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The Boston Celtics dismantled the Miami Heat in Game 2. In all reality, other than a third quarter that saw the Heat outscore the Celtics 39-14 in Game 1, Boston has been in control through the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals. Nonetheless, Miami was fortunate to earn a split at home.
But the Celtics have the upper hand now. This series is knotted up at one game apiece heading back to Boston. Boston has the advantage. So is it time for Heat fans to panic?
No.
The Heat are still in good position to win this series believe it or not. Here are a few reasons why Miami will be just fine moving forward.
3 Reason Heat Shouldn't Panic
Coaching Experience
Ime Udoka has done a fantastic job in his first year as Celtics head coach. He helped the team overcome a miserable start and has them sitting pretty in the postseason. And it isn't as if this is his first go-around in the postseason as a coach. Udoka was an assistant for Gregg Popovich's Spurs 2012 championship team that defeated the Heat in the NBA Finals. But this is Udoka's first postseason experience as a head coach.
Meanwhile, Erik Spoelstra has been in this position as a head coach on numerous occasions. He is a a two-time NBA Champion who has led Miami since 2008.
The Heat hold a coaching advantage in this series without question. Many people don't pay attention to the head coaches impact on the game. However, they are important for their team's successes and failures. And when Miami is up against the wall, Spoelstra is going to understand how to rise to the challenge. He knows how to put things in perspective.
Erik Spoelstra won't back down and will not be intimidated.
Celtics' Magical Shooting Night Could be an Outlier
The Celtics shot 51.2 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc in Game 2 en route to the victory. It seemed as if they could not miss. It was a tremendous shooting night for Boston to say the least.
But can they continue shooting at such an elite rate?
Yes, they have the talent to find the bottom of the net on a consistent basis. But the Heat are one of the best defensive teams in basketball. Miami is going to make an adjustment and the odds of Boston shooting 50 percent from three-point land again in this series are slim.
The Heat actually came out of halftime with a much improved gameplan. But they were down by 25 points and it was simply too late. However, Miami appeared to be on the verge of slowing down Boston's heavy three-point attack.
Miami can Heat up at any Given Moment
Miami's offense has the ability to Heat (no pun intended) up at any given moment. Most of the talk around this team is their defensive prowess. But the Heat have a number of scorers who can contribute in different ways.
It begins with Jimmy Butler. He is a star who can attack the rim but also possesses a quality jump shot. Butler isn't a scorer only, as he excels at setting up teammates and making the right decision.
Bam Adebayo is one of the best big men in the game. He often gets overlooked with Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid running the show at the center position, but Adebayo is a star in his own right. He will be vital to Miami's offense in the post.
And then there is Miami's perimeter attack. Tyler Herro, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Victor Oladipo, and Duncan Robinson are all capable of catching fire. Herro is the best pure scorer of the group. He can hit from deep but also finish in the paint.
But Vincent, Strus, and Robinson are all long ball threats. Their three-point ability will be a major point of emphasis for the Heat. And Victor Oladipo is another versatile scorer who could be an X-Factor for the Heat.
Closing Heat thoughts
Miami is still in this series. They are heading to Boston tied with the Celtics 1-1. If they can split once again on the road, the series will head back to Miami at two games apiece. Miami could retake home court advantage in that scenario.
The Heat are in a good position. There is no need to panic.
