NBA Finals Game 2: Shortage of personnel, difficulties pile up for Miami Heat
During the press conference before Game 2, many reporters and Miami Heat fans waited for positive updates on the team's personnel situation, especially the return of Tyler Herro - the pitcher who averaged 20 points. /match.
But there has been no positive update from Herro, Heat fans also received more unhappy news about another pillar, Caleb Martin, the second-placed player in the race to the MVP title of the Eastern finals.
Coach Erik Spoelstra shared that Caleb Martin was sick and could not attend the last training session with the whole team. Meanwhile, Tyler Herro, despite showing positive signs of recovery, is still unclear about his ability to play in Game 2.
Mr. Spoelstra refused to commit to the time of Herro's return, saying that everything depends on the medical team and the team will not take risks.
"I cannot confirm in which match he will return," coach Erik Spoelstra said.
“What we're focusing on is that Tyler's recovery and fitness process needs to be done really well. When we are sure when he will play again, I will update you."
As for Caleb Martin, it is highly likely that he will still play Game 2 even though he is not in the best shape. Possibly due to his unstable health when he arrived in Denver, Caleb only had 3 points (1-7 FG) in Game 1.
Before entering the NBA Finals, Martin averaged more than 19 points per game in the Eastern Finals in seven games against the Boston Celtics.
"We'll see how Caleb feels before the game and then decide, but it's very difficult to keep him off the field at this point," the Miami Heat captain said.
Although they did not have the strongest squad and lost Game 1 away, the Miami Heat team was still in high spirits and confident that they would play better at Game 2.
"There will be things that need to be adjusted, but we are not affected much mentally after the loss," said leader Jimmy Butler on behalf of his teammates.
“This is a who wins four games first, not one or two. We know we can do better and will do better. The problem is only with us."
Confident and positive as it is, the Miami Heat still need the strongest lineup to take on the Denver Nuggets. They have just gone through a series of Eastern finals lasting 7 matches, very much worn out physically.
In addition to having to play Games 1 and 2 on Denver's field, the venue 1,600m above sea level, Jimmy Butler and his teammates needed to work together to the best of their ability.
Game 2 of the final series - NBA Finals 2023 will take place at 7:00 am on Monday, June 5 at Ball Arena. The series score is currently 1-0 in favor of the Denver Nuggets, who have the home field advantage in the next 2nd match.
