New Orleans Pelicans: 2 Strategies to beat the Miami Heat on Christmas

Defensive Strategy- The New Orleans Pelicans should sell-out to stop Miami’s 3-point attack

Again, the Miami Heat are all about the 3 point shot. They were one of the best shooting teams in the league from deep last year, and they continue to attempt a ton of deep shots on a nightly basis. That’s why I’m saying that the New Orleans Pelicans should sell-out to stop the Heat’s shooting.

Now I know, many of you must think I’m crazy. You probably think that if the Pelicans sell-out to stop 3-pointers then they’re vulnerable to a Jimmy Butler-Bam Adebayo two-man game wreaking havoc on their defense. And that’s exactly the point.

Sure, covering the Heat’s shooters leaves the Pelicans exposed to Miami’s stars attacking, but as long as the Pelicans play good offense, the game will become a 5-on-2 matchup.

As they did when they struggled last season, Adebayo, and Butler will try to come back all on their own, and even if their attacks at the rim are successful, they can’t outgun an entire offense. Besides, with Steven Adams in the paint who says those attacks will even be successful?

That’s the point here on the defensive end, halting  Miami’s shooters. Those players might not be the team’s most valuable but they’re the key to Miami’s entire offense, and without them, their play will falter.

As an on the couch coach, that’s my view on what the Pelicans should do to compete with the Heat, but let’s see tomorrow what Stan Van Gundy comes up with to stop a talented Miami unit.