Q:. Don’t you think these games against the Celtics will give some proof on who they should keep/try to trade this off-season? – Tee, Queens.
A: Not with Jimmy Butler out. Right now, there is little point of reference of what exactly this team is, particularly with Terry Rozier also out. Because of Jimmy’s missed time during the regular season, as well, there is so much we still don’t know about this roster, as the calendar turns from April to May. The point of references is that combining the 82-game regular season, the two play-in games and these two playoff games against the Celtics, Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have played in a combined 28 out of those 86 games, for a combined 527 minutes. And that’s it.
Q: Ira, I enjoyed Wednesday as much as anyone. There is nothing like sending the Boston fans home early. But as I watch the rest of the series, and as I realize that Boston still has the far superior roster, I still can’t help but wonder what could have been if the Heat won that play-in game in Philadelphia or even gotten the No. 6 seed from the Pacers. There was real opportunity there against the Knicks or Bucks. Until the Heat back this up against the Celtics with another win, it’s still uphill, as the betting line for Game 3 shows. – Serge.
A: That ultimately could prove the case. And, yes, when you look at the rest of the series in the East, and realize that the Heat finished just one game behind the 76ers, Pacers and Magic. you certainly can see how there were pathways that offered more opportunities than this puncher’s chance against the Celtics. Perhaps the Heat will find a way against the Celtics. But if they do, it likely will require more than is needed to, say, push past the Knicks, Bucks or Cavaliers. When the Heat hit the fork in the road earlier this month, they left themselves with no choice but to take on this diesel rig headed in their direction.
Q: I’m crazy happy about this young core. In the biggest stage and against all odds they show they can compete at a high level. And most importantly, now they realize they can win. – Jurgis.
A: As Erik Spoelstra often notes, when you develop young players in winning systems and put them in competitive, meaningful situations such as these, that’s where you foster true growth. In essentially is what is the first year for both, Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are getting the type of seasoning that young players can often wait years to experience. They now are learning what it takes to take the next step. The fact that they are contributing makes it win-win. It is similar to what Tyler Herro got to experience as a rookie in 2020.
