PLAYOFFS 2023 - EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS GAME #5 - POST GAME MIAMI HEAT - HOME

I agree we spotted them too many games, we did the same thing with Philly before and historically Lakers in 84 did the same thing to Larry and company. Teams usually will pay for it. Stats show in the last 2 games our defense has figured out their offense as does my eye test. Their offense was so deliberate and methodical, now we’re playing much harder and faster. Joe has shockingly made some great adjustments after sleepwalking game 3 and the 3rd quarter of game 2. Curious to see what Spolstra comes up with, he will be further limited if Gabe Vincent can’t play, putting alot of pressure on Lowry and Jimmy B. I’m sure Miami will start better, but I see our superior depth taking over at some point. Tatum and Grant were off from 3 last game, I pray we see them on and last 2 games Jaylen has finally had some good moments looking like himself. He is due for a 30-35 point game. White is on a roll. Miami’s multiple role players will have to step up and help Jimmy and Bam, that’s another key to the game.

Boys and Girl,

I'm sticking with the Law of Averages. The numbers do not lie, folks. Stripes don't change. Not in the long run. And MIA has had their long, unimaginable run.
Boston knows what they are doing in these scenarios. We've tried to talk ourselves in and out of this team.

You haven't seen defense like you are about to see tonight from us. Well you saw it last year consistently and this year inconsistently. We will see the Globetrotter style ball movement, driving to the lane, getting And 1's and then the 3-bomb parade.

All MIA is going to get is insidiously infuriated as the night goes on. Old Eric is going to lose his head and then probably his job. They should have won G4. That was their G7.

dboss, your posts encapsulate all of our views. You just can't tell or promise anything with this team. Why do you think I say what to do and then tell you all to bet the complete opposite?!!

Well to say tonight's game might be the biggest game in Celtic history, only the true old schoolers that were there for the 60's can offer a counter perhaps. I'd put it up there with our first G7 double OT championship that started this whole mess.

The problem MIA has is if you are going to put everything in the Coach Spo better coach camp, that's fine. But he's only as good as his team is at executing what he tells them to do. He cam come up with the greatest schemes in the world but if they aren't heard or executed correctly, it's like farting in the wind. The Heat can't be nor will ever be perfect at execution. And that's where the men are separated from the boys. Who do you honestly think is better at executing right now from coach's mouth to the players hearing and the players executing? I'm going to have to say it's our boy Joe is winning that battle currently. Should not be much arguing on that as our tone has clearly changed on this site versus the first few games regarding execution.

But it's only going to be that if we win. We lose G6? Nothing has changed. Nobody cares. Another blown opportunity.

But when we win? Katie bar the door. Fully operational Death Star.

db

dboss, cowens

You both provide great viewpoints.

I certainly agree that spotting teams games in the playoffs is a dangerous game that usually catches up to you.

On the other hand have we found the formula of high intensity defense and adjustments made by Joe that will continue to stifle the Heat.

However, if we aren't hitting our 3's will we maintain our intensity on defense?

Counter to that will the Heat role players revert to the mean? is Caleb Martin really a poor man's Michael Jordan and Gabe Vincent a poor man's Steph Curry?

How much will the loss of Malcolm Brogdon effect the game? Do we need PP or Hauser to come in and hit some threes or can Grant take Brogdon's minutes?

Can the J's both put together huge games tonite?

I'm right in the middle. I think we are the better team, but did we finally dig a hole we can't get out of? Should be one heckeva game!!

BTW, the last I saw, heard and read from ESPN on Brogden was he was "questionable" and now day-to-day for G6. From that I say he is on deck ready to report to duty if needed to spell someone if only for a few.

Get ready.    

db

Dboss, You shock me predicting a loss, although I understand your reasoning. Just can’t see it myself through these green glasses. I the C’s win this series and the next one because the coach is learning and the players know it’s gut check time. I love the lineup with 2 Williams out there. White? I can’t think of any player I’ve under-estimated more. (Hope that doesn’t jinx him) Defense and pounding the ball inside will win this game. Early on, we heard about the record-setting offense. Later the applause seem premature, but coming back from 0-3 in the conference finals would etch this team into the record books. hawk

Game 6 is a must-win for Miami - they probably realize that if pushed to Game 7, they'll fold and make history for all the wrong reasons.


KJ