You have undoubtedly noticed a noteworthy trend for wing Duncan Robinson if you have watched the Miami Heat over the past three seasons or so. Three years ago, Robinson received a $90 million (during five years) salary in free agency from the Heat; however, in the years that followed, Robinson appeared to decline. It got worse for his defense, which was never very good to begin with. He also abruptly lost his shooting, which was his only strength according to coach Erik Spoelstra.
Robinson was hardly used by Spoelstra by the previous season, and it was evident. He appeared in just 42 games and averaged just 16.5 minutes per game. With Tyler Herro sidelined for a while during the previous season’s playoffs, Robinson returned
Robinson was hardly used by Spoelstra by the previous season, and it was evident. He appeared in just 42 games and averaged just 16.5 minutes per game. With Tyler Herro sidelined for a while during the previous season’s playoffs, Robinson returned to the game. He also started to resemble the player for whom the Heat had paid that large contract; he averaged 9.0 points, made 44.2% of his 3-pointers, and had a strong enough defensive game to be worth playing time.
Robinson has continued to do so. In the Heat’s victory over Atlanta on Friday, Robinson scored 27 points in an incredibly efficient performance. He shot 8 for 11 from the field and 4 for 7 from the 3-point line
Duncan Robinson hitting 44.7% of threes
All things considered, Duncan Robinson’s numbers for this season have improved. On 49.7% of his shots overall and 44.7% from beyond the 3-point arc, he is scoring 15.0 points on average. Compared to his 6.4 points, 37.1% shooting, and 32.8% 3-point shooting from the field last year, that is a huge difference.
However, this figure—234—probably best captures how much better Robinson has been for the Miami Heat this season. Through 28 games this year, that is the amount of time Erik Spoelstra has had Robinson on the court during the fourth quarter. Spo played Robinson 214 minutes in the fourth quarter of the previous season.
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