Coup’s Takeaways: Warriors Pull Away In Second Half Behind Klay Thompson’s Hot Night
It has often seemed like an unusual comparison given Golden State’s consistent high offensive rankings, but the HEAT have consistently displayed a style reminiscent of the Warriors more than most teams. While lacking a singular standout like Steph Curry, who can completely change the game, Miami mirrors the Warriors’ ball and player movement, including handoffs, cuts, and drive-and-kick plays.
In the game tonight, both teams initially resembled each other, with a flurry of assists and similar strategies. Golden State initially dominated, but when Curry left the court and Miami’s coach employed a zone defense against the Warriors’ bench, the momentum shifted. Miami’s energy, coupled with standout performances like Haywood Highsmith’s, gave them the upper hand.
Although Golden State’s starters had a strong start in the third quarter, Miami’s resilience, particularly from players like Adebayo and Terry Rozier, kept them in the game. However, missed opportunities from Curry and Miami’s struggles to maintain consistency allowed Golden State to extend their lead.
Despite Miami’s offensive challenges, their defense, particularly against Curry, remained solid. Players like Caleb Martin and Highsmith stepped up to the challenge of guarding Curry, limiting his impact on the game. Curry’s ability to make difficult shots, including a notable pull-up three over Adebayo, showcased his exceptional skill.
Overall, while Miami fought admirably, they ultimately fell short, highlighting the importance of offensive efficiency and the difficulty of containing elite talents like Curry.
