Despite the Miami Heat riding some play-in tournament momentum into the NBA postseason, running into the top seed Cleveland Cavaliers put that to a screeching halt. Miami had no answers for them on either side of the court during their 121-100, Game 1 loss.
But unlike the play-in, there’s still a whole series ahead of them. Adjustments can still be made.
It is best to four wins for a reason— and although the Heat will continue to be viewed as heavy underdogs— coach Erik Spoelstra is one of the best in the game at making necessary adjustments come playoff time.
The Cavs have the highest offensive rating in the entire league this season. They have built a more than formidable supporting cast around the superstar prowess of Donovan Mitchell. In addition to his efficient 30-point outing in Game 1, he had several pieces step up in support.
Ty Jerome was electric off the bench, adding 28 points on 10 of 15 shooting. All-Star Darius Garland also put up 27 points of his own, along with a 12 point, 11 rebound double-double from Jarrett Allen.
But after seeing the Cavs dominance, what should be the next moves in the game plan for Spoelstra?
1. More minutes for Bam Adebayo with Kel’el Ware.
Miami got throttled early on in second-chance points and rebounding. Although Bam Adebayo submitted a strong outing with 24 points and nine boards, his frontcourt partner wasn't as impactful in much fewer minutes.
Kel’el Ware was limited to just two points and three rebounds in 20 minutes. Granted, the rebounding from Ware looked shaky to begin the game, but he didn’t have much opportunity to bounce back afterwards.
Spoelstra’s rotations the rest of the way mainly featured the return of small ball with only one Adebayo or Ware out there. Not playing them together defeats the entire purpose of the pairing, leaving Adebayo’s defensive versatility off the table.
But for Ware to earn more minutes, he'll also have to play better from the jump.
2. Insert Davion Mitchell into the starting lineup.
Alec Burks has been a total pro during his stint in the Heat’s starting lineup. He has earned an increased role. But so has Davion Mitchell.
These are two players who should both undoubtedly be in Miami’s rotation no matter the role. However, inserting the likes of Mitchell into the first unit helps match up better with Cleveland’s top-heavy lineup, and he's simply been better than Burks.
3. Give Nikola Jovic a chance.
For the first time in months since being sidelined with a fractured hand, Nikola Jovic is officially off the Heat’s injury report. Still, Spoelstra has remained with the same rotations that have gotten Miami this far during their late-season push.
The problem is that Kyle Anderson provided virtually nothing in the loss to Cleveland. And Haywood Highsmith and Duncan Robinson each had struggles of their own on both ends of the floor.
Jovic’s skill set is capable of providing a spark. Against a juggernaut like this year’s Cavs squad, the Heat will need as many sparks as they can possibly get.