By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Miami Heat gearing up for the best-of-seven playoffs series versus the Indiana Pacers launches Goran Dragic to his fourth postseason run, third with his current team. The 34-year-old Slovenian is hoping for an extended run in the NBA bubble set up in Orlando.
“The whole season has been different, but at the end of the day we know these are the playoffs,” he said recalling past playoffs experiences, “We got to be ready. It’s going to be a really intense matchup with Indiana. We are ready, I can’t wait to start those games.”
The Heat are not tabbed as a hot favorite in the Eastern Conference, but Dragic is a firm believer in a long playoffs run. He is averaging 17 points, 5.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per contest in the bubble so far.
“If I didn’t think we can go deep into the playoffs, I wouldn’t be here,” he mentioned, “I think we have a good chance. It’s all on us and how we are going to perform.”
Whether he starts or not is up to head coach Erik Spoelstra and matchup options presented in the series opposite to the Pacers. Dragic himself solely focuses on the Heat achieving victories.
“I have repeated this throughout the season. I don’t care if I start or come from the bench. I only care about winning,” he said regarding his approach to starting or not.
Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday.