Opponents playing the Heat these days will probably see a zone defense. It’s not a secret.
It has actually made it on to the scouting report. Teams are now preparing to go against the 2-3 scheme before facing Miami because it’s been a part of the Heat’s game plan since it began using the defense in a win over the Clippers on Dec. 8.
The Heat has used a zone defense in eight consecutive games entering Wednesday’s home matchup against the Raptors. Why? Because it’s working.
“Right now, it’s by any means necessary,” coach Erik Spoelstra said of sprinkling in the zone, with the Heat still primarily playing man-to-man defense.