After a blowout win over the New York Knicks on Saturday, the Miami Heat still had to protect their homecourt in Game 4. Unlike Game 3, this one was more competitive. Both teams traded buckets in the first period, with the Heat leading 31 to 30 after the first period. The offense was really flowing for both teams. New York even shot 71 percent in the third period at some point. Despite this, Miami was able to maintain their lead for most of the second half. They ended up closing in the game with a victory. With the win, Miami moves to 3-1 for the season. Here are the takeaways from Miami’s win over New York.
More Offense from Bam Adebayo
Fans wanted more offense from Bam Adebayo? Well, they got it. Miami went to Adebayo down low a lot to start the game. Adebayo kept converting the baskets at the rim. On one play against Mitchell Robinson, Adebayo backed him in and scored the and-one basket on him. He was clearly assertive and looking for his shots. Adebayo’s teammates also did a good job of finding him. With his 15th playoff double-double, he joins Lebron James as the only Heat players with 15 plus double-doubles. A great list to be on. Overall, Adebayo was solid on both ends of the floor. He hasn’t scored over 20 points much this postseason, but his activity in other areas have been essential. Adebayo finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds.
Heat Bench Continues to Thrive
In what has been a regular season issue, the Heat have totally flipped the script on its bench impact. As explained multiple times, the Heat have had issues maintaining their leads without Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. But yet, this postseason the Heat’s bench has done exceptionally well in their minutes without the two stars. It’s been incredible to watch the Heat’s bench progress this postseason. How have they been able to do this? Well, look no further than Kyle Lowry. Lowry has done a great job of being the stabilizer for the Heat’s offense. And to think, there were questions about his role going forward with the team after the trade deadline. Miami ended the night with 32 bench points.
Winning the Rebound Battle
The Knicks are one of the best rebounding teams in the league. They have Mitchell and Juluis Randle controlling the boards for them. And also Josh Hart, who is one of the better rebounding guards. New York may not be one of the most efficient teams but will grab offensive rebounds and capitalize on them. But yet, it was Miami owning the offensive boards on Monday night, particularly in the fourth quarter. All five players for the Heat were crashing the offensive boards. There was one possession where Miami continued to grab offensive rebounds off of their missed shots. Something you would usually see from New York. In the end, Miami outrebounded New York 44-35 on the boards.
Elimination Game
With a 3-1 series lead, the Heat have control of the series. All they need to do is win one more game and they’re back in the Eastern Conference Finals. In the previous series, Miami finished the job before Game 6. They now have the opportunity to do the same in Game 5 in New York. With their season on the line, expect a tough game from New York. Elimination games are usually the hardest ones considering the desperation from the other team. And the easy-going mood from the leading team. Miami knows what is at stake and I expect them to come out ready to finish the job.
Next up: Game 5 on Wednesday. Game tips off at 7:30pm eastern time.
