The MIami Heat Face Yet One More Test, Themselves.

Miami enters tonights game at the triple A, versus the Philadelphia 76ers with thoughts of round two in the back of their collective heads. Miami' nemesis the Boston Celtics defending Eastern Conf. Champions are already home game planning and resting tired bones. The Heatles look to finish off the Sixers and move on to round 2. First the Heat must figure out somethings that have become obstacles in their progression as a team, no not who the closer is, Miami' largest hurdle is themselves.

There is only do or do not, there is no try

Lebron James and Chris Bosh joined the Miami Heat to win rings and Dwayne Wade is the only player East or West, not playing for Los Angeles, Boston, or San Antonio with a World Championship win. Down 2-0 vs the Mavs, he put the team on his back, coming back to steal Dallas' lunch money and parade budget, but he did not do it by himself. Wade was part of a club with multiple Hall of Fame players including Shaq, Alonso Mourning, and Gary "The Glove" Payton all of whom contributed to the Championship run at some point. Wade looks to James and Bosh to contribute with similar performances.

Chris Bosh has never won a playoff series as the star player for the Toronto Raptors and Lebron James took his team to the NBA Finals after many years of failure in the early rounds. James' and Bosh' failures to achieve their goal of winning an NBA Championship can be seen as a failure, but failure is the greatest of motivators. In the world of sports psychology, Attribution theory seeks to explain how an individual’s perceived reasons for past success and failure contribute to their current and future motivation and success. The theory revolves around four causal attributions: ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck. Each is characterized as stable or unstable, internal or external, and controllable or uncontrollable.

James is widely regarded as the most physically gifted players with an incredible basketball IQ. His effort has been questioned by fans and his former owner alike. Last year with Cleveland, James was accused quitting on his teammates and has heard chants of Lequit, Lebum, and Lebrick, all due to his perceived failure wether internal or external. Lebron James arguably the most gifted player reinforced by his two back to back MVP's has had his fair share of failure. Most players would buckle and/or shy away from the bright lights after so much disappointment, but Lebron' drive and mental toughness used that only as motivation. After his long streak of misadventure, his decision to leave Cleveland for Miami can be directly correlated to his desire to succeed and quiet his detractors, but instead they multiplied. Dwayne Wade being a former Champion, has the GPS coordinates to success. He is the only player of all the contenders in the playoffs, not playing for Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Boston with the Championship road map. Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Joe Johnson, and of course Dirk Nowitski know that the road exists, but don't even have a map. Lebron' mental toughness has been put to the test all year long, every arena he entered from the very beginning of the season assaulted him with a plethora of slurs, boos, attacks, mocks, burns, digs, and I wont go into the all round general hate. Even his Mother's failure's have been thrown in to the mix, in an attempt to rattle his cage, yet James has not only performed, he's improved.

The Heatles are on the verge of confronting their Goliath, the proverbial monsters under the bed, The Baaaston Celtics! Boston' guile and perspicacity bring a formidable opponent to once again test the meddle of not only James, but Bosh' also. In the words of the Yoda of basketball Pat Riley "There can only be one state of mind as you approach any profound test; total concentration, a spirit of togetherness, and strength". The Miami Heat must close out the Sixer' tonight in Miami and prepare for the war versus Boston, they already have the physical edge, the rest in mental. Nothing but net...

Miami Heat Wall by Serge Toussaint in Miami

The Heatles Look Forward to Boston Series

The Miami Heat enter Sunday's game vs the Sixer's looking to close out the series with a sweep. Miami has taken care of business in the first round and have demonstrated that they have that killer instinct needed to advance. The Boston Celtics, reigning Eastern Conference Champs have made quick work of the hobbled New York Knicks to take a 3-0 series lead. Both Miami and Boston both look primed to meet in the second round and Boston has won the past battles, but Miami has added a new general for the upcoming war.

The Heatles will have their hands full with Boston in the next round and are not underestimating their rivals capacity to execute in the final minutes as the Knicks have found out first hand. The Celtics lead the season series 3-1 vs the Heatles and have showed dominance in beating the Heat 18 of the past 21 times. Miami' last victory on April 10th versus the Celtics was a 100-77 blowout by the Heatles to earn the 2nd seed and home court in the 2nd round, it was Bostons worst loss this year. Though Dwayne Wade was limited to 14 points and 8 dimes, Wade limited the Celtic catalyst Ray Allen to 13 points for the game. While Lebron James added 27 points, 5 boards, and 7 assists to lead the Heatles to the win. The hero of this last game though, was Joel Anthony and his unique skill set and energy. Anthony plays the role of in the paint defender and shot blocker to a tee. His athleticism and incredible stamina keep Miami' opponents weary as they enter the lane. Anthony, off the bench had such a good performance the Kevin Garnett said "Anthony killed us by himself today" after "The Warden" on with only 9 points and 10 boards amassed he was able to limit Boston' interior scoring almost single handedly. Joel and his energy have been Miami' catalyst off the bench and will be much needed in the upcoming Boston/Miami series.

Miami has yet to finish the Sixer's off and Boston has the Knick's to deal with also, but with no team ever coming back from a 3 game deficit, both can see the series at the end of the tunnel. Boston' coach Doc Rivers mentioned after the April 10th lose that Carlos Arroyo previously the Heat PG had given Boston a free scouting report on the Heat. Boston' veteran team and coach know how difficult a match up they have on their hands, rumors were that Perkins was traded to bring in a better match up in Green to defend against the Heat' smaller and more athletic team. Miami' younger "Big 3" certainly have the athletic advantage on the more weathered "Big 3", but Boston still holds an slight edge on the "been there done that" advantage. The Heatles do have the benefit of having a Finals MVP in Dwayne Wade with his super human like capacity to lift his game to another level and with Lebron, a two time MVP himself with plenty of big game experience. Miami looks to capitalize on that experience and athleticism to make a run at the defending Eastern Conference Champs in the twilight of their careers with the help of some from key role players and of course "The Warden" Miami has a punchers chance in this rivalry.

The Lebron Dime to Wade

Brotherhood

The Heatles Can Make History

The Heatles are in position 

In the past 25 years the Lakers, Spurs, Bulls, Heat, Celtics, Detroit, and Rockets have been the few teams that can say we are world Champions. The Miami Heat' one and only ring was delivered by the Dwayne Wade lead team of 06' with a historic comeback to defeat the Mavericks. Of those teams previously mentioned, five are in playoff contention this year. Miami has Wade 29, James 27, and Bosh 27, in their relative primes, while the Lakers, the Spurs, and the Celtics are growing old before our eyes. All quality teams in the age of free agency are destined to loose players, coaches, and front office personnel to shifts in competition. Miami has positioned itself to compete now with these seasoned but older and slower clubs reaching the twilight of their runs, right now.

Miami have The Heatles, the building blocks to compete for years to come with the addition of role players, specialists, and veterans. That, and some timely scoring from role players the Heat may redeem James of his famous quote "not 1, not 2, etc...". James will have to play his best basketball, not just scoring a ton of points to get it done this year. Miami will have to earn those potential titles as the the Bulls and New York have made significant strides. With the addition of Boozer and ringer MVP Rose' accelerated growth, Chicago is in position to challenge for some time. Anthony and Stoudemire joining the Knicks added fuel to the fire it seems clear, Pat Riley started in the East, as he changed the game yet again.

The clear demarcation line between these clubs is the seasoning of these three teams, Wade and James bring their version of Lamar Odom in Bosh playing solid and efficient basketball in the playoffs where he's averaged 23 points and 11 boards in two games while shooting 56%. With a finals experience under their belts James and Wade, a 06' finals MVP himself, appear to have the key ingredients to be front runners to win a championship this year. The only Heat ring came on the back of Wade in 06' and a band of talented, but aging veteran ball players that were the only team to be down 0-2 and win a ring. Wade showed the league that a team of regular season under achievers can win a Championship. That experience Wade gained in 06' coupled with Lebron James' well documented short comings in the 07' finals, give The Heatles an upper hand, this year. Nothing but net...

D Wade and King James Highlights

Dwayne Wade is a Survivor and a Champion!

Joel Anthony Making That Money!

The Heatles take care of business

Bosh is key to winning basketball for Miami

Some say the playoffs is where athletes make their money, well the Heatles earned their checks and then some. Miami came at the Sixer's from the get and didn't slow down til the game was won. Miami did what everyone around the country was waiting to see on national TV. After their first game in the series was too close for comfort the Heat brought the defense early, lead by Dwayne Wade and his steal and dunk to start a run that Philly never recovered from.

Miami completely exposed the Sixer's offense and defense like good teams are supposed to. They stepped on Philly' necks and didn't let them up. This is what Miami fans have been waiting to see. Lebron lead the way with 29 point, 7 boards, and 6 assists, but his defense was smothering. Chris Bosh continued his series with 21 points and 11 boards, since the break he has been driving more and shooting less, but his pick and rolls have been key. Once again Miami' defense played with energy and Joel Anthony was a beast against every defender, especially Thaddeus Young, his three blocks vs Young led to breaks and limited Sixer's to mid range jumpers. Dwayne Wade made his mark after a night of migraines with his steal and dunk in the second Philly possession. That set the wheels in motion for the rest of the game. Miami never looked back.

Miami made a statement to every playoff team, that they are ready for these playoffs, the rest of the league is on notice. The Heatles are for real and they are gaining strength like a hurricane, while many contenders are stalling like cold fronts.

Act like you've been here before

Well, all the game one' have been played in the first weekend of playoff basketball and it was a good one, no great one. The Miami Heat took care of business against the Sixer's and got one under their belts, but its just one of many to come. Many of the teams that were upset today played well, but were outplayed by a better team that day. Many will point at fouls, hard fouls, and non calls, to them I say, welcome to the Playoffs.

In Miami' first playoff game in the Heatles generation, the Heat played a good game for the most part. Miami was down in the first quarter and caused Heat fans to worry, but Miami fought through the waves of Sixer players of their deep bench. Miami led for most of the way, until a fourth quarter run brought the Sixer's to within one point. Miami gathered themselves and with help from Bosh with 24 points and 12 boards and James adding 21 points and 14 boards to quell the Sixer's final run. Dwayne Wade was the difference though his stat line won't show it, as it so often does. Wade made his late game shots and created shots where there were none. Miami' capacity to get to the line was key. Two rim attackers driving continuously will do that and as a fan I am grateful, especially for Bosh. The bench, though quiet did just enough, especially on the defensive end. Miami did have some lapses on the offensive end and seemed to be lulled into jumpers when ahead. Miami also turned the ball over 5 more times than the Sixer's. Missed free throws and turnovers have plagued the offense and opens the door for opponents to make quick runs.

The Playoffs are here and the games will be tough and the fouls will be hard. Many players have started the complaining and coaches have also chimed in. These are the playoffs and there are no freebies here, act like you've been here before. Nothing but Net...

Wade with a slama!

Flash

Since the Break, No Ones Hotter than Heat

James is shooting 56% since Allstar break

Now that the regular season is drawing to an end. The Heatles enter their final game vs the Raptors tonight and will most likely end the season 34 games above .500. Second in the Eastern Conference 4 games behind only the Chicago Bulls, the presumptive favorites to reach the finals as per most analysts.
Taking a look at the season from the All Star break though The Heatles have been HOT! Since the break James and Wade have elevated their games to new levels and no one has been more efficient. Since the break James is shooting 56% from the field while averaging 28 points per game to lead the league. Wade is not far behind at 26 points per game shooting a 50% clip from the field. Chris Bosh has also stepped up contributing 19 points and 9 boards per game. The Heatles have shown the league their offense can score, but more notably with high efficiency.
The Miami Heat is getting the shots that they want. Their ball rotation and recent addition of James/Wade pick and roll and James posting up more, have allowed Miami' offense to spread the floor and attack the rim. Wade has been a defensive juggernaut he leads all guards in blocks on the season and leads Noah, Amare, and Gasol in blocks since the break in blocks. He shut down Kobe and Ray Allen in key games and has almost 2 steals a game since the break. James leads all SF since the break in points and rebounds. Wade leads all SG in offensive boards and is only second to Iguadala by mere % points in rebounds since the break. Wade is also second in FTA/game since the break. The LeWade tandem is destroying rims and defenses since the break and have elevated their games to new levels together. Many analysts questioned whether they can share the ball, Erik Spolstra has proven the naysayers wrong.
The end of this regular season brings the Miami Heat one step closer to their ultimate goal, a World Championship. The Heatles enter the playoffs sizzling on offense and stifling on defense and their two stars are leading the way.
There are some things Miami must do though if they want to represent the East in the Finals. First, is limit their turnovers, Miami has 17 TO/game in April and James is second in the league in turnovers. Miami' new and improved offensive ball rotation has created more high percentage shots, but has also created more turnovers. Turnovers in the playoffs, where possessions are critical and must be curtailed. Miami' other glaring issue is free throws, Miami as a team is shooting 77% from the stripe, not awful, but in comparison to Oklahoma who shoots 82% with just as many attempts, Miami is found wanting. Both Wade and James avg. 8 FT/game and are both are shooting 75% from the stripe. In the post season, where every point counts, Miami' two rim muggers better step up on the stripe if they want to advance.
The Heatles have been a true pleasure to watch all season long. The highlight reel this year will be long, but not as long as the line of critics the Heat have faced. Miami Heat fans knew they were getting one of the best players in Lebron James, but but more surprising was his maturity. While facing adversity and criticism all the way from the famed"decision", Lebron James has carried himself like a true gentleman. He changed his game, he shared the responsibility, and all while facing constant boos and haters. Dwayne Wade Miami' slighted MVP, has been equally impressive. Wade showed the league that two superstars minus the egos can coexist and succeed. That level of maturity may carry the Heatles to the Eastern Conference Championship and to the Finals. Nothing but net..
 

Jumpball? Really?

Jumpball? C'mon Man!

As the Miami Heat were taking care of locking up the 2nd seed in the east on Monday in Atlanta, a curious call on Lebron James caught my attention. As he drove the lane and was being fouled, he flipped up a lay up that went in. Expecting a 3 point play for Lebron, the referee stepped in and call a "jump ball". Now I'm no referee and certainly do not proclaim to know each NBA rule, but how can you call jump ball on a play that the player flipped in the ball for a lay up? I thought a jump ball was called on plays in which both players controlled the ball? Hmm, is right? There was no jump ball at all, in fact James should have been at the stripe for one and the basket should count. Bad calls seem to follow the Heatles, I wonder why?
Last year both James and Wade went to the stripe regularly due to the physical manner they each attack the rim. James averaged 10 FTA/ game and Wade averaged 9 for the whole of the 09/10 season. This season shows a considerable drop off from last year, both Wade and James average 8 FTA/ game this year. Both increased their scoring totals and FG%, while reducing their number of shots. Are the referees making less calls now that they now play on the same team? The stats say no, but if you have watched Heat games last year, Wade was getting calls he hasn't gotten this year. Perhaps James isn't going to the hoop strong enough and drawing enough contact, not! James has lost more calls than Wade has, while having his most efficient season from the field, making 1 out every two shots. Those FT attempts have been the difference in a season filled with close games against plus .500 teams. The Heatles have faced critics all season from all angles and have taken it in stride and with class. Their toughest critics may come in the form of no calls in the playoffs and in the playoffs each possession counts.
The Heatles tend to expect certain calls and routinely quarrel with the refs. They may have a point  as per last years numbers in some cases, but this year guys, those calls aren't coming it appears. That's a personal foul on the refs or was is it a "jumpball"?

History may repeat it self

In your face MVP, again?

Sunday the Miami Heat took a step forward and defeated one demon in the Boston Celtics 100-77. They started off slow and really freaked out the fans for the first minutes of the first quarter after falling behind by 9. Miami settled in and grabbed a lead into the 2nd quarter and didn't look back. The Heatles defense was stifling the Celtic offense particularly Ray Allen, he was Waded out. Wade didn't play his best game, but he created the flow along with inspiring play from Chalmers and Anthony. Anthony was all over the place, Boston never rotated to him of the pick and roll, and he made them pay.The energy and the hustle for loose balls gave the game a playoff mood. The fouls were hard and Miami quelled each Celtic run with a smothering defense and a transition game that reminded me old Laker Showtime. It's those small plays the Miami was missing in their game plan. Chalmers defense was great, Rio has been playing better and I see him making a difference in the playoffs. Everyone forgets he made the game winning shot after leading Kansas to National Championship. He may get a chance to snatch another Championship from Derrick Rose, if he continues playing like this. If Miami can harness that defensive energy, limit their turnovers, and make their free throws, Miami look prime to see their way to the Finals.

The Miami Heat welcome the Boston Celtics to South Beach

The Boston Celtics are the thorn in the "Heatles" side  for the past two seasons. The Miami Heat have not beaten the Celtics all season. This pivotal match up for home court in the first two rounds could be Miami' most important game this year.
The Celtics enter American Airlines Arena Sunday this afternoon for their last game in the regular season. After winning 14 out of the last 15 against the Heat, Boston' confidence is at an all time high and they have completely dominated the Heat and mostly Dwayne Wade who averages just  12 pts against the Celts. Wade will have to be aggressive and make his presence felt. Since the all star break Wade is posting 50% FG percentage, 26 points, 5 boards, and 4 assists per game. Wade must be aggressive and not turn the ball over.
Turn overs are the Miami Heats biggest problem this season. Miami averages 13 TO/games and in the games vs Boston it had averaged 16 to Bostons 13. Not much of a difference, but those three possessions could be the difference in the game.
Lebron James has been playing like a man possessed since the all star break, but his FT% has been poor, especially in the later quarters. 75% from the line just will not cut it in this game and in the games to come. Against Boston it drops to 73%, Lebron must shoot better to win and he must post up to give Miami a low post presence.
Miami' point guards will have their hands full with Rondo today, both Bibby and Rio must at least limit his drives and I say Miami' bigs must put Rondo on the floor a couple of times. Mike Bibby is shooting lights out from 3 point land and has made the offense flow easier than Rio. Bibby will play a huge role going forward and he needs to play big. Mario "Rio" Chalmers has a chance to prove he can be an integral part of this team by playing lock down defense today and keep Rondo out of the lane.
The" Heatles" will have to put together a good game from start to finish to beat the Celtics this afternoon to knock off the defending Eastern Conference Champions and take that intensity into the playoffs. Miami has been much maligned for their record vs plus .500 teams and beating the Celtics on their way into the playoffs, could be just what they need to make a run at the Lakers.

Haters, marry haters, and have hater kids...

When Pat Riley made his move this off season, he knew it was going to be big. Big like drafting Magic to bring "Showtime" to its  fruition. Big like drafting Dwayne Wade, adding undrafted Udonis Haslem, Shaq and the Glove on his way to adding a fifth ring to his hand as a coach. Pat Riley' past big moves lead to championships, his most recent move will do the same, but no one thought it might come this year.

The buzz in Miami after last season was not good. Dwayne Wade Miami' MVP was being used and abused for most of the season as the only option, much like Lebron was being used in Cleveland, except our owner has class, lol. We knew change was on the way after a first round lose to Chicago and no one wanted to loose Wade, period. So the Heat had to get him some help. Fans were frustrated and the buzz on the radio was that Wade was leaving to Chicago. That he was joining Lebron in NY, that he and Boozer were joining Rose in Chicago, etc, etc,etc. Pat Riley was cool, collected, and stand offish most of the off season, but Heat fans knew he had something up his sleeve. With plenty of cap space and a network second to none in the NBA, Riley set out to make his move and came through for Miami once again.

Now that the Heat is in a good position to contend for a title. He has one more move to add to an ailing Heat front court, he is working out former Knick Eddy Curry a 7 footer with a defensive and rebounding mind set. The deadline for Curry to sign and be eligible for the playoffs is April 13th. The addition of Curry who has been hurt in the last couple of years can be one of those moves that propel the Heat to another ring and Riley to his seventh ring and first as team president, maybe one for each finger.

Thank you Pat Riley, for the most exciting season as a Heat fan.

Nothing but net!