ESPN NBA

• Heat-Hawks series scouting report | Series page

With the Hawks prepared for a full-fledged assault on the rim by Dwyane Wade in Game 2, Wade led the Heat in a jump-shooting exhibition as the Heat hit 15-26 3-point shots and evened the series at 1-1.

Adjustments

•  The Hawks' game plan to keep Wade from getting to the rim and to the foul line was a great success in Game 2. The problem was that after a frustrating, turnover-filled Game 1 in which Wade drove into the teeth of the Hawks' defense, Wade had already planned to counter Atlanta's rim-protection defense in Game 2.

•  Hours before the game, Wade was in the arena shooting midrange shots and 3-pointers, preparing himself for a jump-shooting attack. The Hawks were content to let Wade fire away, and they really had no defense for Wade's shooting. He finished 11-of-20 from the field and made 6-of-10 from the 3-point line.

•  In truth, there isn't much they can do if Wade is on like that, no matter how hard they contest. They must make a decision in Game 3 either to double him to get the ball out of his hands or to play him straight up and hope for the best. Look for some combination of both.

•  Atlanta's defensive problems were not just with Wade. Jermaine O'Neal scored and assisted out of the post, with the Hawks content to play behind him and letting him catch inside. Expect more effort to deny him the entry pass and to push him farther out on the floor in Game 3.

•  The Hawks also closed out poorly on the other Heat shooters, allowing Daequan Cook to shoot 6-for-9 from 3. Better effort to close out, or even deny Cook the ball, will be seen from the Hawks in Game 3.

•  Offensively, Atlanta put six players in double figures, and the 93 points would have been enough to win any of this season's games against the Heat. But the Hawks shot only 6-of-20 from the 3-point line.

•  They will continue their screening action, ball screens and post game, not feeling the need to make any major adjustments to their attack.

Miami
•  The Heat knew they needed more offense in this series, and they turned to O'Neal in the first quarter to establish an inside game. His scoring and passing set an early tone for the Miami offense, so expect more of the same in Game 3.

•  With Wade focused on shooting jump shots, O'Neal had more room to work his turnaround post game. If Atlanta brings extra help inside in Game 2, the spot-up jumpers for Cook and James Jones will be plentiful, as well as drives off ball reversal for Wade.

•  Miami was also effective in its pinch post action, screening the corner after the pass and opening up jumpers on the baseline in the secondary action. This is an area where Michael Beasley has flourished.

•  Expect increased backdoor action from the Heat on offense, as Atlanta will try to increase pressure in the passing lanes. This can be done on the baseline in the pinch post action or on ball reversal on the wing.

•  In Game 3, the Heat will keep Wade at the top of the floor in key situations to allow his creation and to anticipate and see the double-team when it comes.

•  Defensively, Miami began the game with Wade guarding Joe Johnson on more possessions and Miami trapping him on much of the ball-screen action. They rotated quickly to the shooters and were able to contest with more regularity than in Game 1.

•  The Heat controlled the boards, and with the reduced turnovers on offense, they did not give up as many highlight-reel dunks, and never really allowed the crowd to get into the game.

•  Don't expect much to change in their defensive plan for Game 3.

X Factors

Atlanta
•  Mike Bibby was 4-for-8 from the 3-point line and took only 12 shots in Game 2. He could be preparing for a big scoring night if Wade is focused on Joe Johnson.

Miami
•  Cook made 6-of-9 3-point shots in Game 2. His continued ability to complement Wade could be a key.

Prediction

The Hawks must have walked away scratching their heads after Miami shot 55 percent from the floor in Game 2. They will be counting on Miami's shooters coming back to earth. The Heat have turned things completely around in just one game and now can take command of the series by protecting their home court. This game should more closely resemble the four regular-season games, with tough defense on both ends, low scoring, and nothing easy for either team.

Prediction: Heat win Game 3

Mike Moreau is the director of basketball for the Pro Training Center and The Basketball Academy at the IMG Academies in Bradenton, Fla. He also serves as an NBA analyst for Hoopsworld.

Synergy Sports Technology systems were used in the preparation of this report.