2025 Playoffs Round 1: Cavs (1) / Heat (8) (4-0)

[JonFromVA]

One adjustment I'd like to see is have Wade match as many of those Jovic mintues as possible. I like that matchup better than one of our small guys trying to check him.

If Merrill is going to keep seeing 20 or more mpg, I'd like to see him get a few more shot attempts to help stretch the defense.

Oh come on, if Sam (or Max for that matter) is open and gets the ball it's going up in a flash.

Gravity means the paint is going to be less packed, but someone still has to be able to beat their man and whoever else is around to help.

[mcfly1204]

One adjustment I'd like to see is have Wade match as many of those Jovic mintues as possible. I like that matchup better than one of our small guys trying to check him.

If Merrill is going to keep seeing 20 or more mpg, I'd like to see him get a few more shot attempts to help stretch the defense.

Oh come on, if Sam (or Max for that matter) is open and gets the ball it's going up in a flash.

Gravity means the paint is going to be less packed, but someone still has to be able to beat their man and whoever else is around to help.

I also want the points?

[toooskies]

If Sam is playing good D then it's okay if he isn't working as hard on the offensive end to get open. We have plenty of offensive options. Our offensive rating is up over 130. Not worried there.

We could use some more effort from the other guys on the defensive end of the floor, though.

[JonFromVA]

If Merrill is going to keep seeing 20 or more mpg, I'd like to see him get a few more shot attempts to help stretch the defense.

Oh come on, if Sam (or Max for that matter) is open and gets the ball it's going up in a flash.

Gravity means the paint is going to be less packed, but someone still has to be able to beat their man and whoever else is around to help.

I also want the points?

Well, check the tape.

Is Sam standing out at the 3pt line waiting for the ball with his defender nearby?

Or is he involved in the action and Miami is fighting through the screens, switching them, bumping him and all the other tricks smart defenses use to not let him get loose?

Alas, he only got like 2 traditional half court attempts, so it's hard to judge from the nba.com live box score. Sam set a screen on Garland in the first and the Heat stuck too long on Garland, and in the other they cheated off Sam to help on Ty. His other other 2 were off a steal and an offensive rebound he helped secure.

[JujitsuFlip]

Oh come on, if Sam (or Max for that matter) is open and gets the ball it's going up in a flash.

Gravity means the paint is going to be less packed, but someone still has to be able to beat their man and whoever else is around to help.

I also want the points?

Well, check the tape.

Is Sam standing out at the 3pt line waiting for the ball with his defender nearby?

Or is he involved in the action and Miami is fighting through the screens, switching them, bumping him and all the other tricks smart defenses use to not let him get loose?

Alas, he only got like 2 traditional half court attempts, so it's hard to judge from the nba.com live box score. Sam set a screen on Garland in the first and the Heat stuck too long on Garland, and in the other they cheated off Sam to help on Ty. His other other 2 were off a steal and an offensive rebound he helped secure.

That transition pull up 3 was bold but luckily he knocked it down hahaha

[JujitsuFlip]

Looks like Garland is questionable for game 3.

[ijspeelman]

Looks like Garland is questionable for game 3.

Honestly, if he's questionable keep him out for a game.

I am a little worried Pacers Bucks is gonna be a sweep bc the Bucks are looking awful (sans Giannis) so we aren't going to get extra rest

[JujitsuFlip]

Looks like Garland is questionable for game 3.

Honestly, if he's questionable keep him out for a game.

I am a little worried Pacers Bucks is gonna be a sweep bc the Bucks are looking awful (sans Giannis) so we aren't going to get extra rest

Yeahhhhh, i was thinking the same thing. If both teams advance, i will try to get to game 3 or 4 in Indy.

[ijspeelman]

Looks like Garland is questionable for game 3.

Honestly, if he's questionable keep him out for a game.

I am a little worried Pacers Bucks is gonna be a sweep bc the Bucks are looking awful (sans Giannis) so we aren't going to get extra rest

Yeahhhhh, i was thinking the same thing. If both teams advance, i will try to get to game 3 or 4 in Indy.

If I was still in Ohio, I'd do the same. Saving myself for the Boston Cavaliers matchup

[JujitsuFlip]

Honestly, if he's questionable keep him out for a game.

I am a little worried Pacers Bucks is gonna be a sweep bc the Bucks are looking awful (sans Giannis) so we aren't going to get extra rest

Yeahhhhh, i was thinking the same thing. If both teams advance, i will try to get to game 3 or 4 in Indy.

If I was still in Ohio, I'd do the same. Saving myself for the Boston Cavaliers matchup

I hope we can make it that far!

[ijspeelman]

Darius Garland is out today against Miami.

Sam Merrill is starting in place of Darius Garland today for the #Cavs.

https://bsky.app/profile/dannycunningham.bsky.social/post/3lnq5x3hgl22t

[ijspeelman]

Not loving our overall shot selection. The easier threes just haven't gone in

[ijspeelman]

I do think they are gonna have to close out with a Jerome Mitchell backcourt and not rely too much of Mitchell Merrill.

Just not enough playmaking in the starting line-up. Best example was Merrill had a quick trigger lob from the three point line that he put way too high line for Allen.

Also, Merrill keeps getting step backed on. He's currently just not staying connected on that move and Herro, Burks, and Wiggins will fire those away over and over

[ijspeelman]

If you've ever wanted to watch perfect Cavs basketball watch the end of this 4Q. The defense is suffocating

[JujitsuFlip]

I do think they are gonna have to close out with a Jerome Mitchell backcourt and not rely too much of Mitchell Merrill.

Just not enough playmaking in the starting line-up. Best example was Merrill had a quick trigger lob from the three point line that he put way too high line for Allen.

Also, Merrill keeps getting step backed on. He's currently just not staying connected on that move and Herro, Burks, and Wiggins will fire those away over and over

That was a brutal pass, Allen coulda been 8 feet tall and still woudla missed it.

Great 1st half overall though, can't get complacent in the last 24 mintues.

[ijspeelman]

We are really dominating in a game where Mitchell has looked pretty bad and Garland is out.

The defense has been hounding and I hope it stays that way the 2nd half.

[ijspeelman]

Mitchell is making some odd decisions

[JujitsuFlip]

Spyda laboring a bit out there.

[ijspeelman]

Unless things go really wrong, this is an easy win. I just have to say the only bright spot this entire series for the Heat has been Davion Mitchell which is interesting

[ijspeelman]

Donovan was just so off this game. He stopped forcing shots after the beginning of the 2nd, but he still missed FTs down the stretch. He instead turned into a really good decoy and turned it on D so its not like he was an outright negative.