Boston hit hard at home in Game 1. Miami then reacted in Game 2. In Game 3 in Florida, the Celtics took back control of the series. A few hours before this fourth round, it is once again the Heat who must respond.
To equalize the series already and to avoid repeating the mistakes of the third game.
“Frankly, we made mistake after mistake offensively: we didn’t communicate, we wasted possessions, lost balls that we shouldn’t see in the playoffs”, lamented Bam Adebayo. “We didn't have this desire for Game 2, when we set the tone straight away. When you don't have this fighting mentality, you can be crushed by 20 points. »
The Heat lacked aggression in attack. “Next time, I’m going to yell at my teammates to shoot,” ensures the interior. “There were times when I let shots go by,” confirms Caleb Martin. “I wanted to move the ball around and I was a little less aggressive. It's my fault. I must be more. »
Regain skill and aggressiveness
The difference between the two matches is very clear: 9/28 at 3-pts in Game 3 against a superb (and historic for Miami) 23/43 in the second round. “I have to do better at creating the play and making good decisions when I’m in the paint. Same for Adebayo,” analyzes Tyler Herro, author of only two assists in Game 3. “Our teammates just have to shoot. They are open, they have to shoot. »
Another element which shows that the Celtics took control of the match and shook up the Floridians: 10 offensive rebounds and 17 points on a second chance. “They were the most physical, on both ends of the field. They dominated us physically, moved us on the screens and everywhere,” notes Erik Spoelstra. “We were crushed after the first six, seven or eight minutes of the match. »
Fortunately, the Heat know how to react and impose a physical challenge, even without Jimmy Butler. This is even the best time to provide a strong response because, in the event of a defeat, the Floridians will go to Boston trailing 3-1…
“We have the elements to do the job. We are aware of the challenge before us. We will strive to do better this Monday evening and we are totally capable of doing so,” announces the Heat coach. “We have competitors in the group. We know that we have to be connected and very disciplined, that we have to make the right choice on both ends of the pitch. »
