#2012 nba eastern conference standings series#

The Heat have talent and shooting on the wings to compensate so It’s unlikely to be a fatal flaw in the first round. It’s a by-committee approach that has relied on James to cover up for its flaws and step in to defend both power forwards and centers. Miami Heat: The Heat have managed to put up solid rebounding numbers overall, but their frontline remains a mash unit aside from Bosh and Udonis Haslem. Smith can finish above the rim on the break and knockdown three-point shooter Steve Novak can make people pay in secondary transition. The Knicks can be extremely dangerous turning defense into offense, as J.R. Center Tyson Chandler makes the whole thing work and guard Iman SUmpert puts out excellent effort on a consistent basis. New York Knicks: Even though Carmelo Anthony has been called the league’s best scorer and Amar’e Stoudemire is known as a one-way player, New York’s biggest strength has been a defense that ranks in the top five for efficiency. Credit James, whose league-leading 30.79 PER and 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.9 steals and 53.1 percent shooting are completely out of this world.

The Heat have talked about their improved chemistry and comfort this season and they are the only team in the NBA that is top five in both offensive and defensive efficiency this season. It’s not an absolutely perfect “each piece makes the others better” triangle but it’s an elite talent base that few teams can match. The Heat boast the NBA’s most productive player (by leaps and bounds) LeBron James, another top-10 guy in Dwyane Wade and a third wheel All-Star in Chris Bosh. Miami Heat: Let’s not overthink this one: top-shelf talent. In this edition, the Eastern Conference's No. (Getty Images)Įye on Basketball presents previews of the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

#2012 nba eastern conference standings series#

LeBron James begins another quest for his first ring during a first round playoff series against the Knicks.