The Heat dropped Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets in the thin air of Colorado. They adjusted to the altitude and stole a victory in Game 2 to even the series at 1-1. The NBA Finals shifts to Miami for the next two games, and the Heat will play at least one more game without Herro.<\/p>\n
Herro averaged 20.1 points,5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in the regular season. He connected on 37.8% of his 3-point attempts and averaged a career-high eight, 3-point shots per game this season while knocking down three treys per game.<\/p>\n
I don’t want to be Nostradamus right now,”<\/strong> Spoelstra told reporters on Tuesday. “We’re taking it one day at a time. I know that sounds like a cliche. He did practice with the group. He is going to do a full-contact workout after this. We’ll evaluate that. We’ll meet with the training staff and we’ll just continue this process.”<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nMax Strus took over as the starter at shooting guard in Herro’s absence. Strus averages 10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in the postseason. He’s shooting 33.6% from 3-point range and 42.2% from the floor.<\/p>\n
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Herro provided the Heat with steady scoring in the regular season, but he’s a defensive liability. Spoelstra hides his players’ weaknesses with different schemes and adjustments, so he’d probably find a way to maximize Herro’s court time without giving up too much on the defensive end.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Heat\u2019s zone defense has been a nightmare for opponents this postseason. Nuggets center Nikola Jokic busted the zone in Game 1. The Heat defended Jokic differently in Game 2, forcing him to take on the role of a high-volume scorer while being less of a playmaker.<\/p>\n
Jokic dropped 41 in a tough loss in Game 2. When Jokic scores 40-plus points, the Nuggets are 0-2 this postseason. Their offense reaches maximum efficiency when they spread the ball around and Jokic reaches double digits in assists. The Nuggets are 8-2 in games when Jokic dishes 10 or more assists.<\/p>\n