Miami Heat defense falters as Knicks’ Shamet and Towns shine in surprising defeat
The Miami Heat faced off against the New York Knicks on Friday night in an NBA Cup group stage matchup, but the anticipated clash turned into a grim outing for Miami. Missing key players Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, the Heat struggled to maintain their defensive identity. Meanwhile, the Knicks also faced challenges, as they were without Jalen Brunson and lost OG Anunoby just five minutes into the game. Yet, it was the Heat’s defensive shortcomings that ultimately defined the contest.
Offensive Performance Not Enough
Despite the defensive woes, Miami showcased a commendable offensive display. They achieved a 90th percentile offensive rating and an 84th percentile mark in halfcourt efficiency, managing to limit turnovers effectively with just 11 for the game—placing them in the 88th percentile for turnover percentage. This effort saw six players scoring in double figures, led by Norman Powell’s impressive 38 points, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed significantly with 23 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
However, the Knicks outperformed the Heat in nearly every offensive category. Miami’s defense allowed New York to post a staggering 90th percentile offensive rating in the halfcourt and a 95th percentile overall. The Knicks, known for their three-point shooting prowess, took full advantage, launching 48 percent of their shots from beyond the arc and making 21 of those attempts. The second quarter was particularly devastating for Miami, as the Knicks drained ten threes and recorded an astonishing 176 offensive rating, hitting 65 percent of their field goals during that stretch.
Defensive Breakdown
The Heat’s defense, a hallmark of their game plan, crumbled under pressure. Throughout the contest, Miami allowed an offensive rating that would lead the league in every quarter. Karl-Anthony Towns exploited mismatches, scoring 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in the first half alone. While Miami adjusted better in the second half, limiting Towns to just two made shots, Landry Shamet emerged as the game’s standout. Shamet found his rhythm, netting 30 points in the second half while shooting 10 for 14 from the field.
In total, the duo of Shamet and Towns combined for 60 points on an impressive 55 percent shooting. For a team that prides itself on defensive tenacity, allowing such prolific scoring is nothing short of unacceptable. Adding to their woes, Miami failed to force turnovers, with the Knicks committing a mere eight, resulting in a remarkable four-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio, nearly double the league’s best.
Rebounding Struggles Continue
Rebounding has been an ongoing issue for the Heat, and this game was no exception. Although they aren’t typically elite in rebounding, Miami usually excels defensively on the boards. However, they struggled against New York’s aggression, allowing the Knicks to grab approximately 40 percent of their missed shots—a figure that ranks in the 90th percentile across the league. While the Heat did manage to secure more second-chance points, the overall rebounding performance fell short.
Struggles at the Free-Throw Line
Another area where the Heat faced challenges was at the free-throw line. The Knicks attempted nine more shots than Miami, a gap that could have been mitigated. Although the Heat took 34 free throws, converting at a solid 68th percentile free throw rate, missing nine of those attempts proved costly. In a game marked by defensive lapses, the inability to capitalize on free scoring opportunities became even more glaring.
As the Miami Heat reflect on this defeat, they must address their defensive inconsistencies and find ways to control the controllables. With several key players sidelined, the urgency to tighten their game grows more pressing with each passing match.
