Wade isn't expecting Bosh back from his lower abdominal strain Sunday in Game 4, so the scheme probably won't change. But he vows that his performance will.
The only problem, he said, was the two defenders closing on him whenever he came off a pick or caught the ball anywhere near the lane. He was also largely contained in Game 2, managing only 15 points in regulation before scoring eight in overtime to help the Heat pull out a 115-111 victory.
Wade didn't attempt a free throw for the first time in a playoff game since 2004, when he was a rookie, and managed just six points on 3-of-9 shooting in the first half. Still, he was far from the only problem for the Heat.
Garnett scored 24 points, the Celtics taking advantage of an undersized Heat lineup without Bosh by repeatedly throw it into their center near the rim. With Rajon Rondo adding 21 points and 10 assists, it's becoming clear they've found two matchups they can exploit.
''We're still down one game in this series, so we've only done one thing. We've won one game. We have to come back, we have to play better. I still think we can play better,'' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. ''That's the first thing I told them after the game. I said, 'Great win, but that's still not our best.' We have to play better and we can play better.''
So can Wade, though he knows the Celtics will make it difficult. At some point, Bosh may be back and the Heat will be a Big Three again. In the meantime, Wade will keep seeing double.
''Like I said, it's no secret, guys,'' Wade told reporters before practice. ''I'm getting doubled at the top of the key. I'm getting doubled in the paint, so let's not shoot a turnaround jump shot all the time, which is not a good shot for our team. We're going to have to find other ways for our team to loosen things up. And eventually, I'm a patient person, so eventually things will hopefully loosen up and I can get my opportunities where I can attack and get in a rhythm a little more.''
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