To this point, Miami's offense carried the Heat to a commanding 2-0 series lead but the scoring disappeared in the first half of Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. The Heat shot just 36 percent from the floor in the first 24 minutes, and they trail the New York Knicks 40-36 at half. LeBron James was the only Miami player in double figures in the first half, hitting eight of nine attempts from the free-throw line to finish with 12 points. James, however, committed four first half turnovers as the Knicks ratcheted up the defense. The Heat had two field goal droughts of 12 minutes and four minutes.
On offense, however, the Knicks haven't fared much better than Miami. New York is shooting 39 percent from the floor. Unexpectedly, Landry Fields is their leading scorer as the the second-year wing from Stanford was perfect from the field and at the line. Miami will need to improve the offensive efficiency in the second half if they want to take a 3-0 series lead.
Stick with this StoryStream for news and updates throughout the first round series between the Heat and Knicks. For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For the opponent's perspective throughout the series, check out Posting And Toasting, SB Nation's Knicks blog. And for all your news and notes on the playoffs matchups, visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.