The Heat went to Milwaukee hoping to take one recreation from the top-seeded Bucks. They achieved that, profitable Game 1.
An alternative introduced itself to return again dwelling up two video games to none with Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo lacking Game 2 with a again harm, however as a substitute the Bucks rolled to a dominant 138-122 win. Now the sequence involves Miami for 2 video games the place the Heat will attempt to seize management of the 5 remaining video games, beginning with Game 3 at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday on the Kaseya Center.
“We did what we were supposed to do. We got one, split on the road,” ahead Max Strus mentioned. “Now it’s important to take care of home court. It will be a big game tomorrow. We’re looking forward to getting back out there and redeeming ourselves after last game.”
But getting again into the rhythm that Miami confirmed in Game 1 can be simpler mentioned than accomplished. Even with out Antetokounmpo in Game 2, the Bucks nonetheless dominated the Heat with their dimension. Bobby Portis had 13 factors and 15 rebounds, whereas Brook Lopez had 25 factors and 4 boards.
Forward Kevin Love performed 11 minutes within the Game 2 loss, and when requested whether or not he might be reinserted into the beginning lineup for his dimension in Game 3, he mentioned that would rely on whether or not Antetokounmpo performs.
“I know a lot is going to be dependent on if Giannis is playing,” ahead Kevin Love mentioned. “I know that in terms of matchups, we’re probably going to throw a few different looks at them. We need the size, we need the rebounding, but we still need to be able to pack the paint and be able to get out to the three-point shooters.”
With Antetokounmpo’s standing for Game 3 nonetheless undetermined, the Heat have to arrange for both eventuality.
“This is the playoffs,” Spoelstra mentioned. “You’ve got to be able to figure things out and you can always — in the playoffs — expect the unexpected.”
Miami is coping with a troublesome harm of Its personal. Without guard Tyler Herro, who’s sidelined with a damaged hand, the Heat gave Duncan Robinson his second begin of the season. The Bucks held him scoreless by way of the primary three quarters, although Robinson finally ended the sport with 14 factors, 5 rebounds and three assists.
“Definitely can take a lot away from that one,” Robinson mentioned. “Then come back here and protect home court for us.”
Coming off the brutal Game 2 loss, the Heat want a powerful restoration within the sequence’ first recreation in South Florida. Spoelstra thinks this group is resilient sufficient to rebound from Wednesday’s blowout.
“We know that a series doesn’t start — as Pat [Riley] has always said — until the road team wins,” Spoelstra mentioned. “We were able to get one of those wins, but they’re probably thinking the same thing, how they can take back control of the series. So it’s all about control. But it starts with tomorrow night for us. We want to put together a much better effort and game than we did in Game 2.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com