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...

Defeat-a-Bull!

Filet Mignon For Dinner

Miami enters tonight's game in Chicago on a three game playoff winning streak and looks to defeat the Bulls in the house that Jordan built. Miami' defense has been the catalyst for all three wins in this series. The story line's are plentiful in this series as they have been all season. Mike Miller showing up in game four for 12 points, 9 boards, and several key plays all while dealing with the birth of his daughter that is in an ICU unit. Miami wishes the Miller family nothing but blessings and our prayers are with your angel. Udonis Haslem's return  to the court was also key in the Miami Heat' resurgence on the boards and on defense in game two, his year was lost, until Spoelstra called his number and he performed in typical UD fashion, like he was never gone. Mario "Lucky Chalms" Chalmers also came through with key plays, both defensively and offensively. Lucky Chalms must get ready for the finals by establishing his game tonight, Miami will need him to play well and focused.


Despite Dwayne Wade' poor shooting and really non aggressive style in game four that lead me to believe that he was hurt, but his OT play eliminated that thought quickly. Wade is the key in this game five for the Heat, they need him to be more war like and getting him started is important tonight. Wade' blocks on Rose and Deng in game 4, let everyone know he has more in the tank. Getting Wade open using screens and feeding him will be Haslem and James' job, James, I expect he will be the facilitator again for this game and get the role players hot and going. James was spectacular in game four with 35 points, 6 boards, and 3 huge blocks, but his defense on Rose in the fourth will not show up in the box score. He was everywhere and on everyone all game, his one lapse cost the Heat 3 points when Deng hit a three. Other than that, James was brilliant like Guinness beer on defense.


Game five will be no easy task, but if it was easy every team would close out. Miami' experienced core players know they cannot give the Bulls any momentum at all. Miami' bench players must show and place in this horse race. The Bulls bench will be fired up and very physical, they have to be. It will be good experience for them to step up in these types of games and learn to play with pressure. Chicago will be looking to put Roe on an island versus Bibby or Chalmers and probably abandon the pick and roll that Miami defends so well. The boards tonight will be key for the Bulls, so expect a lot of banging down low and hard fouls near the rim. Miami must stretch the floor more tonight than ever, the three point shooters must hit some shots. Miami can finish this tonight, but if they do not, Miami comes home and takes care of business anyway. Nothing but Net...............

Will Rose Wilt In The Miami Heat Again?

Noah taking pictures for FACEbook!

As the sun shines down on a beautiful weekend in Miami filled with blue skies and warm temperatures. The Heatles enter Sunday' game against the Chicago Bulls with home court advantage and momentum. Miami stole a hard fought game two in Chicago and now make their way home to defend a home court that they are undefeated in the playoffs. The Heat' defensive experience and offensive poise will be critical in defending home court against a Bulls team that hasn't lost two straight games since February. Defending Rose is a priority, but I think defending Deng is just as important, James must check him and keep him out of that corner he loves so much, without a secondary scorer, Chicago will lean more on Rose. 


After defeating the Bulls on their home court in game 2, Miami looks to bury the Bulls in some South Beach sand. Miami looks to take the court at the triple A and quell any confidence the Bulls had post game 1, the Bulls three point shooting kept Chicago in game 1 and ultimately sealed the victory. The Bulls could not carry their shooting over into game 2 where they shot a dismal 34% from the field and 15% from three point land. While Miami played excellent defense and lead several time throughout the game, the Bulls kept dwindling the lead with help from their bench. Miami delivered the final blows late in the fourth quarter via James, who single handedly out score the Bulls in the final 5 minutes 9-2, the two came of a Taj Gibson dunks that Wade blocked into Joel Anthony' hand and in the hoop. James was brilliant and stepped up both defensively and offensively, he drove, shot jumpers, and made important free throws to steal a victory on Chicago's vaunted home floor. The Heat were 2nd in the league in 4th quarter opponent field goal percentage with 41.2%, the Bulls where 1st at 41.1%, but Miami turned up the defense in game 2 and held the Bulls to only 10 points total in the 4th and 29 points total in the second half to deal the Bulls their second lose at home in the playoffs.


The biggest numbers that stick out for the Heat are points in the paint, Miami scored 50 points in game 2 and 46 in game 1. Miami being the smaller team did not deter them from playing big, both Wade and James made their way to the rim regularly. Miami' cutters took advantage of the over pursuit of the great Bulls defense for easy buckets at the rim. Haslem' emotion and gritty play added a presence Miami didn't have in game one down low and on the boards. Haslem and his energy contributed to this win more than the entire Miami bench. Heading home I expect a bit more production from Miami natives, James Jones and Udonis Haslem in game 3, as well as Bibby who had yet to make his shots that would spread the floor more for Wade and James to attack.


Miami has the experience to seal this game at home, Miami has demonstrated the poise and defense to beat teams in the triple A. After handling the best offensive team in the league, the Celtics in the second round, Miami faces the best defensive team in the regular season. Miami' versatility on defense has become an advantage for them in the playoffs, shutting down good teams first and then attacking their defense has proved  to be an asset. Miami does have some issues that can become problems. The Heat blew chances at the free throw line in game two, James missed 4 big ones that could've given Miami some more cushion. Turnovers also buried the Heat' lead and gave Chicago momentum after being down by 11. Miami' three point shooting has been way below their average, Bibby, Jones, and Chalmers have failed to convert opportunities into points. Mike Miller' thumbs have really bothered his follow through when shooting, but his knack for finding boards (7) gave Miami a boost in the 4th. Miami has to continue to attack and get the boards, no rebounds, no rings! Nothing but Net.... 

Waaade A Minute!

Udonis Haslem With The Crusher!!

The Miami Heat didn't wear their ski masks in Chicago to steal game two, but the get away jet was warm, ready, and used. Miami played their game like Pat Riley envisioned this summer, Wade, James, Haslem, Bosh, and Miller on the court together. Injuries have kept Udonis Haslem aka "UD", but this was his moment, never in a playoff series has UD been the player of the game, he was in game 2. Wade and James did what James and Wade, they played like men possessed, and now they possess, home court. Wade played a great and patient game, looking for holes and penetrating on nasty cuts to the rim culminated with dunks, his poise kept Miami close. James wasn't clutch, he was what Wade was to the 06' team, in the fourth quarter, he outscored the Bulls 9-2 in the last five minutes with a cold.


Miami came out with the right energy to steal this one, dunks, steals, huge boards, and timely buckets found the Heat in the lead by 11 at one point and close when the Bulls made their runs. Defense is the name of the game and as UD so eloquently put it "No rebounds, no rings". His energy and courage after not being able to play all year, inspired the rest of the Heat. UD said "this has been the best I have felt in a long time" after the win. His leadership and due diligence on the glass and on defense was huge, no gargantuan! After Miami was out rebounded and thoroughly trounced in game 1, UD being the soldier that he is told Coach Spoelstra that he was ready to play more minutes. Spoelstra knows UD well, having taken part in the 06' finals as an Assistant coach. He knew the time was now, and the game asked for UD, it needed him on more than one level, and once again UD delivered. He won't get the credit if Miami wins this series, too many stars for that, but all of Miami will remember game 2 in Chicago. After a year of constant let downs, not being able to contribute, the passing of his Mom, and a hard rehabilitation, this is UD's reward, a win on the road in the playoffs versus the best team in our division when the chips are on the line. He deserved it.


Miami found a way in an ugly but dramatic game 2 and now hold the Bulls in a corral, named the AAA. Will they ride them like Ocho Cinco or like Valdiron de Oliveira, Miami can step on their throats on Sunday and push the Bulls deeper in the hole they are in. Miami played brilliant defense on Wednesday and must continue to put pressure on Chicago shooters, the Bulls will bring the effort on Sunday and Miami must meet it and quell it. Miami' experience now will be critical, the home court advantage is worth the fatigue and the fatigue is a small price to pay for a chance at a title. Nothing but net....

The Warden Rejects Derrick Rose

Bosh dunks on Boozer

The Miami Heat Clash With Rose and His Thorns

Sunday couldn't get here quick enough if you are a Heat fan, Bulls fan, B-Ball fan, even the purists want to see these two great teams duel. In a battle of defense and offensive execution, Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat enter Sunday's game with business on their minds. They face league MVP, Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls. The energy around this series is already  filling the United Center and the number one seeded Bulls are underdogs in Vegas. Miami is favored to win but Chicago is formidable and has the home court advantage.


There are many story lines in this match up, including the battle of the last two MVP's. James and Rose will have to play up to MVP quality for their respective teams to advance to the NBA Finals. Rose has been the most explosive guard in the league and his quickness and finishing at the rim will be on display on Sunday. As for James, last years MVP, he can make his detractors swallow their opinions and criticisms by having a great series and leading his team to the Finals. Stopping Rose from penetreating is the Heat' number one priority and forcing him to pass the ball. Miami' defense will have their hands full, but Chalmers and Bibby will be band aids until the final minutes when Wade or James will be covering the MVP. Loul Deng draws James as his defensive check and Deng has played James well, but rarely has he slowed him. Deng is long and quick, and gets help regularly leaving shooters open and James usually finds his mark.


Miami' bench has taken many hits this season, as most NBA fans haven't really seen many Miami games, like us native South Floridians have. The bench has played well in spurts and in stretches, missing Haslem certainly didn't help and Mike Miller' injury didn't either. James Jones and Mario "Lucky Chalms" Chalmers have both given the Heat the help they have needed offensively throughout the season. Chalmers will be of upmost importance in this series, a Chicago fan and Jordan fan, Chalms knows that his presence on defense and at the point can alter this series. Jones will get his shots and can drain them as well as put the ball back into rotation to look for the opn man on the weakside. Bibby and Miller if contributing can be key in helping the bench make an impact on the game, Miller especially can add a dimension that the heat havent had since he hurt his thumbs. The main influence off the bench will be Joel Anthony and his defensive versatility and energy, he will have to match Noah' energy and keep himself out of foul trouble. Anthony is a beast on defense and his shot altering and blocking will be needed. His rebounding in this series will be of the upmost importance, since the Bulls are a great rebounding team. Miami' bench will have to step up and play the game like they have all year.


Miami enters Sunday night with a motivation and focus that it has had since the Allstar break. Lead by James and Wade since the break, Miami has made significant strides this season both defensively and offensively. The Heatles have impressed despite the monumental expectations and have handled the scutiny and most of their critics by using the criticisms as fuel and focus. Rivers was correct in his analysis at the Celtics post game press conference, he knew the media and fans constant judgment and quibbles would only inspire the Heat more. Eric Spoelstra has an opportunity to elevate his team to a new level, by making the adjustments and roster moves to quell the Bulls game plan. I have been impressed with his consistency and his ability to find the opposing teams weakness and exploit it. Adjusments, adjustments, and more adjustments they will be define these first two games, Miami will look to steal one and it probably will be game two.


The Bulls are no slouches and present the Heat with many problems offensively, but Miami' coaching and superior talent still hold the upper hand. Miami' defense will have to create turn overs and force the ball from Rose' hands. Lacking a consistent second scorer can be the Bulls down fall, unless Deng or Boozer step up, but Miami will be there in their face, and Miami won't fail to capitalize on their mistakes. Bosh will be more important than ever, his aggressiveness both offensively and defensively can sway the game in Miami' favor. Bosh must establish his jumper early to set up his driving to the lane effectively and regardless of his offensive output, his rebounding and defense will be more needed anyways.


Real Heat fans are Wade fans, Wade is an icon in Miami and his skill set and heart will forever be admired by Heat fans. His experience and will, plus his incredible physical attributes put him in a league of his own around the league. While others receive individual accolades, D Wade has silently been one of the more consistent scorers and defenders since entering the league. The Miami heat will go as far as Dwayne Tyrone Wade takes them, with him leading the way, Miami will go far, Miami in 6. Nothing but net.....