Miami Heat: 3 things to watch for in Game 3 against Boston Celtics

Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat and Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics compete for a jump ball during the fourth quarter in Game Two. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat and Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics compete for a jump ball during the fourth quarter in Game Two. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat fight for a loose ball during the third quarter in Game Two. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Can the Miami Heat avoid falling into a point-deficit in Game 3?

Jimmy Butler joked with the media on Thursday night saying that this Miami Heat team enjoys being the underdog, and playing from behind a large point deficit in these playoffs.

But is that really the best strategy? It hasn’t been a consistent trend in these playoffs for the Heat, but they have put together comebacks in a few of their 10 wins so far this postseason.

Going into Game 3, the best strategy for this Heat team is quite possibly a greater effort out the gate. It’s what coach Spoelstra had to preach at his team in halftime of Game 2, and what he’ll need to emphasize to them going into Game 3 on Saturday night.

Boston will notably be adding a 15 point per game scorer in Hayward in this next game, but the Heat should be able to take advantage of any potential rust on his end in the first half.

Not falling into a hole in the first half doesn’t just give the Miami Heat a better chance at claiming Game 3, but it continues to diminish the idea for the Boston Celtics that they can win this series.

The Miami Heat will look to put this series out of reach for the Boston Celtics in Game 3 on Saturday, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 pm EST. Coverage will be provided by ESPN.