Move No. 1: Erik Spoelstra breaks out the old zone defense
In Game 6 with their backs against the wall, the Heat went to zone in the fourth quarter which helped them climb back into the game and nearly punch their ticket to the NBA Finals. I’d be shocked if the Heat didn’t resort to a healthy amount of zone in Game 7 on the road. At least as a tool in their back pocket.
In fact, with how banged up the Heat is, it may be their only chance to limit the Celtics on offense. On the flip side, you’d have to imagine that the Celtics will be prepared for the zone in Game 7, considering it’s what helped Miami get back into the game on the defensive end of the floor in multiple games this series.
In Games 1-3, all Miami wins:
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 28, 2023
Celtics vs. zone: 37.9 eFG%
Celtics vs. man: 53.5 eFG%
In Games 4-6, all Boston wins:
Celtics vs. zone: 43.3 eFG%
Celtics vs. man: 59.3 eFG%
I wonder how much the Heat will use zone in Game 7 considering how much better they've defended with it. pic.twitter.com/a5l8h7PMtQ
While the zone has been effective for Miami in the past, it could also get them in trouble against the Celtics. If the C’s come out hot, Boston could completely shoot the Heat out of the game.
In Boston’s three losses in this series, the Celtics shot under 35 percent from 3-point range. In two of their three wins (with the exception of Game 6), the Celtics shot over 40 percent from deep. There’s a strong chance that Game 7 comes down to Boston’s 3-point shooting. If they shoot well, they probably win. And sometimes, the zone opens up better opportunities for that.
That’s the concern that Miami would have if they decide to break out the zone early and often in Game 7.