“This is going to be a short series” – Heat source believes Knicks NO MATCH for Miami
Miami Heat beat New York Knicks 108-101 in Game 1 of the second-round matchup.
Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro (Image via Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Eastern Conference Semi-Finals are underway. The Miami Heat are coming off a brilliant series win against the Milwaukee Bucks. The New York Knicks, on the other hand, have had an impressive progression after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both teams thwarted their opponents 4-1 and are now engaged in a best-of-seven series battle against each other. Game 1 of the series between these two teams was played at Madison Square Garden. The Heat, led by Jimmy Butler, up an impressive performance to pick up a Game 1 win on the road.
The Knicks-Heat rivalry has intensified and is definitely playing its part in shaping up the series. As the Heat won Game 1, a source close to the Miami Heat has revealed that if Jimmy Butler remains fit and uninjured, the series will be a short one. “If he’s good,” said an anonymous source close to the Heat, “this is going to be a short series.” Although there are many who would still disagree, Butler’s skills and leadership for his side leave many in agreement.
RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson were the top scorers for the home side, as they both put up 25 and 26 points, respectively. For the visitors, Jimmy Butler led with 25 points, with Gabe Vincent scoring a supportive 20. Kyle Lowry too, scored an impressive 18 points scoring a dagger bucket from the baseline to give Miami a healthy lead and win the Game. The score at the end of regulation was 108-101.
During the fourth quarter of Game 1, Butler went down due to an ankle issue but came back to finish the game. In a league where injuries dictate the team’s chances for the championship, Butler has to ensure that he remains uninjured. Moreover, he’s been the top scorer for the Heat consistently through the years. He was also the reason behind Miami’s success in reaching the 2020 NBA finals. Therefore, losing him would be a huge blow to the Heat.
Related: Jimmy Butler’s Contract and Salary Breakdown
The road ahead for the Knicks-Heat series
Although Miami Heat has picked up Game 1, New York has been an impressive force this season. Moreover, playing at home with a charged atmosphere, they will look to defend their home court in Game 2. Jalen Brunson will have expectations on his shoulder as he’s been the front-running Knicks player this season. On the other hand, the Heat would also like to go 2-0 up in the series before they head home down south for Games 3 and 4. If they manage to pick two road games, coming back might just be too difficult for the Knicks while they play Miami at home.
The Heat have surprised the entire NBA after their heroics in the first-round series. They barely made it into the playoffs this year, clinching the eighth seed. In round one, they were up against the mighty Milwaukee Bucks, who had the first seed in the East. Locking horns with the number one eastern team, the Heat didn’t look bothered as their stunning display of wonderful basketball proved the Bucks weren’t much of a challenge. The Butler-led side upset Giannis Antetokounmpo and those in Green and White as the Heat picked up a 4-1 series win.
The New York Knicks had a more modest journey to the Eastern Conference semi-finals. They had the fifth seed in the East and faced an inconsistent Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. Even then, going up against the fourth seed was never going to be easy. In the most rewarding performance to their fans, New York thwarted the Cavs in their 4-1 series victory. However, against the Heat, they would have to crank their gameplay up a notch.
The Knicks would surely know that to increase their chances of advancing into the conference finals, they need to defend their home court well. Needless to say, both teams will arrive at Game 2 with a mission to win.
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