Grantland

Eastern Conference Finals

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TOTAL BREAKDOWN

How the Miami Heat Live and Die With Their Defense

By Sebastian Pruiti at

After close games like Wednesday night's Miami Heat–Boston Celtics Eastern Conference Finals Game 2, analysts usually want to dissect the plays run on offense. But Miami almost lost and ultimately won this one as a result of their defense. Toward the end of regulation, Ray Allen got an open 3 because of Miami's defensive breakdown, and then in overtime, the Heat forced a turnover to clinch the win. Let's look at those two possessions.

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