David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Heat – Celtics Game 2: Push back.

Originally posted on thePeachBasket | By Eric Labrador | Last updated 4/25/24

The Heat – Celtics Game 2 was one of “push back.” The players were hot from three point range but there were drives to the hoop. Jaime Jaquez Jr. was being a bully and would get handled, but kept pushing. Nikola Jovic was pushing Kristaps Porzingis off his mark all game. Bam was juking and jiving players on offense and defense. Caleb Martin was driving hard to the hoop. The Celtics players began to play “on their backfoot.” The Celtics will be back in Game 3, but for now, let’s look at the recap.

Heat – Celtics Game 2, Point #3 — Game plan changed to fit Tyler Herro‘s game.

Tyler Herro got a heavy dose of attention in Game 1 as the #1 option. Jrue Holiday locked him up. Also, Tyler Herro tried to win the game by himself. That will work against the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz but not against Boston. The Heat began to run Tyler through screens to get him in space. He didn’t bring the ball up court so much to conserve energy. Check out this video here from the Heat post-game where they explain further.

I like this article here by Heat beat writer Ira Winderman in the Sun Sentinel. Herro was efficient on offense: 24 points on 13 shots! He had 14 assists and 3 turnovers, so that was great. Coach Spolestra couldn’t stop talking about the winning plays he made.

Heat – Celtics Game 2, Point #2 — Jimmy Butler‘s basic formula worked.

Jimmy Butler gave a simple formula for the Heat to win at different times over his career. If they concentrate on defending more than making shots, then they will win. Last night, the Heat focused on “being disruptive” and “making the opponent feel their presence.”

Look at a Youtube video from three years ago below. Then another video during the 2022 playoffs against the Sixers. Boston was pushed back over and over again last night. Kristaps Porzingis was limited to 14 points. Nikola Jovic leaned on him and Caleb Martin finished him off.

Heat – Celtics Game 2, Point #1 — Boston can win in Miami/Miami can win in Boston.

The game was a great success, but Boston will be ready in Game 3. Celticsblog.com writer Adam Taylor already broke down game film in this article here. The Celtics won three games against the Heat after being down 0-3. Look at this breakdown here from landofbasketball.com. Excluding the 2020 playoffs, Miami has won 7 times in Boston. Boston has won six times in Miami since 2012.

This article first appeared on thePeachBasket and was syndicated with permission.

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