A season-long effort to push the pace and make the New Orleans Pelicans a faster, more attacking offensive team has largely been successful: Through 57 games, they’re the NBA’s third-ranked team in tempo, averaging 102.08 possessions per 48 minutes. Since DeMarcus Cousins was sidelined by injury Jan. 26, that number has increased to 105.24 possessions, which is No. 1 in the league during that timeframe.
Friday’s guest in the Smoothie King Center has used a much different approach. While New Orleans (31-26) is the NBA’s third-fastest club, Miami (30-28) is the third-slowest. The Heat rely on a methodical style that may not always be aesthetically pleasing, but opponents never doubt the Southeast Division’s team’s nightly effort.