Miami Heat: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Philadelphia 76ers
By Simon Smith
2. The stellar play of Kelly Olynyk and Justise Winslow
As a key component of the bench unit, Olynyk was pivotal early in the game in turning around an early 19-12 deficit quickly into a 35-23 lead late in the opening term. While this lead clearly couldn’t be sustained, Olynyk nonetheless maintained his elite level of contribution throughout the game.
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Playing 31 minutes, Olynyk’s 26 points, seven rebounds and four triples were one of few bright spots on a night that quickly went south for the Heat. With starting center Hassan Whiteside making little impact down low, head coach Erik Spoelstra, as has been customary over the course of the year, went to Olynyk to provide a point of difference at both ends of the floor.
Also playing 31 minutes, Winslow played his well-renowned hard-nosed defense while contributing nine points, seven rebounds and five assists. He registered the only positive net rating on the Heat roster with a +0.2 rating. With his ability to cover almost every position on the floor, Winslow’s contributions off the bench are going to be vital considering the Sixers became the first team in playoff history to register 130 points, 34 assists and 18 triples while committing just 10 turnovers.
As has been a trend in their games against the Sixers this season, the trio of Olynyk, Winslow and Wayne Ellington again had a positive effect when sharing the court together. In the 13 minutes the played together, this triumvirate posted a net rating of +13.8, by far the best return of any trio playing 13 or more minutes together.
(The Heat look much better with Kelly Olynyk on the floor)
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) April 15, 2018
While Ellington’s court time was down slightly, playing just 19 minutes in Game 1, look for continued significant contributions from Olynyk and Winslow as the series progresses.