Miami Heat: 3 things to watch for in Game 5 against Milwaukee Bucks
Will head coach Erik Spoelstra deploy his secret weapon in Game 5?
From developmental success story to spot-starter, to sitting on the bench full time: Derrick Jones Jr’s run with the Miami Heat this year has been anything other than orthodox. And now, in Game 5, he may make a triumphant return to the floor with defense being the strongest need.
Jones has been one of Miami’s best defenders all season, that has never not been the case. It’s the question marks around both his health and offensive ceiling that pushed him to the edge of the rotation. But in this matchup, his skill set should prove a prime fit for what the Heat need.
The 23-year old forward is 6-6 with a seven-foot wingspan. His ability as a shot-blocker and lob target could help open things up for Miami. Throwing something new at a Milwaukee team that seemingly had them figured out in Game 4 isn’t the worst idea either.
Jones was on the floor for just 21 seconds on Sunday and still managed to record a steal. With the rest of this Bucks team getting more opportunity in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence, coach Spoelstra should counter by pushing a deserving talent from his bench as well.
Derrick Jones jr has played just 13 minutes and 47 seconds in this series against Milwaukee and has managed to record four blocks and two steals in that window. As the Miami Heat look for answers in Game 5, he’s earned a longer leash to try and impact the game on both ends.
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The Miami Heat will look to right their wrongs from a winnable Game 4 by putting away the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5 and end this series on Tuesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 pm EST, and coverage will be provided by TNT and TNT Overtime.