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The seeding game matchup between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers was a dud, but Tuesday’s matchup between the two squads was much more exciting. T.J. Warren and Jimmy Butler had a legitimate shootout this time, but Miami claimed a 113-101 victory in the end to take a 1-0 series lead in the first round.
Butler scored a game-high 28 points in this matchup and lived at the free throw line by making 10 of his 12 attempts at the charity stripe. He also tallied 3 rebounds and 4 assists to finish with 48.75 DKFP. Bam Adebayo also had a well-rounded stat line with 17 points, 10 rebounds, 6 asssists, and 46 DKFP. Goran Dragic was one of the top chalk plays of the day and paced all players with 19 shots. He scored 24 points and 42.5 DKFP in his return to the starting lineup.
Warren couldn’t take the lid off the basket against Butler before, but found his rhythm. The bubble superstar scored 22 points and snagged eight rebounds to amass 45.5 DKFP. Malcom Brogdon returned to form with 22 points and 10 assists in a double-double performance.
The Pacers’ bench scoring made all the difference in this one, but Indiana couldn’t keep up with all the offensive weapons Miami has in its starting lineup. This series could shape up to be a very entertaining one if Warren maintains his heightened level of play.