Miami Heat: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. 76ers
By Ivan Mora
2. Miami shut down the 3-pointer and the run
The Heat were so tired of letting their lead slip that they found a way to return the favor before the half with a similar run to Philly’s first game difference-maker. It was a 20-2 run in the second.
What sparked a major advantage for Miami, especially early on, was locking down Philly’s shooters and limiting their shot selection from behind the arc.
High level/text book closeouts by the Miami Heat in this second half. They did a great job getting to shooters on the catch with a high hand. And they had great shot fake discipline. Heat won this game on late game defense. (And Wade going 2007 on em)
— Kim English (@Englishscope24) April 17, 2018
Even the Heat’s bench out-hustled Philly after three quarters, outscoring them 40-17. This time, Miami had the offensive spark and, well, the basketball gods on their side.
Despite late hard-fought runs (7-0 and 12-4) in the fourth, the Sixers’ lack of open shots and tough pressure sealed their fate in the loss. They simply never found the answers to Miami’s defense that closed their offense. It was a complete turnaround from Game 1.
The 76ers are 3-for-22 from 3-point range so far tonight (14%).
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 17, 2018
Entering tonight, Philly had been shooting an NBA-best 40% on 3-point shots during its current 17-game win streak.
It was Miami’s intention to slow down the pace to its level, which caught the Sixers off guard and disintegrated their transition run that led to high percentage shooting from behind the arc. This was the sort of game that called for Joel Embiid’s presence to adjust their offense to combat the Heat’s pace. Embiid missed his second game with a facial fracture and his status for Game 3 is still up in the air.
The Sixers had a team playoff-record 18 3s in Game 1 but were outmatched in Game 2 as they missed a staggering 16 of 18 3s in the first half alone (7-for-36 overall). Miami found the solution and surprised the 76ers in a successful attempt to beat them at their game.