The Heat are back in Miami and are ready to host the Celtics for Games 3 and 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With the game being broadcasted on TNT, Inside the NBA was back on our TVs. After watching Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo lead the 24-9 rally to end Game 2, the guys were sure about their picks for Game 3. Shaquille O’Neal announced his decision first, picking the home team to win tonight and go up 3-0.
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Despite being an 8th seed, the Miami Heat have caused major ripples in this year’s playoffs. They eliminated Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Milwaukee Bucks. Next, they went to New York and took care of the Knicks. The Heat are up 2-0 and would rely on their unbeaten home record in these playoffs in the next two games.
Shaquille O’Neal believes Jimmy Butler and co. don’t mess around too much
Coming home with a 2-0 lead is ideal for Miami. They’re now home for the next two games, where they have a stellar record. Choosing the Heat as his pick for Game 3, Shaquille O’Neal talked about how Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo provide the one-two punch for the team. He listed that the team needs a third guy to step up, so the three can dominate the Celtics.
Shaq also talked about how the Heat, unlike a lot of other teams, stick to their game style, instead of trying to adapt and make changes every game. He said,
“The fact that they play the same way, I’m not worried about this team… They don’t do too much. Pass, cut, open shot, leave it. I think they’re ready!”
So far in the first quarter, Caleb Martin has stepped up to the challenge and is providing a big spark off the bench. He has 8 points on 3 of 3 shooting, 2/2 from 3s. If the Heat can keep coming with the same determination, they look like the favorites to take Game 3 and prove Shaq right.
Grant Williams might have unleashed Butler
During Game 2 at Boston, we saw Grant Williams make a shot and then taunt Butler.
After that point, the Heat went on a run to finish Game 2 and seal a 2-0 road trip. Butler talked about the incident after the game, and said,
“I just don’t know if I’m the best person to talk to.”
He even went home and put up a post on Instagram with Grant Williams featured in it.
So far in Game 3, we haven’t seen Butler take over. However, he is known for doing his work in the clutch, so there is a lot of time. We’ll have to see if Shaq’s prediction falls right or if Charles Barkley’s guarantee holds.
