Miami has quickly curbed the Hawks’ near-rebellion. After losing in the third game, Erik Spoelstra’s boys dealt an almost definitive blow to the series last night, and they did not do it in any way, but with the authority that reflects the final result: 86-110.
With a defense that can be defined as ‘championship’, and with a Jimmy Butler who was once again spectacular –a double-double of 36 points and 10 rebounds bears his signature–, the match lasted only 24 minutes, perhaps less . Atlanta, perhaps spurred on by the earlier win, started better and even had a second-quarter lead. It was a mirage. Miami came from behind and concluded the first half with a partial 11-0 to go with an income of up to 14 points to the locker room. It was obvious that it was not an insurmountable distance, but the Florida team not only maintained it, but increased it little by little to make it 3-1 in the series with ease.
The triumph of Erik Spoelstra’s boys came despite the fact that they did not have Kyle Lowry. The veteran point guard was absent with a hamstring problem in his left leg and Butler used it as motivation. “Everyone around me was saying in my ear that I had to stay aggressive, take more shots. It was a good night. We have to get another win.”
Those from Florida were better in various aspects of the game, but above all they dominated under the hoops; so much so that they outscored their rival 47-26 in points scored in the paint. In addition, they only lost 6 balls to Atlanta’s 15. Such a good collective operation led to a clash in which Butler had the collaboration of the 14 goals that both PJ Tucker and Bam Adebayo scored.
Young looks for solutions
The loss was a blow to Atlanta, especially since they came in hoping to make it 2-2 and ultimately were nowhere near it. Trae Young, who had 9 points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field, says they must find a way to break the Heat’s defensive fabric.
“They are doing a great job through help and not letting me get to the paint. You have to give them credit. We have to do a better job of figuring out how to get open positions so that I can create for my teammates and myself as well », she analyzes.
The best of the Hawks in Game 4 was DeAndre Hunter with 24 points, while John Collins would finish with 11. It was a tough day for Nate McMillan’s men.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)