After largely dominating the conference in the regular season, the riders were expected at the turn. Have they really crossed a milestone, and are they able to transform the test into playoffs? For the moment, the answer is “yes” and the very large victory on Saturday evening in Miami has marked the spirits.
We expected a pride reaction from the Heat, and it will have lasted five minutes. Then the Cleveland machine started, and the defense of Miami exploded! “We cashed the first time, and from there, we took control of the match” Summarizes Evan Mobleythe best defender in the NBA.
This first resulted in an 18-0 at the entrance to the replacements, then a 15-5. In eight minutes, the riders will sign a 33-5 which will literally knocked out the Heat.
“We really want to prove that we are in our place” continues Evan Mobley, about the state of mind that reigns in the group during this postseason. And it is not the absence of Darius Garland who is going to weigh their morale. “We would have made this effort whatever happens” Ensures the young interior of Cleveland.
More experience and more freshness
Former element of the Heat, and former NBA finalist, Max Strus is well placed to gauge the progress of the horsemen, and he is very proud to transmit part of the Heat Culture.
“We are much more mature” he admits. “It comes with the time spent together, the more we play together, the more experience we acquire. So I think that after last year's playoffs, guys returned this year ready and better prepared. You can say that they have matured a little. But yes, it's really nice to see our young people progress, learn and find yourself in these situations. »»
For Kenny Atkinson, another element is to be taken into account: freshness. But he warns his players that with the Heat, a series is played until the last second. “It's a huge advantage. Even coming here, having had seven days of rest gave us a freshness advantage. The more you end a series quickly, the better for the next round. But beware, it's Miami Heat. With their character, their culture, their coach and their players, we know that the fourth match will be a real battle. »»
