The Heat is Rising!

The Heatles have been an amazing team to watch this season and seeing them evolve has been like watching a Caterpillar turn into a Blue Morpho butterfly. The level of basketball that the Heat are displaying on both sides of the ball can only get better with time. The Dallas Mavericks played well and were forced to succumb to Miami and their defensive will. If winning game one means that 73% of the time the winner goes on to win the championship, then Miami is one game closer to locking down its second ring.

Wade found his way to the rim

Last night the crowd at the triple A was treated to a great display of defense, Miami jumped out and made plays when they needed to. Lead by Wade and James, Miami' defense found a way to slow Dirk, a great offense, and the great Dallas bench. Haslem and Anthony limited Dirk almost on every possession. Wade and Chalmers played the Barea and Kidd tandem as well as they can be played. Kidd found open passes, but also made several bad one because of the defense. Anthony' blocks on Chandler and Marion set the tone for this defense in the first quarter as the two teams felt each other out.

Dallas will improve and make adjustments and this series is far from over. Carlisle is a wise coach and Kidd is a general on the court, I expect more offense from both teams in game two. The fact that Miami held Dirk to such a poor shooting percentage and harassed him the entire game with hard double teams cost Miami some open three pointers, but didn't let the big guy get into his rhythm. No sweet spots, and only a few turn around's was a good sign for the defense versus Dirk. I would take my chances with Peja and Kidd shooting threes over Dirk getting comfortable or in a groove.

Mario Chalmers has finally put together a game and he chose to do it in the finals. Rio has been the missing piece for this offense. His lane penetrations, and his outside shooting are desperately needed to spread the floor and get open looks for Miller and even Lebron. If "Lucky Chalms" can keep Barea and Kidd moving on defense and hit the three's when open or drive the lane when closed out, he can effect the game more. Miami only needs Chalmers to take care of the ball and make good decisions.

Miami demonstrated that a great defense is the best answer for a great offense. The emergence of Chris Bosh on both sides of the ball have made the Heat more versatile than ever, he has been here most of the season, but he has really shown up in the playoffs. Miami heads into game two with confidence against a slower team and a zone defense that allows Miami to hit the boards, and we all know no boards, no rings. 

Dallas will be more aggressive on the boards and try to get inside more with Chandler and Haywood. As long as Dirk is below 40 points, Miami has a good chance of taking game two. The Dallas bench was quiet, but wont be for long, they will score. Miami has to limit their scoring by making Barea a passer and not allow him into the lane off the hard show off the pick and roll. 

Miami can be more aggressive also, Bosh didn't put it on the floor enough and his missed jumpers helped keep Chandler from falling for the up-fake. Bibby and Anthony have to be aggressive offensively, the defensive help will come off their men and they must make them pay with jumpers and/or going to the rim. Miami leaked points at the free throw line again, it didn't cost them this game, but in closer games, it could. Mike Miller' injury while boxing out a 7 footer down low was unfortunate, but Miller made the play and contributed when called upon, he confirmed today that he will play in game 2.

Miami should know that Dallas will be looking to steal game two. After looking over the film, Carlisle should find ways to put his shooters in better spots and his big's in position to rebound. Miami cannot underestimate a good shooting team like the Mavericks and keep the intensity level high on defense. Miami should hold serve and head to Dallas with confidence that they can steal one of three games. Nothing but net...