Game 2: Hawks Fall 0-2 to Heat, 115-105

Game 2 was a much more competitive match-up in Miami, between the number one-seeded Miami Heat and eight-seeded Atlanta Hawks. One could argue, that Atlanta had chances to win this ball game but ultimately fell short to Miami for the second straight game, by a count of 115-105. Miami’s physicality coupled with mediocre-shooting, again, from the Hawks, made this a 2-0 series lead for the Heat.

It would be hard to discuss this game without the Herculean-effort from Miami’s Jimmy Butler. Butler finished with 45 points on 60% shooting overall, while also chipping in 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the night. Butler was his usual self on defense, but it was his offensive takeover in Game 2 that was most impressive. Butler actually tied LeBron James with his third 40-point performance in the playoffs for the Heat, now only trailing Dwayne Wade, who had seven 40-point playoff performances with the Heat.

Hawks star, Trae Young, was better than he was in Game 1 of this series, but still not his “normal self”. Miami’s constant barrage of defenders, whether it be, Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry or P.J. Tucker, hounded Young all night. Young was able to finish with 25 points and 7 assists, but had 10 turnovers on the night and shot an anemic 2-of-10 from beyond the arc. Young is now 2-of-17 from three-point range in this series, which is not going to be anywhere close to beat a team of Miami’s caliber.

Atlanta came out with a different energy than they did on Easter Sunday. The Hawks were attacking the basket, showing effort on defense and playing with emotion. Atlanta only trailed 54-56 at the half. The third quarter is where Miami asserted their dominance and jumped out to their biggest lead of 16 points. Still, the Hawks hung around due to the red-hot shooting of Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Bogdanovic was another Hawk that had a forgettable Game 1, but ‘Bogi’ did whatever he could to help the Hawks stay in contention. ‘Bogi’ finished with a team-high, 29 points and hit five three’s on the evening. Bogdanovic hit a 23-foot three-pointer to get the Hawks within three points with about three minutes remaining in the game. Miami then responded with a 7-0 run to end this game and send the series back to Atlanta.

The Hawks now trail 0-2, but do have the comfort of playing the next two games at home. Game 3 is a must-win for Atlanta, or else they risk the ‘0-3 death sentence’ and setting up the potential to be swept on Sunday in Atlanta. Since the All-Star break and play-in game’s, the Hawks are 11-1 at home. If there is anything that can get the team back on track it is good old-fashioned home-cooking.

Tip-off for Friday’s game will be from Atlanta’s State Farm Arena at 7:00 p.m. eastern.