305 M-I-Yayo

(305 M-I-Yayo!!! (In my Ernie Johnson voice). Yesterday’s TNT halftime show has had me laughing for over 48 hours so I felt like sharing that with everyone.)

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Let's rewind to 2005, in a small one bedroom apartment, two little boys were watching the NBA playoffs. Now usually children aren’t super cognitive of sports, but you’ll never find a 6 year old more invested than I was. My cousin and I were watching Dwyane Wade and Miami Heat take on the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals and I really wanted Miami to win.

After sweeping the New Jersey Nets and Washington Wizards, I had developed a liking for Miami Heat even though they weren’t my home team Philadelphia 76ers. Game 2 of that 05’ Eastern Conference Finals changed everything. Dwyane Wade finished with 40pts and 6 assists against the defending champs and that night he made 6-year old me A FAN, like I was really convinced this guy is the GOAT. Even though Wade and Heat ended up losing I maintained my avid fandom and in 06’ when the Heat won it all I felt like I won it with those guys, champagne and all at my big age of 7 years old.

Fast forward 14 years and I’m getting that feeling again. This time my Miami Heat team is led by a different guard out of Marquette University by the name of Jimmy Butler. Jimmy who is averaging 21 ppg, 5 reb, and 4 apg doesn’t have the most flashy numbers. But he sure knows how to lead with his team having the best record in the playoffs (8-1). This year’s Heat team doesn’t have a dominant big man like Shaq or an absolutely electric scorer like Dwyane Wade. They make up for ths with great coaching from Erik Spoelstra, heart, defensive prowess, and lights out shooting.

So far their formula has been effective as they’ve taken out the Miluakee Bucks, who were the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference Finals. Miami was tasked with stopping the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and rumored MVP, Giannis Antetoukounmpo. Antetoukounmpo, who’s been one of the most dominant players in the league the last two seasons has been ineffective in the playoffs. With referees allowing more physicality in the postseason, the usual foul calls he may get aren’t called as much. This in large part left him being a one trick pony driving to the basket.

The Heat implemented what many commentators called a “wall” system, where teams put multiple defenders near the paint creating a makeshift impenetrable barrier. To add even more salt to the wound of Milwaukee fans, the Heat thwarted their projected championship year in only 5 games. Whether the Bucks struggled or were overrated is only something time will tell.

Moving on to the Eastern Conference Finals, The Heat will be looking forward to the winner of Game 7 in the Celtics/Raptors series which will take place on Friday, September 11. The Celtics have a dynamic trio of Jayson Tatum(23ppg) , Kemba Walker (20ppg), and Jaylen Brown(20 ppg). All 3 players can create their own shot at all three levels and will be a handful, but Miami will be able to respond with great defenders Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder, and Andre Igoudala if need be.

Personally, I have the Celtics winning but if Fred Van Fleet (17ppg) and Kyle Lowry (19ppg) can make up for Pascal Siakam’s poor play they could edge out the win.

Regardless of who they face, The Heat will need Duncan Robinson, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro to play extremely well. Veteran Goran Dragic (21ppg), has been playing lights out also and will need to continue to do so but the 3 mentioned earlier are the keys to the series.

Bam (16ppg) who has seen a slight uptick from his regular season numbers will have to impact the game more on the offensive side this series as Celtics are a smaller team and will have to be punished for doing so. While the Raptors are slightly larger, they may have trouble guarding the speed Adebayo plays at.

Duncan “The Sniper” Robinson (10pg), will definitely need to put his stamp on the Eastern Conference Finals. With Jimmy and Bam constantly putting pressure on the defense he’ll have to be able to get open and be ready to shoot amid being face-guarded. I know it’s a lot to ask for but it's needed.

Tyler Herro (15ppg), has proven to be a scorer with promise. The 20-year-old rookie is special with ability to shoot it off the catch and off the dribble. Herro has elevated his game from his regular season scoring average (13.5ppg) and has shown that he can hit clutch shots. It will be needed next series as Toronto has championship DNA where they can make anything happen and weather any storm; and the Boston Celtics are a young team who loves to play at a fast pace. If the Heat look to match that type of style of play it will definitely generate looks for both him and Duncan Robinson. The kid has guts, if you can drop 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists against your hometown to send them home in the playoffs as a rookie, you're cooking with fish grease.

Nonetheless, Erik Spoelstra and Heat have the luxury of time to prepare, I just pray they don’t get rusty while sitting for so long. This Eastern Conference Playoffs is going to be otherworldly and I can't wait to see how my Heat will respond when they meet adversity because they will.

Long Live Bubble Basketball!!