What Happened in Game 1?
The Miami Heat beat the New York Knicks 108-101 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Second Round. Gabe Vincent scored 20 points for Miami, RJ Barrett scored 26, and Jalen Brunson scored 25 for the Knicks. Despite a fourth-quarter ankle sprain, Jimmy Butler had 25 points and 11 rebounds and pushed through injury to finish the game.
The Heat fell behind early but gradually narrowed the deficit before halftime and blew past New York with a 21-5 third-quarter run. Miami's defense and rebounding proved to be the difference in this game, with the Heat pulling out the win without needing the kind of tremendous performances Butler delivered in the first round.
Julius Randle was unavailable for Game 1, who missed the game due to a sprained ankle. His absence was felt as the Knicks struggled to generate offense, shooting just 7 for 34 from behind the arc. The Heat will build on this win in Game 2 on Tuesday night, while the Knicks will hope to have Randle back in the lineup.
Key Stats from Game 1
The New York Knicks may have lost Game 1, but they didn't fail their defensive identity. The Knicks outrebounded the Heat 48-39 in Game 1. They also won the battle on the offensive glass 12 to 10.
Between two teams who prefer to score at the rim, the Knicks defeated the Heat inside. New York scored 62 points in the paint compared to Miami's 38.
However, Miami could decide the game from the three-point line - converting on 13 threes with 33.3% efficiency versus the Knicks' seven on 20.6%.
Heat vs Knicks Game Preview
The Miami Heat will take on the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Tuesday night, with both teams dealing with uncertainty surrounding key players. Jimmy Butler's status for the Heat is uncertain due to an ankle injury suffered in Game 1, while the Knicks may be without Julius Randle, who missed Game 1 due to an ankle injury. Both players and Knicks guard Jalen Brunson were listed as questionable for the game. The Heat will look to build on their 108-101 victory in Game 1, even with the uncertainty surrounding Butler's availability.
The Miami Heat have an 18-25-1 ATS Record as the road team this season and post-season. They cover the spread just 43.9% of the time and have a margin of victory of -2.5. The Heat were just 17-24 through the regular season, with an ATS +/- of -0.9.
The New York Knicks have a home ATS Record of 20-21-3 through their regular season schedule and the post-season. The Knicks cover the spread 48.7% of the time at home, with a margin of victory of 4.5. New York went 23-18 at Madison Square Garden through the regular season and had an ATS +/- of +1.3.
Miami Heat Team Preview
Miami Heat ATS Record: 36-51-3
The Miami Heat have found much success this offseason through their experience among the roster and the coaching staff. After a great Game 1 performance, the Heat role players must maintain their production. However, with Tyler Herro still unavailable and Jimmy Butler questionable to rejoin them in Game 2, Miami will have their hands full moving forward.
In Game 1 against the New York Knicks, the Heat scored 108 points on 42.4% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. They were outclassed in many areas of the court, but their ability to get to the free throw line, where they went 23 of 29, helped keep them competitive. Another critical factor was the Heat bench, which outscored the Knicks 30 to 15.
If Miami wants to push the series to 2-0 before returning to Miami, they'll need their role players to support their stars. Jimmy Butler was the star performer with the Heat, contributing 25 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists while unfortunately suffering an injury that will linger through the series. Kyle Lowry produced a record-setting performance with 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, and four blocks at 37 years old!
New York Knicks Team Preview
New York Knicks ATS Record: 48-36-4
The New York Knicks played Game 1 valiantly without star man Julius Randle but ultimately failed to get the desired result. While Obi Toppin stepped in to try and fill the void, New York needed more firepower to contend with Miami. While they hope Randle will return for Game 2, New York must sort out certain aspects of their game with or without him.
In the Knicks' Game 1 loss to the Miami Heat, the Knicks scored 101 points on 47.7% from the field but just 20.6% from three on just seven threes. They did win the rebounding battle by nine, but they could only force eight turnovers out of the Miami Heat in Game 1. The Knicks couldn't bring it home despite dominating the paint battle by 24 points.
RJ Barrett led the way for the Knicks in Game 1 as he posted 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists on 50.0% shooting from the field. Jalen Brunson supported him with 25 points, seven assists, and five rebounds on 47.8% from the area. Unfortunately, the Knicks' poor perimeter shooting kept them out of the game, and they'll need to sort that out if they want to level the series in Game 2.
Miami Heat vs New York Knicks Game Pick
- Moneyline: Miami Heat (+220)
- Total: Under 206.5 (-110)
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