There are several unwritten rules to basketball that NBA teams wholeheartedly abide by. Obstruction of these mutual understandings often results in fiery altercations, one that saw multiple instances. Now, as coach Spo and the Miami Heat play without their key starters (Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier), it seems like they are “unleashing the true Code Red”.
To understand this entire saga, let’s roll back a few nights. Brain Scalabrine, bashed Spoelstra for a controversial move on Jayson Tatum. The former Boston Celtics player pointed at Caleb Martin’s late-game foul during the Heat’s blowout 114-94 loss in Game 1. After the foul, play stopped for quite a few seconds as both teams confronted each other. “Erik Spoelstra called a timeout with 1:30 down by 16, 30 seconds later that play happens”, Scalabrine said while seeking the foul’s purpose, and summarizing, “That looked shady to me. A code red.”
Caleb Martin later made it clear that he committed a ‘hard foul’ but had no malicious intent. And even though Spo encouraged no part of the alleged Code Red, it seems like he just cleared his Game 1 accusations by a dominating performance in Game 2; probably hinting at the Celtics what it actually looks like! The game came with its fair share of physicality, it’s Miami basketball after all.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, it revolved more around the Heat’s intensity rather than aggression. Erik Spoelstra displayed his coaching acumen by making significant game-time adjustments as the Heat’s culture enabled the undermanned team to execute them to perfection. Among many, reporter Joe Viray joked, “Spo was accused of Code Red and unleashed the true Code Red upon Boston tonight lmao”.
Spo was accused of Code Red and unleashed the true Code Red upon Boston tonight lmao
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) April 25, 2024
Spo ordered a barrage of three-pointers for Game 2 and got just that. With the Heat’s pesky defense limiting the C’s role players, they shot a whopping 43 threes – that’s 57% of their total shots in the game. This enabled the Heat’s starters to play with more confidence, as all of them poured double-digit scoring.
Game 2 automatically bashes the Code Red narratives in the Heat vs Celtics series!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Heat and Celtics have a history. It was a huge deal when LeBron was there, Jimmy Butler revived it during the Heat’s previous season triumph over them and it remains the same when Butler isn’t able to bring his energy to the court. The tone of the hardwood even transitions off the court, as Kevin Garnett’s relationship with Ray Allen turned sour when the sharpshooter joined the rival Heat team in 2012.
With that, the recent Code Red narratives added more to the historic chapters between the two teams. “We obviously have history with them, but all that really is in the past, and it really just creates an environment of competition,” Spo said, trying to put his perspective ahead of the brimming controversies.
Luckily, Game 2 bashes all those claims, highlighting the mastermind that Erik is. It not only brings Heat’s enduring culture to light but also maintains the sanctity of Spo’s nearly 30 years of association with the franchise.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Heat’s 23 made three-pointers come as their franchise record for most made threes in a playoff game. Another hint of Heat’s way of the ball is Martin embracing his new villainous role. As Boston fans chanted ‘”f*** you, Caleb!“. Almost every time he touched the ball, he made five of his six threes, posting a timely 21 points.