The Miami Heat lost Game 2 after a rough fourth quarter but there was nothing to be concerned about in Game 3. The Heat gave the New York Knicks a commanding 105-86 victory as they take a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Meanwhile, the Knicks struggled to get their offense going due to Miami’s quick and consistent defense. The shooting found in Game 2 was absent and from the first quarter forward, the team never made it a competitive game.
The next matchup between the two scrappy teams will come in two days on Monday; however, let’s take a look at five takeaways from Miami’s commanding victory over New York in Game 3.
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Miami Heat’s defense finds its form with Jimmy Butler’s return
The Heat’s defense allowed 86 points in Game 3 after allowing 111 points in Game 2. It was clear from the jump that New York was going to struggle when Bam Adebayo shut down Julius Randle en route to a Jimmy Butler bucket to open the game.
New York only scored 44 points in the first half and struggled to get anything going on the offensive end. With only six points from the Knicks through six minutes in the fourth quarter, Miami’s defense let its offense off the hook after not having a strong showing.
This has been the common theme for the Heat throughout the playoffs. While the offense has been doing its thing, Miami prides itself on physicality and making it hard for the opposing team.
The Knicks only shot 34% from the field and it doesn’t feel like it will get much better if they don’t figure something out in Game 4. New York’s defense itself is good enough, but overcoming Miami’s defense will be a major point moving forward.
New York Knicks’ three-point shooting disappears after strong Game 2
The Knicks only shot 20% from the three-point line after a strong performance in the previous consent. In Game 2, the team shot a blistering 16-of-40 from beyond the arc and allowed it to come back and take control.
New York’s starters only shot 4-of-23 from the three-point line and that itself is a major reason why the team was unable to claim Game 3. There were open shots but they just didn’t go down and when a team gets open shots against Miami, they need to go through the net.
The Heat also didn’t shoot well from the three-point line but they were able to draw enough fouls to consistently go to the free-throw line. This ended up being the area that propelled the Heat over the Knicks.
There will be plenty to talk about involving the Knicks moving forward but the most important talking point will be its shooting. It needs to improve if New York wants to win the series and Game 4 needs to be that time.
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Bam Adebayo continues to improve throughout the NBA Playoffs
Bam Adebayo admittedly struggled during the first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks but has bounced back in a big way against the Knicks. Adebayo finished Game 3 with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and one block on seven-of-14 shooting from the field.
However, the center’s most appreciated production came on the defensive end of the floor. Adebayo was able to shut down New York’s big men and kept them under control with key defensive rebounds throughout the event.
Adebayo’s injured hamstring has been a topic of conversation dating back to the series against Milwaukee but he is starting to look like himself again. He has lift going to the basket and has the jumping ability to control the boards.
If the Heat want to make it back to the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2019-’20 season, it will likely lie on Adebayo’s shoulders to truly become that second star next to Butler after his return.
New York Knicks need the best version of Julius Randle
Randle had a massive performance in Game 2 with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists but was unable to back it up in Game 3. The Knicks’ star player only had 10 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists on 4-of-15 shooting.
It is quite simple for New York moving forward. The team needs the best version of Randle to beat Butler and the Heat. By the look of the first three games, Miami appears to be the better team despite its seeding.
The bench is deep, the shooting has returned, and Butler looks like a superstar. While Jalen Brunson will be a key figure, Randle needs to take the reigns and play as he did in Game 2 if the Knicks want to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Randle has the talent to lead a team to the Eastern Conference Finals but it is all about his consistency. If he can find the magic of Game 2, it opens several doors for New York in the future.
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Miami Heat’s bench needs to flex its muscles moving forward
The Heat’s bench flexed its muscles in Game 3 by scoring 32 points. It was an impressive showing in Butler’s return and without them, it would have likely been a closer and more competitive game.
In comparison, the Knicks’ bench scored 25 points with Immanuel Quickley representing just under half of that total. Miami was able to evenly distribute the ball and make shots which made it even more impressive.
Throughout the season, many thought the Heat’s bench was lacking and blamed the team for not putting the right players around Butler. Now, the narrative on that has changed and they look to have really good depth.
It will be interesting to see how all of this develops moving into Game 4. The Knicks need to win to avoid going down 3-1 in the series while the Heat have a prime opportunity for another trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.