The Heat are blasting the Clippers still without a reaction

The difference in tempo between the two teams, well known since the beginning of the season, is logically obvious at the start of the match. The Heat keeps picking up speed, when the Clippers want to slow down. Bam Adebayo strikes first, both offensively and defensively. Only Ivica Zubac can keep up, but with 10-0 Miami takes control. With their defense and 3-point prowess, the Floridians dominate the debates (35-24).

In the second quarter, Kawhi Leonard sounds rebellious. The wing is more active in defense, finally effective in attack and for a few minutes the Clippers go 18-2 and get back into the game.

The answer of Erik Spoelstra’s troops was sharp: 32-4! Norman Powell is especially hot at 3 points, and at the break it seems that the match is already over (76-56).

The beginning of the second half did not change the situation, so much so that after only two minutes, Tyronn Lue got angry and launched his bench. It’s clear that Los Angeles’ replacements are facing Miami’s starters with full confidence. It’s a massacre. Kawhi Leonard and the starters will come back little by little and thanks to the winger’s points, the gap will be smaller and almost flattering for the Clippers. The difference in level between the two teams was significant and Miami more than logically won 140-123, after being up to 38 points ahead.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– The Heat’s response in the second quarter. The match will be decided minutes after the first quarter and before halftime. For what? Because the Clippers finally got into the game and went on a great 18-2 run. A sign that the duel is finally starting? No, because 32-4 will completely kill the hopes of Tyronn Lue’s men. With a brilliant 14/24 three-pointer in the first half for Bam Adebayo and company, it was too easy.

– Kawhi Leonard, a little light in the night. Shy in the first quarter, the wing shines in the second, increasing the level and intensity in attack and defense. He changes the game and carries his team in these few moments. We will find him again in the second half where he will be able to score baskets in a match that is now without stakes. With 36 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals, he was the only one who fully existed for Los Angeles.

– Clippers, road to the end of boredom. We’ve said it, but it’s confirmed: this team lacks character. Dominated in the first quarter by an attractive and skillful Miami team (24/46 on 3-pointers), the Californian team offered only a quick reaction, carried only by “Claw”. But as soon as the opponent rises one or two steps, there is no one in front of him. James Harden was extremely bad (11 points on 2/6 shooting, 5 turnovers), almost as well as the group that signed the fifth defeat in a row.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=i3kEdaEKeVU

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.