Miami Heat: 5 reasons they will make the playoffs in 2017-18

3. Emphasis on the 3-ball

One of the catalysts in the Heat’s transformation over the course of last season was the emphasis placed on the 3-point shot.

Over the first 41 games, the Heat ranked 26th in 3-point accuracy, converting at a 33.8 percent clip. In the second half of the season, they shot up to third overall in accuracy, shooting at a 39.0 percent clip. With the Heat adopting the “pace and space,” and “position-less” model that’s become commonplace around the league, their overall offensive game took off.

Miami Heat

For the season, the Heat attempted at least 35 3-pointers in a game on six occasions — all in the last 41 games of the season. They posted a 6-0 record during this span, which included wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets.

In terms of efficiency, the Heat compiled 19 games over the course of the season where they connected on 13 or more 3-pointers, producing a 15-4 record during this span. Notably, just three of these games came in the first half of the season. To expand on this, when the Heat connected on 15 or more 3-pointers, they were a perfect 7-0 — all in the second half of the season.

So at face value, 3-pointers made clearly add up to the wins for the Heat. But most importantly, their roster composition means this facet of their game can improve even more this upcoming season.

The starting backcourt of Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters shot at a 40.5 and 39.5 percent clip respectively. Shooting guard Wayne Ellington ranked sixth in the league in 3-point attempts on a per-36 minute basis among those who played in at least 60 games. Furthermore, emerging guard Tyler Johnson is now a career 37.4 percent shooter from downtown, and is continually improving.

With a vast array of weapons at their disposal, look for the Heat to ramp up their proficiency from long range even further this season.