Without Hawes in the middle, Udonis Haslem was about to handle Al Jefferson and help force the decisive Game 7.
Spencer Hawes' size gave the Charlotte Hornets a big man in the paint to occupy Hassan Whiteside. The Hornets won three straight against the Miami Heat with Hawes playing important minutes and they were in position to close out the series in Charlotte. His injury allowed the Heat to match Udonis Haslem against Al Jefferson's veteran moves and play lockdown defenders Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson against Jeremy Lin and company.