The Miami Heat Tip Off, Week Ten: One last shot
By Ivan Mora
The tenth edition of the Miami Heat Tip-Off, a weekly AllUCanHeat column, is here.
The Miami Heat are now with their backs against the wall and it isn’t a pretty sight.
Despite a 25-point performance from Father Prime, Dwyane Wade, it still wasn’t enough to keep a 12-point lead ending the third quarter. They dropped Game 4, 106-102, after leading once again for three quarters.
They simply could not find an answer for Ben Simmons, who recorded a triple-double in the win (17 points, 13 rebounds,10 assists). It was the fifth time a rookie had recorded a playoff triple-double, the last time being back in 1980, from the one and only Magic Johnson.
This Heat team has been able to match up defensively, especially in Game 4, when they forced 24 turnovers (17 in the first half alone). They know how to apply pressure and know their shooters can’t be left alone, not even with a cushion of space. Even with that, this 76ers team has continued to surprise and silence critics on their inexperience in the NBA Playoffs.
They will look to prove it again while Miami is now down 3-1, in a crucial win or go home Game 5 back in Philadelphia.
Upcoming Games
Tuesday, April 24 versus the Philadelphia 76ers Game 5 (Away)
Thursday, April 26 versus the Philadelphia 76ers Game 6 (Home) If Necessary
Saturday, April 28 versus the Philadelphia 76ers Game 7 (Away) If Necessary
This is it. They will need to leave it all on the floor tonight, as this deciding game could end up being Miami’s last of the season.
This Week’€™s Preview
The key tonight? What it has always been this whole series: stop Simmons and Philly’s shooters. They also need to stop this tiresome draining fourth quarter. In every single game, they have been outscored in the last quarter, as they let their foot slip off the pedal in a last attempt to make a comeback. They slipped once again in Game 4, 27-19.
Simmons has been playing at an All-Star level and besides Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, has been the best player overall in these NBA playoffs. His basketball IQ for a rookie has been on another level and you can’t deny the talent. Miami needs to put full-court pressure to limit his shots and plays, if they want to squeeze out a win tonight.
They also can’t allow Philadelphia shooters to free up off their screens. They need to stay on them consistently and make every shot uncomfortable. No more freebies, if they want one more shot at redemption.
They will also need another Flash-like game from Wade, to come out victorious. He needs to come out shooting early on, to give his team a fighting chance. If not, tonight could be Miami’s final farewell……and possibly Wade’s as well.
This Week’s Challenges
Can Hassan Whiteside once again stop Joel Embiid and stay out of foul trouble?
Will Miami shut down Philadelphia’s shooters?
Will we have another triple-double game from Simmons?
Next: Miami Heat: What happens if Josh Richardson is ruled out for Game 5?
Here’s to one final ride as Miami looks to hang on in these NBA playoffs.