It seemed tempting just to stare at the box score and obsess about the poor statistical numbers. Or perhaps to replay all the missed shots endlessly.
Following the Miami Heat’s loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Miami guard Max Strus processed his scoreless performance on 10 missed shots differently. Instead of fretting about his poor showing, Strus became excited about his upcoming opportunity to rectify it.
“I wanted to play right after the game was over,” Strus told reporters. “I’m not going to let that keep me down. I’m ready for the next game.”
Strus backed up those positive thoughts with tangible actions. He played a significant role in Miami’s 111-108 Game 2 win over Denver by scoring 14 points on a 4-for-10 clip from 3-point range along with two made free throws. So did Heat guard Duncan Robinson, who had 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting and 2-for-3 from deep. Those numbers contrasted sharply from what Duncan posted in Game 1 in points (three), field-goal shooting (1-for-6) and 3-point shooting (1-for-5).
Related: Takeaways from Miami Heat Game 2 win over Denver Nuggets
Things looking good for Max Strus, Duncan Robinson heading into Game 3
What numbers will Strus and Robinson post when the Heat host the Nuggets for Game 3 on Wednesday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)? Their post-season track record foreshadows more timely shots. Strus has averaged 11.5 points while shooting 41% from the field and 35% from 3-point range. Robinson has posted 9.1 points while shooting with nearly similar efficiency both overall (46.8%) and from deep (44%).
“It’s just belief in yourself and this group, and then also just with your preparation and putting the work in,” Duncan Robinson told reporters. “You can’t always control if the shots go in or not. But you can control how you prepare and get ready for the opportunity.”
Robinson handled his Game 1 struggles similar to how Strus reacted to his. Just like Strus, Robinson fretted little about his clanked shots in Game 1. Not only did he like the looks. Just like Strus, Robinson maintained confidence he would finish with a better box score in Game 2.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expressed the same confidence. He described Strus and Robinson as “ignitable” following their sluggish Game 1 performances. In between Games 1 and 2, Spoelstra often told them to “let it fly.”
“Once they see two go down, it could be three,” Spoelstra told reporters. “It could turn into six just like that.”
After speaking, Spoelstra snapped his fingers for further emphasis. He likened a string of missed shots to a game of roulette. When the ball lands on red multiple times, some might bet on the steak to continue Spoelstra argued, however, to bet soon on black.
“Shooters need clarity and a great deal of confidence,” Spoelstra told reporters. “They get that from — who cares if they get it from the head coach. Yeah, the coach is telling them to shoot it. I’d rather get the volume up, and we’ll play the percentages.”
Spoelstra shared he did not always have patience with players missing shots earlier in his head-coaching career, which began in 2008. How Spoelstra and his two sharpshooters currently manage shooting streaks and slumps, however, captures a larger picture about the franchise.
Part of “Heat Culture” entails following and embracing consistent routines. That includes following structured shooting workouts to maintain consistent mechanics and rhythm. It also involves detailed film study both to validate quality shots and to recognize poorly taken ones. Miami has also stressed mastering the factors that influence a made or missed shot, including its ball movement, screen setting and a players’ rhythm. Those variables bode more importance than just obsessing about the numbers.
“Being process driven, just trying to generate good shots and not being so caught up in the results of whether the ball goes in or not,” Duncan Robinson told reporters. “If we move the ball, create advantages and play unselfishly and find others, then usually it bodes pretty well for us, regardless if the ball goes in or not.”
That explains why Heat stars Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler expressed confidence in Strus and Robinson making shots. But the Heat also internalized their own play on what could lead to those makes.
Though the Miami Heat argued they should have had more than two free-throw attempts in Game 1, they also conceded those low numbers partly stemmed from not attacking the basket enough. Butler shrugged off his own inefficient shooting (13 points on 6-for-14 shooting). Yet, he also vowed to drive to the basket more, too.
That approach gave Strus and Robinson more room to operate in Game 2. The Heat started the game with a 10-2 run that included Strus making his first two 3-point attempts amid playing at a fast pace with quick ball movement and sharp cutting.
In the fourth quarter, the Heat quickly overcame an 83-75 deficit by following the same approach. Miami took an 88-85 lead with 9:44 left after Robinson made a pair of 3s and layups as part of a 13-5 run. Following his first 3, Robinson shouted confidently to the team bench. After his second layup attempt, Robinson strutted his jaw.
“Just trying to have my presence felt, particularly in the fourth quarter,” Robinson told reporters. “Until that point, I really had not had much of an impact. Just trying to be an offensive spark and provide a little bit of light.”
Related: Why Miami Heat’s win over Denver Nuggets in Game 2 shouldn’t be a surprise
Spoelstra stressed that Strus and Robinson offer more than timely shots. He praised them for their defense, passing and off-ball movement. Spoelstra also pointed out the Heat’s offensive identity doesn’t hinge on strong 3-point shooting. Miami also leans on Butler’s relentlessness, Adebayo’s positional versatility and Gabe Vincent’s playmaking.
Nonetheless, the Heat benefited from how Strus and Robinson course corrected in Game 2. Through makes and misses, both players maintained the same approach and attitude about their respective games.
“Keep shooting. I’ve worked too hard to give up on myself at this point,” Max Strus told reporters. “I’ve missed a lot of shots in my life and career. I’m not going to let that stop me from shooting and doing what I do. I get paid to do this and I do this for a living. So, I’m going to keep shooting every time I’m open.”
Mark Medina is an NBA Insider for Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter and on Instagram.