Crowder hints at strategy change for Heat in Game 4 vs. C's

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The Boston Celtics made several key adjustments in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals to earn their first win over the Miami Heat and climb back into this series.

But they don't play in a vacuum.

So, just as the Celtics learned lessons from their losses in Games 1 and 2, the Heat are investigating what changes they should make after dropping Game 3.

Blakely: Is this small-ball lineup a game-changer for C's?

One of those changes could involve forwardĀ Jae Crowder. The C's switched theĀ 6-foot Kemba Walker onto Crowder in Game 3, allowing first-team All-Defense guardĀ Marcus Smart to lock up the red-hot Goran Dragic.

Despite his considerable size advantage over Walker, Crowder attempted all of his shots from beyond the arc, going 2-for-10 from 3-point range.

The ex-Celtics forward hinted Miami will have a different plan of attack ready if Walker defends him again in Game 4.

"Obviously, I donā€™t want to give everything away," Crowder told reporters Monday, via Ira Winderman of the Orlando Sun-Sentinel. "But, obviously, weā€™ve got to make adjustments, and thatā€™s what weā€™ve been doing.

"Weā€™ve been practicing, watching film. Weā€™ll continue to do so. But obviously itā€™ll be a different game plan, different approach moving forward."

Game 4 isn't until Wednesday, which means head coach Erik Spoelstra and the Heat have a few extra days to consider their next move against Brad Stevens and Co.

Celtics Talk Podcast:Ā After Game 3 victory, are the Celtics winning this series vs. Heat?Ā | Listen & subscribe | Watch on YouTube

"Itā€™s the playoffs. Itā€™s about making adjustments and moving pieces around and trying to adjust,ā€ Crowder added. "So without giving too much away, this is a chess match. Itā€™s two good teams going head to head, two good coaches coaching at their best."

Crowder has been the definition of a "three-and-D" player in this series, with all but 25 of his 29 shot attempts coming from 3-point range.

Recognizing that Crowder isn't attacking the basket, the C's made a smart adjustment by defending him with the smaller Walker.

Crowder and the Heat are aware of that adjustment, though -- which means Miami has the next move.

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