In recapping the Heat-Wolves game last night, check out my article here when the Heat were about to play Charlotte and Chicago. The Heat went 3-1 versus those teams and although they played strong against Minnesota in the first half. I recap here why they lost the game and what to expect in the game versus Orlando.
Recap #3: Heat were shut down in 2nd half
This article here from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune shows that the Wolves were physical with the Heat. The Heat went nuts on Minnesota in the 1st half going up by 17 twice. Then Minnesota held Miami to 17 points in the third quarter. Rudy Gobert played tremendous and Anthony Edwards scored four straight buckets in the fourth to win. Tyler Herro only scored 8 points in the second half and the Heat offense looked lost without Kyle Lowry at the helm. The Heat at one point of every game appear to tire attacking the basket. They begin to take jump shots each possession and its not helping.
Recap #2: Orlando is next and is tough at home.
In this article here from the San Antonio Express News, Minnesota has committed this season to better defense.
“Obviously, if you want to be a good team, you want as many two-way guys as you possibly can. What happens, and we’re seeing it, is when you commit to defense you don’t want to let your teammate down. The pride in that kind of grows.”
Coach Chris Finch
This is the best record the Timberwolves have had in their franchise history and they swept the two game season series against Miami. Now the Heat play Orlando on Wednesday with their young, athletic and long armed team. Jimmy Butler will be out of that game with a calf strain so the Heat need to have their young players carry them. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero lead the team and they are 11-2 at home. Check out this article here on the Magic before they got blown out by Boston this past week. The team won six games in a row against tough teams.
Recap #1: Wolves show Heat’s achilles heal.
That is the way to counteract the Heat’s physicality–even last season, the Heat were susceptible to guard penetration. Coach Spolestra mentioned it in the post-game press conference last night that the Heat’s defensive plan focuses on helpside defense, but doesn’t think he should change. On rebounding, the Heat didn’t get pounded on the glass but twice they were exploited in a crucial stage. Karl Anthony-Towns offensive rebound over Jimmy Butler was one moment and Towns taking advantage of being defended by Jaime Jaquez, Jr. Jimmy Butler can’t hit game winners every single game. Check out the article here on his game winner against the Bulls.
