There is no need for panic in the side of the Miami Heat. It’s a fact that they lost the first game of the NBA Finals and also the home-court advantage. It’s also true that they have a tough road ahead of them, as games 3-6 will take place in San Antonio.However, they still can bounce back and reach their ultimate goal, which is to repeat as NBA champions. Here are some quick fixes for Miami as they’ll enter Game 2 on Sunday night.
Keep Attacking the Paint
With two of the best penetrators and inside finishers in their team, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, the goal for them is to put constant pressure on the defending frontcourt by penetrating inside. Even with Wade not at his full strength, and keeping in mind Chris Bosh’s struggles, the Heat have to do what they do best: get inside, drive the lanes and get easy shots close to the rim.That was a big part of their Game 7 success in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Not only they managed to compel their own style of play, but they also put the Pacers in foul trouble.
The Spurs are not even close to the Pacers when it comes to strength and size inside. Yes, Tim Duncan is one of the best big men in the league and Tiago Splitter is a solid defender; however, even they won’t be able to stop LeBron and Wade -- when healthy -- if they catch the ball on rhythm. Either they’ll score or they get a whistle.
Contain Tony Parker
The point guard out of France is the brain of the Spurs team. He's the engine that keeps them flowing.Miami has shown some difficulties defending fast and skilled opposing point guards. Even when Parker doesn’t score, he will dish the accurate assist or open up a score for a teammate. That’s why the Heat have to do a better job containing him.
We should not be surprised if we see LeBron guarding him the entire time in Game 2; in fact, that could be a vital strategic option.
Close Down On Three-Point Shooters
The Heat got really lucky in Game 1. San Antonio is an excellent team shooting from beyond-the-arc, as they finished second in the NBA this past regular season.Despite the fact that the Spurs missed most of their three pointers in Game 1, most of them were wide open. Miami can rest assure that next time the Spurs will burn them from downtown if they don’t close down the opposing shooters. Not to mention that San Antonio has so many great shooters in their arsenal, such as Danny Green.
Get the Big 3 Going
Can LeBron do it all by himself? Probably not. Yes, he is the regular season MVP and of course he is putting up some huge performances. But one man can’t win against this Spurs team.Gregg Popovich has implemented a defensive system so good that can’t be cracked by just one man. That’s why Dwyane Wade has to overcome the pain and contribute as we all know he can. Bosh has to find his touches. He is a rhythm player and if he gets in groove, and he can easily hit one shot after the other.
Miami’s deep bench should also respond to the urgency call. The Heat have so many weapons. They have to use them right now.
[tps_footer]This post was written by Ron, who is the content manager and lead editor of www.FantasyBasketballMoneyLeagues.com. For more NBA and basketball updates, follow @NBAFantasyInfo on Twitter.[/tps_footer]
