The first half of Game 2 did not start off well for the Miami Heat, who totaled 10 turnovers and seven missed free throws. Miami’s All-Star center Bam Adebayo was also in foul trouble early. However, the team overcame their early struggles and defeated the Indiana Pacers thanks to their hot shooting from the three-point range. Miami finished 18-for-35 from outside, setting a new team playoff record for made threes. The Heat is now up 2-0 in the playoff series.
Here are some takeaways from the Heat’s win over the Pacers.
Duncan Robinson Bounces Back
No one on the Heat was worried about Duncan Robinson‘s shooting struggles heading into Game 2. Throughout the season, the sharpshooter had always bounced back after a bad game, and he did so again in this one. Robinson started the game off hot with three three-pointers in the first 1:38, and he ended up tying the team’s franchise record for threes in a single game with seven.
STROKINSON!!!
3 👌’s in less than 90 seconds for @D_Bo20 pic.twitter.com/cpG3aiQiAx
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) August 20, 2020
In the end, he finished with a game-high 24 points on seven of eight shooting from beyond the arc.
Jimmy Butler’s Three-Point Shooting
Before the playoffs started, there were questions surrounding Jimmy Butler‘s shooting struggles. Butler shot 24 percent from beyond the arc during the regular season, but he’s four-for-five in these playoffs. His percentages will likely drop at some point, but the Heat could be dangerous if he continues his efficient shooting.
You know who’s in charge. pic.twitter.com/SAxvO7SSGv
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) August 20, 2020
Butler finished Game 2 with 18 points and six assists.
Dragic’s Strong Performance
Goran Dragic made his second consecutive start over Kendrick Nunn in this one. Miami has remained committed to keeping him in the starting lineup because of his veteran leadership, and he’s validated that decision in both of their games. Dragic played a huge role in the third quarter of Game 2, helping the Heat get out to a double-digit lead.
He finished the game with 20 points, six assists, and three rebounds.
Adebayo’s Subtle Impact
It was a quiet day for Bam Adebayo, as he picked up two quick fouls in the first few minutes of Game 2. Nothing went well on offense for him, but he impacted the game by setting screens to free up his teammates and defending pick-and-rolls well. He also led the team in plus-minus with a mark of plus-19.
Adebayo finished the game with seven points, five rebounds, and four assists.
The Heat and Pacers will face off again in Game 3 on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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