The Heat-Knicks game at the Kaseya Center last night was a “Prove It” game. It was a “Prove It” game because the play of the team has been uneven. The team has been plagued by injuries all year. They traded Kyle Lowry for Terry Rozier and signed Delon Wright on a buyout. Therefore, half of the fan base thinks the Heat will “flip a switch” when they get to the playoffs. The other half are stressed out. Look at my article here on our site about “Prove It” games as the Heat are 1-5. Let’s look at what the game proved.
Prove-It point #3 — Heat defense shut down Jalen Brunson.
The Heat’s identity is their defense. But, they have been exposed in games. Jalen Brunson had 20 points and 10 assists but was neutralized. The Heat threw different defenders at him and put him on his backfoot. Haywood Highsmith had two significant sequences where he “Dee’d up” Brunson. On this post here at postingandtoasting.com Coach Thibodeau said that Brunson was getting fouled by the Heat each time. Brunson said that he fu*ked up and didn’t perform.
Prove-It point #2 — Heat won rebounding game.
The Knicks were +5.3 in rebound differential this season. The Heat put them at -9. A solid barometer for the Heat in games is “Points in the Paint” and “Rebounding.” The Heat’s overall performance will factor on winning or tying the rebounding margin. Look at the rebounding stats on NBA.com here.
The Knicks are averaging 45 rebounds a game and allowing their opponents around 41 per game. The Heat are averaging 42 and allowing 43. The question now is, can the Heat play a complete game and score points in the paint, outrebound their opponent and defend?
Prove-It point #1 — Terry Rozier is comfortable.
Terry Rozier was trying to do too much when he arrived to Miami. Then, he began to stack up assists while posting modest scoring numbers. Now, in the last three games, Rozier is putting up points. He is comfortable with his role in the offense and the more he is comfortable, the better Jimmy Butler will feel. Read this article here from Heat beat writer Ira Winderman on sunsentinel.com. Rozier is comfortable but the true test will be when Tyler Herro returns.
The Heat won the game. Period, Full stop. Now, they move to another “Prove It” game against Philadelphia. Philly beat Miami and Kyle Lowry scored 16 crucial points. They are behind Miami in the seeding for the playoffs. Look at this article here from Deadspin.com on the “flip the switch” philosophy–Sam Beckwith only thinks Denver and Miami could follow it and be successful.
