The Celtics Can't Beat The Miami Heat

Wade had the Hot Hand vs the Celtics

The Boston Celtic's are a great franchise with remarkable history and had the experience factor, but Miami showed more poise and execution today. Paul Pierce and his lake of composure cost the Celtic's an opportunity to make yet another run, after Miami quelled all the previous ones. Dwayne Wade' performance today only solidified his playoff legacy. Miami' defense was quicker and more aggressive than Boston' today, and I repeat today. 


After both teams got acclimated in the first and Miami captured the lead that they would not relinquish. Dwayne Wade got the Heatles off to a great start. Miami played excellent defense on Rondo using Bibby no less and he slowed Boston' offensive catalyst down with good point guard play, yes I said it. The biggest mistake in this game went to Rondo, with James on the break and him with a foul already, Rondo tied James up and drew the foul. He only accomplished to put himself on the bench and give away the Celtic's strength, himself. 


Miami wasn't as efficient as they could of been shooting 47%, but Miami' three point specialist James Jone came through with a tremendous performance. His calm and composed behavior was a bigger asset than his shooting and his 25 points. With Paul Pierce in his face, Jones stood his ground and made Pierce loose his composure and it cost him with a technical. His head butt on James was unnecessary and was a foolish play by Pierce. He was later tossed for yet another technical, after setting a moving pick on Wade, yet another foolish play.


Lebron James contributed 22 points, 6 boards, and 5 assists to help the Heat maintain their lead and never loose it. James' defense on Paul Pierce had 19 points and 7 boards. Miami did a good job on Ray Allen for most of the game, but Allen can just flat out shoot, his 25 points lead Boston while he shot 5 of 8 from three point land. The Boston defense was tested today by the Heat's superior athleticism and outside shooters. Miami' could not count on Chris Bosh offensively today his jumper was not there, but his 12 boards and solid defense where important in limiting Boston on the glass. Miami demonstrated to the league that they are for real.


Dwayne Wade proved yet again what most Heat fans already knew, he's a scoring machine when his jumper is falling. Wade pushed the Celtic defense to it's limit and found his game along the way, finding teammates off the ball for 5 dimes. When Wade plays like this he is unstoppable, but Miami fans already knew this. His 38 points, 3 steals, and only 2 turnovers allowed Miami' shooters to pop 3's and opened the floor for Lebron to drive to the hoop.


The Heatles know they had some issues like missed FT's and poor shot selection at times. Boston made a 10-0 run to begin the third and Miami failed to stop them or make a shot. Big Z has played well in games where his jumper is hitting, but his defense has cost Miami. After Bibby' poor series versus Philly, he played well today and hit a big open shot. Miami' bench stepped up and out played the Celtic bench, which most heralded (Big Baby). Jeff Green was the lone bright spot for the Celtics, well see more of him in this series. 


Miami played well enough to win and cannot become complacent, Boston is a veteran team and will try to steal game 2. Miami must defend the home court and put the pressure on Boston at the Garden. Boston isn't done by any stretch and will come out hungry and aggressive. Miami showed that the April 10th game was no fluke and Boston showed they are a step slower, but can't be dismissed, not yet. Nothing but Net.....

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..
 

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.