Will the Miami Heat play more Andre Iguodala as they look to adjust defensively?
Jayson Tatum finished Game One with 30 points, and it’s head coach Erik Spoelstra’s job to figure out how the Miami Heat can limit his impact in Game Two. One idea is to deploy veteran forward Andre Iguodala in a greater role, and hope he can help to slow down Boston’s number one gun.
It’s exactly why the former Finals MVP was brought to South Beach after all. At the more than ripe age of 36 years old, it’s foolish to count on an offensive outburst from Iguodala. Instead, his versatility and IQ have made him one of Miami’s best defenders, even in such a short time.
Yet somehow, Iguodala played less than 15 minutes on Tuesday night against Boston. He finished with three points and a steal and a block in his short time on the floor, however.
So, why not give the vet a run at a young, up and comer like Tatum? The 21-year old was having his way with the Heat defense, up until his game-winning dunk was blocked by Bam Adebayo.
Coach Spoelstra has to account for one of the other Celtics shooters finding somewhat of a rhythm on Thursday night, raising the priority for their defense on Tatum. The 21-year old is going to knock down shots, but disrupting his game as much as possible will help to stifle Boston.
The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics will face off in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday night, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 pm EST. Coverage will be provided by ESPN.