The Miami HEAT host the New York Knicks Thursday night at the AmericanAirlines Arena. The HEAT enter the game on a seven game winning streak in which all of the wins have come by double digits. With a record of 26-7, Miami sits atop the Eastern Conference standings. The Knicks, 9-2 in their last 11 games, have climbed to seventh in the East.
When the Knicks face the HEAT Thursday night, it will be a very different team than the one the HEAT defeated 99-89 in late January. Carmelo Anthony and Jeremy Lin have replaced Toney Douglas and Iman Shumpert in the starting lineup, while J.R. Smith and Baron Davis have been added to the Knicks bench. Lins emergence in particular has boosted the Knicks performance. Since he began to receive significant playing time eleven games ago against the New Jersey Nets, Lin has averaged 23.9 points, 9.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. His play earned him an Eastern Conference Player of the Week Award for the second week of February.
Once a weakness, the Knicks defense has become the teams biggest strength. The Knicks have the fifth best defensive rating (points against per 100 possessions) in the NBA, after finishing 23rd last season. Tyson Chandler, the Knicks prized offseason acquisition, has played a significant role in the improvement by anchoring the backline of the defense. The Knicks are proficient in limiting opponents on post ups and on cuts to the basket, two HEAT strengths.
Offensively, the Knicks had struggled to produce until Jeremy Lin arrived. According to NBA StatsCube, without Lin, the Knicks offensive rating is 95.0, below the league average of 103.1. With Lin on the floor, the Knicks offensive rating jumps to 103.9, which is above average. The offensive system the Knicks employ is one predicated on the pick and roll, in which Lin has excelled. Tyson Chandler and Amare Stoudemire are both exceptional in running the pick and roll, and Lins breakout has allowed them to operate in their comfort zones offensively.
The HEAT present matchup problems for the Knicks on the defensive end of the floor. The only weakness the HEAT have exhibited on defense this season has been on spot ups. The Knicks have been the third worst spot up team in the NBA, producing just .855 points per possession. The key for the HEAT defense will be defending the pick and roll. Pick and roll defense has been a strength for the HEAT dating back to last season. The HEAT have quick, versatile big men in Joel Anthony, Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem. Their ability to hedge screens and recover, while occasionally trapping has disrupted ball handlers all season. On the perimeter, the HEAT have five players capable of slowing opposing guards. Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Shane Battier and Mike Miller are all above average pick and roll defenders.
Offensively, the HEAT are performing better than any team in the NBA. The teams offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) of 109.9 leads the league by a significant margin. While much of the HEATs efficiency has been attributed to their transition game, it is the half-court effectiveness that has been the foundation. The HEATs .949 points per possession in the half court leads the league, and has been built on a myriad of play types.
Mario Chalmers and Mike Miller, both in the top five in the NBA in three-point percentage, have spaced the floor for the HEAT. The stellar spot up shooting has opened up the floor for drives to the basket from LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. The HEAT have used more post ups and cuts than last season, resulting in higher percentage shots. The Knicks will focus on defending the paint by funneling HEAT slashers to Tyson Chandler. In the first matchup the HEAT had no trouble finishing at the rim, shooting over 70% on 27 attempts.
Thursdays game features two of the hottest teams in the NBA, both playing their best basketball of the season. The HEAT are trying to enter the NBAs All Star break with the leagues best record, while the Knicks are attempting to continue their climb up the Eastern Conference standings.