In view of the way Game 1 went for the Heat in the NBA Finals (injuries + underneath), the rotation ofErik Spoelstra may well have to change, he who until then mainly used only seven players. With Goran Dragic and Bam adebayo who probably will miss Game 2, others could have their chance, including the Forgotten Four. Welcome back Kendrick Nunn, Derrick Jones Jr, Kelly Olynyk and Meyers Leonard : tonight’s game could depend a lot on you! Important members of the rotation, the 4 were nailed to the bench a large majority of the playoffs.
At this point, everyone is on the bridge. It’s not as if the guys who will potentially have some playing time haven’t already played well before. These guys are confident, have already played big roles for us all year round and our depth has always been one of our greatest strengths. ” Erik Spoelstra
Andre Iguodala explains that the size of the Lakers really hurt the Heat in Game 1. Now, the lesson seems assimilated and the aforementioned role players could well help compensate for that by leaving the bench.
Their size is part of the game. It’s positive to have been able to live this experience. Now we have to figure out how to adjust and prepare for the next matches. ” Andre Iguodala
Suddenly, from an outside look, it appears that the Heat’s game plan could be simple: take the Californian big men out of the racket to free the paint. Jae Crowder do not hide that this is what is planned with the role players. The external address of Kelly Olynyk could prove to be very valuable.
This is our game plan. We know exactly how each of us can impact the game and the goal is to get everyone in a position to win. These guys can both run, but also fight their length under the baskets. We know exactly what Kelly and Meyers can bring to our team and we hope we capitalize on their qualities as much as possible. Derrick Jones can be a very disruptive defender. He takes length and athleticism that will challenge some shots. That’s what we’re going to need. ” Jae Crowder
And what about the absence of Dragic? Nunn, who had the bad luck to nab COVID and then arrive in the bubble 25 days later than everyone else, will he be able to compensate?
He really did a lot of work behind the scenes. We trust him. The things he showed in previous series made us feel like what he was bringing wasn’t ideal for us. But he never felt sorry for himself or presented himself with his tail between his legs. That’s not how he sees it. This guy has a very competitive temperament. He’s been through a lot and has been a very important weapon throughout the season. It’s nice to see him find a good rhythm. I love watching him work making sure he ticks all the boxes that will allow him to be ready when the opportunity arises. ” Erik Spoelstra
The main interested party confirms.
I’m ready to play, I’ve been all season. I’m ready to be competitive enough to try and contribute to a win. Until then I had a little trouble keeping up with the rhythm. With all this break time, this long quarantine period and all that stuff, it was complicated. So I had lost my rhythm a bit. But now, it’s been almost three months that I am in the bubble to prepare myself day after day. Now I feel very good. ” Kendrick Nunn
The Florida tactician adds that the context of the bubble will be more favorable for all these players lacking playing time since the start of the playoffs.
We were able to do a new training camp before entering the bubble and everyone did a good job. All continue whether or not they have playing time in the playoffs. So we’ll see who’s available for the game and make adjustments based on that. ” Erik Spoelstra
As they say, there is more than! While waiting for this already decisive match 2, to know everything about this Heat version 2020 roster, we can only advise you this recent video of the 6th man :
Via NBA.com
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