Playoff Jimmy was a game-time decision in game two, and to say the least, his absence was dearly felt. The Miami Heat took game one from the New York Knicks and tried to leave the big apple with a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. The Garden was roaring, though, and the lights were shining as the two teams squared off in a gritty battle to the final buzzer.
Out of the Gate
Miami looked to find their offensive presence without Butler by starting sharpshooter Duncan Robinson to ignite the Heat. The first quarter saw a back-and-forth bout of trading baskets by both teams. R.J. Barrett came out and started torching the basket, drilling three three’s practically from the get-go. Miami looked to stay true to their well-rounded offensive approach when their superstar isn’t on the court and did exactly that. Gabe Vincent and Max Strus were creating and knocking down early shots to keep this game close with a slight edge to New York for the quarter.
Anchored Down
The Knicks came out of the gate running and gunning in the first quarter. By the time the second quarter had rolled around, the narrative had changed. The Heat settled into their defense, finding their anchor in Bam Adebayo. The Knicks were held to just 20 points in the second quarter. Miami halted the Knicks’ offense from flowing and getting in a rhythm. Miami went into halftime with a three-point lead, and a last-second three by Kevin Love stifled the energy and momentum in the Garden.
Big Time Vincent
The third quarter showed a display of why this series is going to be a dogfight. Both teams were trading buckets back and forth, the Knicks led by Jalen Brunson, and the Heat by unsung hero Gabe Vincent. Brunson was getting to his spots and knocking down one jumper after the next. Vincent was hitting contested floaters and step-back threes to keep the game close as it headed into a tenacious fourth quarter.
Down to the Wire
Crunch time rolled around and the pressure was on. The energy in MSG was electric and the ground was practically shaking. The Heat came out of the gate firing from deep and connecting on a couple of shots. New York quickly answered with tough finishes around the rim and drawing costly fouls on Miami.
The score was bouncing back and forth throughout the quarter as both teams continued to ramp up their offensive onslaughts. Gabe Vincent looked to take over the game down the stretch. Vincent hit a few big shots which silenced the crowd and kept the Heat within striking distance.
However, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart connected on important shots and the arena erupted! The game came down to the wire and finished off with free throws but the Knicks prevailed in the end. The series is now 1-1 as it heads back to Miami.
Go Time
The Knicks will travel to Miami on Saturday. The Heat look to regain control of the series. Jimmy Butler is likely to suit up in Game 3.