Also reflecting on the use of Aaron Gordon and how that might be a template for JK….AG got space because everyone was drawn out to the 3pt line due to Jokics stretch impact. Makes me think about a decent stretch big to pair with JK to maximize his talents by creating space for him to work (which I think maybe one of many ways to sustain the core). A trade for Kelly Olynyk might have to happen
Enjoyed watching the game 1 highlights. Looks like Miami getting beaten by giving Jokic a lot of attention (as any team should), but it’s leaving them open to back door cuts, 3 on 2 in the paint, and the ‘let’s beat up on Gabe Vincent’ tactic. Interested to see if Miami turn off the hedging and doubles to Jokic and say, you beat us instead…which he probably will anyway because he’s that good
Talk about low drama, never in doubt. It was boring largely because Miami was terrible. Some of that was thanks to good Denver D, but a lot was just inexplicable misses of wide open shots and no strong takes to the rim (come to think of it, Miami hardly ever drove). I have to think fatigue had a lot to do with this one. Denver rightfully took Miami lightly through a lot of this one, but this game makes me think Miami will take at least a game or two
Also reflecting on the use of Aaron Gordon and how that might be a template for JK….AG got space because everyone was drawn out to the 3pt line due to Jokics stretch impact. Makes me think about a decent stretch big to pair with JK to maximize his talents by creating space for him to work (which I think maybe one of many ways to sustain the core). A trade for Kelly Olynyk might have to happen
Enjoyed watching the game 1 highlights. Looks like Miami getting beaten by giving Jokic a lot of attention (as any team should), but it’s leaving them open to back door cuts, 3 on 2 in the paint, and the ‘let’s beat up on Gabe Vincent’ tactic. Interested to see if Miami turn off the hedging and doubles to Jokic and say, you beat us instead…which he probably will anyway because he’s that good
Happy with a series-opening win for the Nuggets. I hope they can close out Miami.
Wonder if Caleb Martin used up all of his VC and his magical run as Butler's sidekick will come to an end in this series
Poole last year: Pre-ASB: 33.8% from 3; Post-ASB: 40.8%; Playoffs: 39.1%
This year: Pre-ASB: 33.5%; Post-ASB: 33.7%; Playoffs: 25.4% (no months of 37+% shooting)
Career: 33.9%
https://www.espn.com/nba/player/splits/_/id/4277956/type/nba/year/2023/category/perGame
https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/4277956/type/nba/seasontype/3
Just watching some highlights of AG beating up on smaller guys on his way to the basket…prime JK template
Talk about low drama, never in doubt. It was boring largely because Miami was terrible. Some of that was thanks to good Denver D, but a lot was just inexplicable misses of wide open shots and no strong takes to the rim (come to think of it, Miami hardly ever drove). I have to think fatigue had a lot to do with this one. Denver rightfully took Miami lightly through a lot of this one, but this game makes me think Miami will take at least a game or two
Here's an interesting article from Monte Poole comparing the undrafted Heat players and the drafted Warriors players. He makes some good points.
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/nba-finals-why-heat-succeeded-area-warriors-struggled-season
Miami trails in a series for the first time this season.
Yawn, another triple double by Joker in the post season.
Nuggets beat the Heat 104-93 and are up 1-0 in the series.
Jokic v. Jovic!
The Heat love falling way behind, then going to a zone and clawing their way back. [Temporarily, anyway]
If they think Lowry might fall off a cliff next year, maybe Miami would take Poole and give us Kyle and a first.
20-20-20 is off the table unless something insane happens, but 15-15-15 is still very possible.
Edit: It's not if he doesn't play most of the 4th
Strus having himself a Jordan Poole game but with some rebounds.