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...............

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.....

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.....  

The Lebron Dime to Wade

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.