The Miami Heat have built a reputation for being able to overcome high pressure situations and proved it again in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. After falling behind by 14 points in the first half, the Heat leaned on their battle tested core to fight their way back into the game.
The first half was buoyed by Bam Adebayo, who had 17 points over the first two quarters. That offensive production allowed the Heat to battle back from their double-digit deficit and take a 51-50 lead into the half.
Adebayo went on to finish with 23 points, nine rebounds, two steals and a block. The second half was a strong team effort from the Heat, which was led by Jimmy Butler. Butler had 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists for the game.
Butler also helped save the game for the Heat, who had seen their lead dwindle to two points after a late flagrant foul on Jalen Brunson that saw him make two free throws and then a quick basket. With the Knicks looking for a game-tying bucket, Butler came in to trap Brunson, who was then forced into the turnover that effectively ended the Knicks’ season.
It took everything the Heat had to beat the Knicks because of Brunson, who had 41 points on 14 of 22 shooting. Unfortunately, Brunson did not get any help from his teammates, with Julius Randle being their second-leading scorer for the game with 15 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 3 of 14 from the field.
Brunson showed throughout this series that he’s a legitimate star but was reminded that it’s a team game. His teammates let him down in Game 6, but he’ll also be kicking himself for the late game errors that he committed. Still, the Knicks will be proud of how far they went this season, especially since they played way beyond expectations.
