Kel'el Ware, the Miami Heat rookie center, had a difficult debut in the playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, recording just two points and three rebounds in 20 minutes. It marked a stark contrast to his regular-season performance where he averaged nearly a double-double. Ware's struggle to adapt to the playoff intensity became evident, especially as he was limited in contributing to the team's defense against the Cavaliers' offense. His experience reflects both the potential and challenges of young players in high-stakes scenarios.
"I don't know what happened," said Ware, who played just one minute in the fourth quarter of Game 1. "The ball was moving, it was finding everybody. I was just playing through the flow of the game."
Ware was especially quiet in Sundayâs first half, going without a point or rebound while playing 12:30 in the first two quarters.
Thatâs not normal for Ware, who averaged 10.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game during his final 38 regular-season appearances this season after becoming a full-time Heat starter in January.
"I think, obviously, Kel'el being in that environment, going through his very first playoff game, it probably surprised him a little bit," Heat guard.
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