NBA Playoffs 2023: 3 keys to watch in Knicks-Heat after Miami’s Game 1 win

No. 1 key to Knicks-Heat series: Can Jimmy Butler continue to be Playoff Jimmy?

If the Knicks can contain Jimmy Butler in this series, they will have a good chance of winning. Mat Issa wrote a great column on this that breaks down the matchup of the Heat star against New York. In the series against the Bucks, Butler was able to win battles inside the paint. Conversely, the Knicks beat up the Cavs in the paint in their series.

Butler will drive in this series and it will be the job of rotating defenders to help double the superstar to make him kick the ball out of the paint and to Miami shooters.

If the Knicks are able to beat Miami in the paint, then the Heat will need to make the open 3-pointers that this defensive action will create. Can the Heat make open shots from three when help gets sent Jimmy Butler’s way in the paint? This will be the difference in whether Miami is competitive on the offensive end.

As mentioned, Butler went down and was hobbled with an ankle injury in Game 1. He stayed in the game and led Miami with 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting, getting to the free-throw line 11 times as well, making nine of those attempts. If his ability to drive and work inside (he also added 11 rebounds in the win) is at all compromised moving forward, though, that’s a big advantage for the Knicks.