Goran Dragic, making an unusual start, should have recognition for the huge 4th quarter he had also, due to the fact that the Heat dont win this video game without him. It was Butlers play over the last couple of minutes that really closed the program. In one sequence he hit an unusual 3-pointer, came down on the other end and required a jump ball, won that suggestion to protect belongings, then instantly drilled another triple..
Butler was a disaster from the 3-point line this season, shooting 24.4 percent, which was the third-worst mark in the entire league among gamers who tried at least 100 threes, and he had simply 7 video games with several makes from downtown. That he secured his first playoff win in Miami with his outside shot was fitting in such a way, another pointer of his self-confidence and desire to show everyone incorrect..
3. Heat limit turnovers in the 2nd half.
Despite shooting almost 50 percent from the field, knocking down six 3-pointers and getting to the totally free throw line at will, the Heat led by just 4 points at halftime. That was in big part due to their inability to look after the basketball, as they coughed up 8 turnovers, leading to 21 points for the Pacers..
Fixing that was an emphasis for Miami coming out of the break, and whatever head coach Erik Spoelstra discussed inside the locker room clearly got throughout to his gamers. They had simply one turnover the entire 2nd half, and the Pacers only got two points off of it. Unable to get easy points off of the Heats mistakes, and playing without Oladipo, the Pacers offense sputtered late in the game..
The play inside the Disney World bubble has been entertaining, and that trend continued on Tuesday afternoon with Game 1 of the first-round series between the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat. After a hard-fought, back-and-forth game that measured up to expectations, the Heat pulled away late in the fourth quarter for a 113-101 win.
Jimmy Butler arrived in Miami this season with a desire to be the main man and lead his own team. He played the part in the routine season, and definitely did so in Game 1 against the Pacers. Shooting 8-for-15 from the field, including a stunning 2-for-2 from 3-point land, Butler filled up package score according to usual, completing with 28 points, 3 rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks..
The Pacers hung hard, and were able to keep things competitive for much of the second half. TJ Warren kept up his strong play in the bubble and ended up with 22 points, while Malcolm Brogdon matched him with 22 of his own. After losing Victor Oladipo to an eye injury in the first quarter, they eventually just didnt have enough to keep up with the Heat the entire way, and faded down the stretch..
Here are 3 key takeaways from the video game:.
1. Oladipo injured once again.
Victor Oladipo was originally not going to play in the bubble. In fact, he had an entire sit-down interview with Shams Charania of The Athletic in which he laid out why it just didnt make sense for him given his previous quad injury, and the scenarios under which teams are playing. Then, unexpectedly he changed his mind.
Why, precisely, isnt incredibly clear, but he looked strong in the seeding games. Definitely not his pre-injury self, however better than when he initially returned to the court in the month prior to the shutdown. Sadly, hes now handling an entirely various problem after being poked in the eye by Jae Crowder late in the very first quarter during a scramble for a loose ball..
Oladipo left the game, and has actually considering that made his way to the medical facility to be assessed. While its still too early to speculate on for how long he might be out, the initial reports dont sound encouraging. His vision was “truly blurry,” head coach Nate McMillan stated after the game. “He truly couldnt see out of his eye when we saw him at halftime.”.
This is unexpectedly the primary story in this series. With a healthy Oladipo, the Pacers had a real opportunity to advance to the 2nd round for the very first time given that 2014. Without him, its going to be extremely hard to keep up with the Heat..
2. Jimmy Buckets gets it done.
Few players in the league yearn for the pressure and duty of being the teams finest gamer quite like Jimmy Butler, whichs certainly what he got when he required his method to the Heat via a sign-and-trade last summer season. Versus the Pacers, he passed his very first test with flying colors..
When he checked out the game early in the fourth quarter, the Heat were holding on to a two-point lead, at 89-87. From that point on, they outscored the Pacers 24-14 to retreat for a 12-point win, with Butler scoring 10 of the last 12 points for the Heat down the stretch..
He played the part in the regular season, and definitely did so in Game 1 versus the Pacers. Why, exactly, isnt very clear, however he looked solid in the seeding video games. Oladipo left the game, and has actually since made his way to the hospital to be assessed. His vision was “really blurred,” head coach Nate McMillan stated after the game. Goran Dragic, making an unusual start, deserves recognition for the substantial 4th quarter he had as well, since the Heat do not win this video game without him.
