The Heatles Must Protect Home Court

Miami Heat Mural by Serge Toussaint in Wynwood, Miami

After game one ended on Sunday evening, the Celtic's learned what Miami fans already knew, this is not the same team you beat in the regular season. Miami has made strides all season, but failed to be as consistent as they could of been. The Heat are now demonstrating the poise and experience to knock off the defending champs. With Sunday's victory Miami should be confident, but weary of a veteran team that won't just go away.

The Miami Heat knew their paths would meet and many suspect that Miami has been waiting for this series all year. Miami has evolved into a team, yes I said it, a team. As the Boston Celtic's found out in game 1, Miami has a defense that can stifle even the most efficient offense in the league. Holding the Celtic leaders like Garnett and Pierce to a sub par shooting night. Miami' line up of Wade, James, Bosh, Chalmers, and Anthony crushed every Boston run in game 1. Defense on a string is Miami' philosophy all season and that string will have to be reinforced and lengthened for game two and a more determined Boston team.

The keys to the game are quite simple limit clean looks, close out the lane for Rondo, and don't allow Allen  to shoot undefended. Miami did a good job of limiting Garnett and Rondo on Sunday, both will look to improve their performances. Miami can use the Celtic' aggressiveness against them by taking their time on offense in the half court and making the extra pass. Also pushing the ball and creating miss matches and forcing Boston to defend. Boston will not double or James and Wade will dish to open shooters. Boston will stay home on Jones this game, but I smell a decoy. The extra pass will stretch the floor and make Boston run around more than their old legs want. Miami must be aggressive and patient, allowing Boston to dictate the pace could backfire on the Heat.

Dwayne Wade played a smart game on Sunday and made some great decisions that helped Miami' offense by spreading the defense. Boston had no answer for Wade and will look to limit his open looks. The Bibby' and Chalmers' of Sunday, must step up and force Rondo away from his comfort zones. Rondo was too aggressive on Sunday and won't make the same mistakes, but that said, Chalmers must take him to the rim and draw fouls on him when the lane opens up. Chalmers is my sleeper for this game, his defense is his strength, but he can shoot and will. James Jones will have a bullseye on him all game, that will allow James to drive more than last game and he has been licking his chops. James wants this series win as does Wade, both have been booted by Boston and no one knows Boston better than these two. I see James being very aggressive tonight, both driving to the rim and posting up.

The bench has been Miami' achilles heel for most of the season as per most analysts, but they have proved their true worth. Jones of course had a great offensive impact in game 1, but the real strength of the bench is defense. Joel Anthony has played great for the second half of the season, his energy and presence in the paint keep opponents honest. Mike Miller was quiet in game 1 with no points, but had 3 assists and 3 boards. His game could help Miami spread the floor more and give the Heat one more weapon.

Miami cannot become complacent in game two. Miami made more turnovers than the Celtics in game one and the defensive stops bailed them out. Miami cannot miss free throws or give up offensive rebounds, not versus a scorned veteran team like Boston. Miami out hustled the Celtics in game one and must multiply that effort. Jeff Green' points of the bench kept Boston in the game and he must be checked in this game. Miami' effort and defense quelled ever Boston run on Sunday, they must repeat that performance to succeed and to earn the respect they deserve. To be champions, you must beat champions and Miami knows it. Nothing but net.....