Miami Heat Still Figuring It Out From 3-Point Line

The Miami Heat shot a season-high 57 percent from the arc against the New York Knicks

The Miami Heat's formula for success this season is simple: when they shoot well from the 3-point line, the chances of winning are more likely. 

They shot a season-high 57 percent from the arc in Wednesday's win against the New York Knicks. They are now 3-0 when they shoot at least 50 percent. 

While it's not a finished product, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is encouraged by the improvement. He said it was a variety of factors, including better spacing. 

"The important thing is we're getting more consistent and intentional to our identity," Spoelstra said. "You can point to the threes but it's a symbiotic relationship. Our attack numbers are up, rim numbers are up, paint numbers are up, assists numbers are up. You can't just put your head down and attack if you don't have spacing and make right plays if there's a crowd of people waiting for you in the paint."

Before All-Star break, the Heat were 29th in the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage. They have since slowly improved. 

Spoelstra said part of the reason for the struggles was being too timid. Last year the Heat led the lead in 3-point percentage but apparently lost confidence. 

There were several games the Heat were simply passing open looks to take poor shots with the 24-second winding. 

"Guys are not passing up those looks," Spoelstra said. "I think there was a stretch for a couple months we were passing up some good, quality looks and then taking some tougher ones ... Those can be deflating for your offense. Right now, there is a better balance. These guys are great shooters."

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.