By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
Not winning a game in Miami placed the Heat in an untenable, desperate situation that required a must win – win or go home. I observed two combatants willingly put it all on the line, leaving nothing in reserve. Last night in Denver the better team won: more talented, more athletic, and more driven. A loss at home by the Nuggets would have placed the pressure to win squarely in their corner, and if that scenario had occurred and Miami winning a game 6, anything would be possible in a game seven, regardless of venue. Pure speculation and wishful thinking on my part. As I opined in an earlier piece, this Miami Heat team’s fortunes rested on consistent 3-point shooting. When they were on, they were virtually unbeatable. Fatigue on both sides from sheer hustle and hard play was overtly present, but the Heat sans Jimmy Butler in latter stages of game failed to capitalize on opportunities, especially Max Strus, who is a great outside shooter. I can live with that. Sometimes you get the bear; sometimes the bear gets you.
I was often baffled by Bam’s play, particularly the turnovers and missed shots near basket, and I didn’t think he made Nicola Jokic work hard enough on defense. As Mark Jackson observed, I wanted to see him attack the basket more instead of catching ball near top of circle, then immediately look to pass. With the Heat’s work ethic and culture, I know his game will continue to improve. With all the great bigs in the east and overall, he has no other choice.
My final thought: Spoeltra is a great coach; however, I thought he underutilized his bench through out the game. Perhaps the fatigue that we spoke of earlier could have mitigated.
So now we turn to the Panthers. And I must admit: before these playoffs I had minuscule interest in the Florida Panthers or hockey. That has changed dramatically and I pray that they are able to pull a rabbit out of the hat, bringing game six back home. Go Panthers!!
