Indiana Pacers: What went wrong against the Heat in the NBA playoffs

Miami’s defense was too much for Indiana

The Heat took advantage. First, with their defense. Miami found the loopholes early in the Pacers offense, and they gave a gritty response that would be nearly impossible for any team to contain. Because Miami didn’t have any loopholes in their offense or didn’t show any sign of any in the playoffs, they responded with their offense also.

When the Heat acquired Butler from the Philadelphia 76ers last summer via sign-and-trade, they gained new-found success and new goals, and they experienced a reemergence to the Eastern Conference conversation. Butler added another element to their already confident Erik Spoelstra-led offense. It was a central, prime element that the Heat needed.

Butler’s ability to create his own shot and shoot at a high volume helped Miami focus their offense. He, along with longtime Heat player, Goran Dragic, created their own backcourt and used it effectively against the backcourt of other teams. This included the backcourt of the Pacers.

Heat shut the Pacers down early in the series and gained substantial leads and advantages over the Pacers throughout the series. Their message was clear: to make a mark in the East and they did so better than the Pacers. The result of which for the Pacers was a loss in their message.