Name this team: They have (arguably or inarguably) the best player in country. His backcourt-mate is capable of scoring at a high clip. The team’s go-to big guy is really more of a perimeter shooter and makes his living beyond fifteen feet. Their wing players are hitting an impossibly high number of open threes. They are consistently being out-rebounded. But they almost always win.
No, we’re not talking about UConn. We’re talking about the Miami Heat. Think of them what you will, but the reigning NBA champs are, once again, running through the league this season. Today, Grantland’s Kirk Goldsberry penned an illuminating piece — heavily quoting LeBron James — explaining just how they’re doing it.
You should read it, but here’s the gist: LeBron is amazingly good but is also hyper aware of the actions of his teammates. Chris Bosh sets hard screens up top, and is often open for a mid-range jumpshot. Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade plays off the ball, cutting hard to the basket where he gets open looks at the rim or draws a foul. Should any of this not work, Shane Battier and God’s favorite son, Ray Allen hang out behind the arc and rain three-pointers.
Tell me that isn’t exactly how UConn’s offense should run. Hell, copy that article. Find and replace “LeBron James” with “Shabazz Napier.” Switch “Dwyane Wade” with “Ryan Boatright.” “Chris Bosh” becomes “DeAndre Daniels.” “Shane Battier and Ray Allen” can now be referred to as “whoever has the hot hand between Niels Giffey, Omar Calhoun and Lasan Kromah.”
The comparison isn’t perfect, obviously, but the point stands. UConn’s greatest assets on offense are very similar to the Heat’s. Their star takes more joy in facilitating his teammates than scoring, and their undersized lineup is made to take open jumpers and get to the free throw line.
The Heat have laid out the perfect blueprint for how UConn can win games without rebounding well (Miami is last in the NBA in rebounding). Control the pace on offense, play absurdly aggressive on-ball defense, frantically fast break, and only take good shots.
Having the best player in the nation doesn’t hurt, either.
