Duncan Robinson is Essential to the Miami Heat’s Playoff Success

Miami Heat shooting guard Duncan Robinson had the best game of his postseason career on Sunday. In the Heat’s 115-91 win against the Atlanta Hawks, Robinson logged a season-high 27 points. He made eight three-pointers, a franchise playoff record.

He needs to continue to play like this if the Heat want to make a Finals run.

“This season I’ve learned a lot,” Robinson said in the postgame interview. “A lot of different ways, a lot of different experiences. The beautiful thing about this time of year, you just got to lock in with what’s in front of you. Everything that was, is in the past. Whatever I can do to help us win, I’m all in for. Whatever that looks like, I’m willing to buy into it and I am buying into it.”

Robinson struggled with consistency in the 2021-22 season. He finished the year averaging 10.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, while shooting 37.2% from three-point range. Robinson had a range of performances, from his 25-point game against the Lakers (1/23/22) to his 0-7 shooting performance against the Cavaliers (12/1/21). When Robinson was shooting effectively though, the Heat were winning.

During the regular season, Miami was 13-5 when Robinson has at least five three-pointers, and 18-5 when he had at least 15 points. These are mainly scoring statistics, but that’s because that is what Robinson mainly brings to the table. As a shooting guard, he has been tasked with shooting efficiency to help the Heat win. Robinson, along with Tyler Herro and Max Strus are the Heat’s primary three-point shooters. They lead the team in three-pointers attempted and made. All three must be on point when it comes to that category.

All in all, the members of the team have to play their roles. Jimmy Butler will have his production as the Heat’s leader. Tyler Herro will get his points. Bam Adebayo will make his defensive plays. It is Robinson who will need to continue producing consistently if the team wants to go deep in the playoffs. What if his teammates don’t perform well? One of their star players is bound to have a bad night at least once in the postseason. Will Robinson be able to step up and make the big plays?

He was able to do it in Game 1, but his ability to continue this level of play will determine how well Miami does in the postseason.