Heat on the Hawks: Miami takes 2-0 Lead

Playoff Jimmy is back. After a solid game one in Miami, Jimmy Butler answered it with a 45, 5, and 5 masterpiece as the Heat defeated the Hawks on Tuesday night. He would also finish with a team high +19 and make 11 of 12 free throws. Head coach Erik Spoelstra has the team firing on all cylinders, including shooting just under 40% from three. It is not just the numbers that make this performance impressive. The Heat’s team chemistry and ability to put the team first has put them in position to possibly be crowned champions of the East in short time. Their commitment to defense and sharing the basketball has been fun to watch.

“Three and D” Put to Use

The Heat’s 115-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks was a sign of playoff basketball that tends to give good results in May and June. Duncan Robinson’s game one explosion was just a hint of more to come. Miami is now shooting 43% from behind the arc in the series, following another great game from downtown. The Heat’s culture has always been predicated on the team, physical defense, and all out effort. These first two games have been a showcase on exactly that. The focus has been primarily on shutting down Trae Young. The Hawks star guard has been held to lackluster performances through two games. He followed an eight point performance in Game One with a two of ten shooting night from three on Tuesday. Using a plethora of defenders (primarily Kyle Lowry), the Heat have kept a stronghold on the Hawks and Young.

Creating Advantages

Despite being out-rebounded, the Heat were able to create 20 points off fast breaks. Their relentless defense forced 10 turnovers from Young alone and an additional nine to go with it. The biggest difference in the game was free throw shooting. Led by Jimmy Butler, Miami made 25/29 free throws compared to just 14 for Atlanta. These advantages kept the game in Miami’s favor for most of the game. The tough perimeter defense and lane penetration on offense gave them mismatches throughout the game. This will likely continue on the road, as the Hawks have looked unable to hit shots consistently. Game three will be played Friday night in Atlanta, and is a must win for the home team.