Q: Ira, you could see the vision Pat Riley had with Duncan Robinson and Kyle Lowry. Kyle settled the team when Jimmy Butler was out and Duncan did his 3-point thing. – Taylor.
A: Agree and agree. Both offered the exact type of complementary performance you need to win, especially in the playoffs. And if both were being paid like complementary performers in a salary-cap league, say along the lines of a Caleb Martin, then no issue. But Duncan is being paid like a starter, which requires more than the occasional contribution. And Kyle is being paid like a star, which means more than coming off the bench in relief of Gabe Vincent. That’s not to minimize the contributions of either in Saturday’s victory over the Bucks. Both played very well. Just now, do it again. And again.
Q: Could it be that the Milwaukee Bucks outsmarted themselves by holding out Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 3? – Roland, Borrego Springs, Calif.
A: Not if he was injured and injured to the point that it could lead to further damage to a franchise player. The Bucks were well aware of Saturday’s stakes. But they also were well aware of not compromising their leading man. If he is healthy, he plays. If not, it is similar to what the Clippers are enduring with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The timing is awful. But an injury is an injury. And pain is pain.
Q: So the team that makes the 3-pointers is going to win this series? – Andy.
A: Isn’t that the case in virtually every NBA game, particularly in the head-to-head Series against the Bucks in recent years? As long as Jimmy Butler is can’t miss from three, the Heat should be just fine.
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