-35 in T3). Fourth in his last nine. Effectiveness. And it is in this facet, in that of precision, where Duncan Robinson appears. In it Game 2 He punished again with two long shots in the last period. A player who energizes and harmonizes the Miami offense. Ten straight points without a miss in the fourth quarter. of his connection with Bam Adebayo Alternatives emerge that under normal conditions would not be explored (penetrating and finishing with contact against Jeff Green, good movements without the ball, etc.). What trust does. So, his way of scoring without the ball stands out for a quickness of legs with which to get away from his pursuer moments before receiving, rise and arm the arm to shoot.
Duncan Robinson finishing off Jeff Green.
‘Effectiveness’ is his second last name
the yorkian he connected 73.7% of his triples in a series of 14 of 19 in the First Round against the Milwaukee Bucks. And in the Eastern Finals against the Boston Celticsthe sniper did not forgive and was crucial in the unexpected success of those from Florida, with an effective 15 of 31 in the perimeter (48.4%). The era of ‘sabermetrics’ that began about a decade ago in the NBA brought with it a fierce race in search of efficiency. Both individual and collective. This obsession driven by advanced statistics means that, season after season, there are players starring in campaigns that seem to come out of a laboratory. Especially in the art of shooting.
After losing the Game 1 the visiting teams have won the following match 43.2% of times. Miami Heat has had the court factor against in all the series they have played. In none of them have they left with a 0-2 home. Competitiveness. A team with a huge heart. Lack of assets can be seen as a problem (without Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo)but this can be a virtue if you are fully aware of how to maximize that lack. “That my second offensive reference is injured? It’s okay, I recover Robinson from ostracism to make up for that deficiency.” In the detail lies the key to understanding this team, this combat unit. And in the transition from theory to praxis, no one like Erik Spoelstra.
Duncan Robinson going to the bench.
Accuracy and effectiveness come back to the fore as two determining factors, thanks to Duncan Robinson. However, beyond that, Erik Spoelstra’s readjustments have been evident: the return to the starting five of Kevin Love, ending the ‘mismatch’ that Aaron Gordon had against the small forwards of Miami (also key in the reading-defense of the direct block against Jokic); after basket Miami got in the zone (from 2-3 it went to 1-3-1), being more aggressive; the reduction in turnover (eight players with more than 10′); the isolation of Nikola Jokic allowing him to score, but without involving the others (five losses-four assists)…resulting in a 65.6 effective shot for Denver in the final quarter, for the outstanding 84.4 in eFG% of Miami. In short, a versatile and chameleonic team, capable of adapting to any stage.
2023-06-05 13:58:24
#Duncan #Robinson #precision #game #Miami
