NBA Finals: 3 adjustments the Miami Heat need to make for Game 2

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 29: Kevin Love #42 of the Miami Heat reacts during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

3. A Kevin Love rotation return

A tweaked calf, poor matchups and an Eastern Conference Finals MVP-like performance from Caleb Martin, not only banished Kevin Love from the Heat starting lineup, but regulated the 15-year veteran to sporting warmups for the last three games. A fact that should change during this Denver series.

Particularly, with Cody Zeller now being listed as questionable with a right foot sprain and Love chiming in that he is ready to go:

Kevin Love on mindset after falling out of Heat rotation recently: "I think the luxury is I’ll be sitting there waiting. If my number is called, great. If not, I’m going to support these guys the best I can.”
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) June 3, 2023

Regardless of Zeller’s status, there is no realistic explanation for Love being behind him in the rotation, unless he is nursing a serious injury. A statement such as that would make some wonder if Love’s impact were even great enough to shift the scale. Maybe not completely, but he has the skills to contribute to a collective momentum swing.

A 6.9 point per game average, through 16 postseason games does not sound like a lot, but Love’s ability to snatch 5.8 rebounds per game and initiate fastbreaks with his outlet passes means easy transition points for Miami. His ability to stretch the floor to the three-point line will, also, draw defenders away from clogging the lane.

Just as notable, Love would be another body to throw at Nikola Jokic on the defensive end.

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