Q: Boston loves to drive the paint and the Heat have some of the best take-a-charge players in the NBA, led by Kevin Love, Max Strus and Kyle Lowry. The Heat have taken so many charges against the Celtics the past few years. Looking forward to seeing a group of Heat players flat on their backs. And Tua Tagovailoa, watch how Love, Strus and Lowry always land on their backsides with their heads up. – Brian, Fort Lauderdale.
A: And that’s not even getting into the fanatical flop-o-matics of the Celtics’ Marcus Smart. This well could be a series where many will be prone to being prone. According to the Heat’s accounting, so far this postseason, Max Strus has drawn five charges, Gabe Vincent four and Kevin Love three. Further, the Heat have drawn 16 charges in these playoffs compared to just three drawn by the opposition. Such is the approach by a team with limiting shot blocking. Interestingly, the Heat do not list Kyle Lowry with having drawn a charge yet this postseason, so perhaps he has saved the flailing for the bigger stages of the playoffs. The only player to have taken more than Strus’ five charges this postseason is Golden State’s Draymond Green, with eight, and he now is done with the postseason. The NBA’s accounting has Smart having drawn three charges to this point, with Boston’s Derrick White and Grant Williams having drawn two apiece.
Q: Erik Spoelstra is the best. Schematically, in-game adjustments, pregame plan, mental toughness, a positive outlook. I don’t know how he does it. Gets guys to play their roles with maximum effort to a T. Nowadays, having that experience, he’s usually the most optimistic guy in the room, even when things look really bad. I listened to him speak and thought he was crazy and too optimistic based on where we were after losing to Atlanta. It’s a natural talent he has and I’m glad he’s on our side. – Swann.
A: He’s Tony Robbins with a playbook. He’s also quality people. Some might say he’s too stubborn. But with him, I think the stubbornness translates into perseverance. I have never seen a better NBA coach, including Pat Riley.
Q: The Heat may not have the respect of the media, but they have the respect of the league. How does a single team have so many rivalries? Milwaukee has been a small one of late, New York brought back old memories, now we go to Boston. They all want to beat us for bragging rights, but all know it won’t be an easy series. – Marc, Arlington, Texas.
A: Such is what enduring success can breed. In all sports, the best teams have the best rivalries. And beyond what you mentioned, consider the rivalries the Heat also have had during the Big Three era with the Pacers, Spurs and Mavericks. Competition can breed contentiousness but also respect.