I'm less confident than I was in the Sixers series. If the game is decided in the clutch, I think the Heat are the favorites. I have zero trust in Mazzulla.
- We squandered a 10-point lead with 4 minutes to go in game 6.
- Worst X's and O's coach in our recent history. He calls a timeout to draw the last play and we end up with Smart shooting an off-balance contested 3. The least I was expecting was some sort of back cut action. We didn't even set a single pick to free up Tatum for a jumper! White's putback was a stroke of luck.
- Our decision to challenge Horford's foul on Butler almost gifted the game to the Heat. Not only was the challenge unsuccessful, but the Heat also won one extra FT. Worst challenge of all time!
- Generally speaking, it seems like Tatum and Brown are taking turns on offense. I'm tired of watching long contested 2s (regardless of the outcome). Can't stand watching Brown go 1 vs 2, even 1 vs 5 at times!
All that said, I'm all in! Let's go C's!
I think most agree with the coach concerns generally. The challenge, however, has been pretty much debunked as a bad move. 3 FTs would have resulted nonetheless (despite the initial indication of 2), but the key for the Cs was getting nearly an extra second on the clock - which they needed .9 of to win the game. I think the jury’s out as to whether that would have happened without the challenge.
The play to Smart was probably caused by good deny D by the Heat. I hated the shot. But good for Marcus to get it up right away to allow for a tip-in. Crazy luck, but it did look like JT was ready slam it home if the ball came off the front or the right side. Both JT and DW beat the Heat to the rim.