How did it happen that Miami played-back twice with a double-digit gap in two games, and Boston leaders quarreled in the locker room? How did promising Celtics players like Brown and Tatum turn out to be completely unpromising in the final minutes of the match? Let’s look at the reasons.
Who is to blame and what to do
In the last round, Boston showed all the variations of zone defense. Combine the numbers 1, 2, and 3 in any order. Boston was better prepared for Miami than any team. And still, they stopped scoring in the second match, when the Hit rebuilt into a zone with two defenders at the top and three at the bottom.
In the first half, the ball went in an arc between Tatum, Brown, Kemba, and Smart. The players stretched out Miami’s personal defense like chewing gum, and when gaps appeared, they tore them with deuces and penetrating passes. Miami defenders in pairs stretched out on the player with the ball, leaving someone alone under the basket.
Tatum disappeared in the final minutes (again)
The outcome of this series will be decided in the final minutes of the match. During the crucial 5.5 minutes of the quarter, Boston lost more goals than scored points (6 versus 4). Miami at this time pulled ahead by 20. And here Boston’s advantage becomes their main problem: four talented leaders do not know who the main superstar is. The team does not have a mental leader who can cheer up sluggish partners and give them a psychological kick. Toronto fell without a star on the court and handed over a temporary ring to Boston. Greens are losing for this reason.
Tatum disappears at the endings. He was the most useless of the Boston four in the games against Philadelphia, he retired and lost goals with Toronto, missed the last 7 shots in the first match of the final series.
Summary Tatum:
Most productive in the team
The most talented
The youngest
The coward ineffective at the decisive moment
Not everything is decided
In this episode, not everything is decided. The third match will be key for Boston. Boston’s third defeat will push Miami to the final, a victory will set the Greens in a fierce struggle. Hayward’s return, if it happens, could be a boost for Boston and lead the team. Overall, though, we forecast 4-3 in Miami’s favor. Two victories have already happened.
Your future prognosis for Boston? Share us in the comments
Also, you can read Miami is Waiting for Jones to Recover After the Collision.
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