The Deciding Factor of the NBA Finals

Photo Credit: Heat Nation Twitter

As the series between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets unfolds, one aspect has emerged as the potential deciding factor: the three-point shooting proficiency of the Miami Heat. In particular, the performances of Max Strus and Duncan Robinson in Games 1 and 2 and the subsequent outcomes of the games illustrate their impact on the team's success. 

In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat suffered a tough loss, resulting in the possibility of a Denver Nuggets sweep to become conceivable. The Heat's three-point shooting struggled, with the team converting at a rate of 33.3 percent. However, Max Strus and Duncan Robinson were primarily responsible for the team’s lack of success from beyond the arc. Despite their impressive average of around 10 points per game in the 2023 playoffs, the duo combined for a measly three points. Strus, who had been shooting at a remarkable 42 percent from beyond the arc in the playoffs, failed to score a single basket despite attempting nine three-pointers. Robinson, shooting an even better 47 percent from three in the playoffs, only managed to convert one of his five attempts. Such underwhelming performances were uncharacteristic of both players. However, every game matters in the NBA Finals, and this performance raised strong concerns - especially among Heat fans. 

However, in Game 2, Strus and Robinson appeared to have embraced the sports cliche of maintaining a short memory. Strus, in particular, attempted an astonishing 10 three-point shots, connecting on four of them. Robinson, too, returned to his old self, shooting two for three from beyond the arc and finishing the game with 10 points. Their confidence and precision played an integral role in Miami’s victory, shifting the series' momentum in their favor as the two teams head to Miami. 

The Miami Heat’s three-point proficiency will play a pivotal role in whether or not the team can secure the highly coveted Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. The Miami Heat’s success is contingent upon their ability to convert from three-point range. After all, the Heat have attempted 19 more three-pointers than the Denver Nuggets over the first two games of the series. That said, Strus and Robinson have the potential to be the difference-makers and just might dictate the outcome of this closely contested series.