Miami Heat: Friday’s contest clearly meant more to Indiana Pacers
The Miami Heat played like it didn’t matter on Friday. That’s all on them.
They didn’t rebound the ball well, even for them, their poor rebounding standards, and especially when you think about the fact that Indiana might be a poorer rebounding team. They didn’t hit many shots when it mattered.
They turned the ball over at the most inopportune times and they couldn’t seem to find a consistent rhythm. If they hope to play beyond the first round of the NBA playoffs, nevertheless make a run to the NBA Finals like they did last season, they’ll have to play a lot better than this.
That starts Sunday against this very same Indiana Pacers squad that beat them up badly on Friday night. That’s the really intriguing thing about it all though.
Based on the game, this was the one thing more apparent than any other. This game meant way more to the Indiana Pacers than it did to Miami and that’s what got them beat.
Related Story. Should the Miami Heat make a move for LaMarcus Aldridge?. light
The Indiana Pacers came out and jumped right on Miami. Although the scoreboard wouldn’t quite reflect it until midway through the first period, the Pacers were sharper, more deliberate, and ferocious from the start.
T.J. McConnell was his usual spark plug like self, getting them going from one end to the other and actually being apart of the finishing party at the rim once they got the Heat on their heels. He’s always so annoying to be on the other side of, but he plays so hard that you can’t deny him.
His activity and defensive chops are what helped Indiana continue to get out on the break for easy baskets and open perimeter looks. That and… well, the rest of their team was just as engaged and active as he was.
dark. Next. Toronto Raptors won’t move Kyle Lowry this season?
This game meant so much more to the Pacers than it did to Miami that it isn’t even funny, as they still haven’t forgotten about being swept in last season’s playoffs. The Miami Heat will need to come out with this same mentality on Sunday or they’ll face a similar fate.