Boston Celtics key to victory No. 2) Stick Smart & Wanamaker on Goran Dragić
Heading into this Eastern Conference Finals showdown, we as fans and spectators all had the idea that Miami was this two-headed monster of All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. However, as this postseason has progressed, we’ve found that the Heat actually find themselves in somewhat of a Hyrda form, with Butler, Adebayo, and Goran Dragić serving as the beast’s three heads.
While it’s a well-known fact that the former All-Star is still a quality starter in the NBA — as he averaged 16.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game on 44 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent from 3-point range –, his play during this incredible run by Miami is reminiscent of his 2017-18 self.
Through 11 games played, Dragić finds himself leading this star-studded team in points with 22.2 per game to go along with 4.6 assists, and one steal on 48 percent shooting from the floor and 40 percent shooting from deep.
His streak of 28 playoff games with double-digit scoring outings trails only LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in regard to the longest streaks in franchise history.
The Boston Celtics are finding out his impact on the team first hand, as he currently finds himself boasting averages of 27 points, and 4.5 assists on 46 percent shooting from deep in 36 minutes a night against them.
Throughout these first two games, Dragić has been one of the main offensive catalysts for his team and, in turn, they have a 2-0 lead. While there are already many players to gameplan around on the defensive side of the ball heading into game three, the Celtics must add Dragić to their “watch” list, and one can certainly argue he should be right there at the top with Butler.
To combat his excellent offensive play moving forward, Boston should commit to throwing Marcus Smart and Brad Wanamaker — who has been playing stellar one on one defense during this series thus far — at him for extended periods of time in an effort to slow down the Slovenian native.