Robinson becomes marked man

In some ways, being an unknown was an easier NBA existence for Duncan Robinson.

The Miami Heat’s 3-point specialist was out of mind and therefore out of sight of the defense. But with reputation firmly established after a breakout season, there also now is an established following among the league’s leading defenders.

And that means nights like Tuesday’s series-opening 117-114 overtime win over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals, when he closed 2 of 7 from the field, with all of the attempts from beyond the arc.

“Obviously, in the playoffs there’s going to be additional attention, game plans, adjustments, all that sort of stuff,” the second-year guard said after Wednesday’s practice at Disney World, amid the NBA’s pandemic quarantine. “Truthfully, I feel like I’m getting good shots. I think I’m taking good shots.

“Sometimes you do all the right things and the ball doesn’t go in. It requires adjustments on myself, also, to be more aggressive and also to make some.”

Coach Erik Spoelstra said it becomes a case of Robinson stepping up.

“He just has to continue to run his routes with purpose [and] incredible persistence,” Spoelstra said as the Heat turned their attention to Game 2 of the best-ofseven on Thursday at 7 p.m.

“I think he could have been a lot more persistent last night. But he typically finds ways to have a better impact as a series goes on.”

While Robinson is now 2 of 9 from beyond the arc in his past two, foul-marred games, he converted six 3-pointers this postseason the last time he was limited to two 3-pointers in the pervious games, with both of those efforts against the Milwaukee Bucks in the previous round.

“Obviously, a lot more goes into preparation and game-planning,” he said of his first playoff appearance. “So they’re going to try to scheme to take certain things away.”

Teammate and fellow outside-shooting specialist Tyler Herro said Wednesday it’s just a matter of Robinson keeping himself out of foul trouble and on the floor.

“For sure, it’s just more [him] having to be on the floor for a long period of time to be able to catch a rhythm,” Herro said. “I don’t think it was too frustrating for Duncan.

“But the more he’s on the floor, he can obviously get more shots up. And it’s easier to catch a rhythm when you’re out there for a longer period of time.”