Kendrick Nunn and Meyers Leonard didn’t impress in their limited opportunity at play in the Miami Heat’s Game 3 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
No one was sure what to think when Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra benched Meyers Leonard upon the team’s arrival in Orlando. He had served as the starting center next to Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt for all 49 of his regular-season appearances.
Then things got even weirder when Kendrick Nunn was replaced in the starting lineup as well, by veteran Goran Dragic. His arrival in Orlando was weeks late, due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Since, both moves have only worked out for the Heat, who are undefeated in the playoffs.
Miami swept the Indiana Pacers in the first round, and are on the verge of doing the same to the Milwaukee Bucks after earning a come-from-behind victory in Game 3 of the second round.
But the victory didn’t pass without small concerns here and there. Largely surrounding Nunn and Leonard, who were given opportunities and playing time in the Heat win on Friday night. Neither inspired, with the two combining for just two points, two rebounds, and two assists.
Nunn played 11 minutes, and Leonard played eight and change. Kelly Olynyk’s absence made for a hole at big man, essentially forcing Spoelstra’s hand when given his choice of reserves. Leonard was subject to a fire hot Brook Lopez, and the results were, well–not great.
Lopez finished the night as Milwaukee’s leading scorer with 22 points. For the few possessions Leonard was tasked with the big man, the play did not go Miami’s way.
Nunn was already subject to more playing time, a trend that began when Jimmy Butler had to exit Game 4 against the Pacers with a left shoulder strain in round one. The rookie point guard had come out ready, with an eye on the ball defensively, unlike what we saw on Friday.
He finished with two turnovers in his 11 minutes, and just one-of-six shooting from the field. Nunn was unengaged on defense and was just as much a liability on offense.
Given the nature of the evening, one of Miami’s toughest of four potential playoff opponents, it’s hard to predict where coach Spoelstra goes from here in Game 4. There’s always the Heat’s two-way guys Gabe Vincent and KZ Okpala, who’ve both been inactive all playoffs.
Fortunately, Spoelstra may not have to worry about this specific matchup any further than Sunday’s game. If Miami sweeps Milwaukee, they’ll be facing the winner of the Boston Celtics/Toronto Raptors series in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
Both teams will require strength of play at the guard position, but potentially not at the same volume, with the value of their rosters found primarily at the forward position.
The Miami Heat will attempt the obstacle of completing a series sweep of the reigning MVP and Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday in Game 4. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 pm EST.