The Miami Heat fell to the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their conference semifinals series, evening the series at one game apiece despite missing several key players including star Jimmy Butler. The Heat leaned heavily on their role players to step up, with undrafted players accounting for 74 of the team’s 105 points – the most by any team in the modern draft era. The Knicks pulled out the 111-105 victory after a closely contested game that featured 16 lead changes and 13 ties.
The Heat have been dealing with injuries throughout the playoffs, with Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo also out. This has forced coach Erik Spoelstra to use his fourth starting lineup in the postseason. Despite the loss, the Heat remained positive and determined, with Spoelstra stating that his players can’t wait to be back on the floor for Game 3.
The Heat will have three nights off before Game 3 on Saturday night in Miami. Whether Butler will be able to play is uncertain, with Spoelstra stating that his body will need to be evaluated with extra rest.
