The Summer of Lebronsito

After a few days to let this season marinate, the Miami Heat have many things to be proud of. The Dallas Mavericks are Champions of the NBA they were a better team. Congratulations to the Mavericks are in order, and their Finals MVP, Dirk Nowitski deserves the praise.

As for the Heat, back to the drawing board and back to the summer of reflection. The team that was created after the summer of Lebron is now facing another Summer and this is one of reflection and change. Many will not return, but the core players will remain and should look forward to more success. In Riley I Trust!

It has been four days since the Heat lost to the Mavericks in game six of the Finals on Sunday 105-95. After all the celebrations and the criticism from the media, I am now a more ardent fan of the Heat. I don't really care if they lost, I wont lose sleep or plummet into a depression and neither should any fan. Miami played and lost to a better team, period. Did they choke? Did Lebron fail? Did the Heat make a mistake? Irrelevant, I say. Let all this bitterness and hate subside. I have never been involved in such a polarizing season or a team before in my sporting life. All the bile and disdain thrown at the Heat may have set a record.

As I look back, I am proud, proud of a team that persevered, gelled, and overcame almost every obstacle. The amount of attention that this team drew was inconceivable to compare to previous decades, due to the technological booms in social media. Love them or hate them, the Heat have arrived and are here to stay.

Miami came up two games short, be it fatigue, poor execution, free throws, Lebron not showing, Wade not taking over, Bosh not getting enough shots, and/or any combination of these, Miami fell short. I remember in 06' how the Mavericks complained about the referees and the NBA. I am glad the Heat did not blame others for their shortcomings. That was one of the reasons Mav fans and Heat fans did really have much respect for each other. Bottom line, the Heat took it like men and now they move on and grow. After all, failure is but a lesson.

The heat Lebron James is taking is borderline nonsensical. This guy has not broken one law and yet he is absolutely disliked by many a hypocrite, those who cast stones while in glass houses. Who among us has not failed to meet our goals or said the wrong thing at the age of 26?

I am glad Alex Rodriguez and McIlroy made the comments about Lebron, they knows what it feels like. They have walked this path. Being a Miami native, I have roots here and I know many Heat fans that are proud of this team and its players, right down to Dampier. Thank you all for one of the most exciting season's a fan could ask for.

Nothing but net...Haters marry haters and have hater kids, its life!

Wade: This Is What I Do

If Lebron Wanted to Be Like Micheal Jordan, He'd be In Cleveland!

This has been one loooong season for the Heat, but one of the best in Heat history and the Larry O'Brian is within sights. One hawk in particular, has it in his cross hairs, Dwayne Wade. With Wade on the Miami Heat in the Finals, not one Heat fan should ever worry, even in the face of defeat. Wade is the closest thing to Micheal Jordan in this era, his drive and sheer will can mystify. He has been spectacular in the finals and will remain so for the rest of this series until the wheels fall off. 


Wade's new partner the young  Mr. James is truly a specimen physically with a surprising basketball I.Q.. His play throughout the year has been nothing short of Magic Johnson with a twist of Karl Malone. The incredible plays need not be mentioned, the true fan has seen it over and over from ally oops to full court passes and Thor like dunks. Passes, are a true basketball purist' greatest joy with Lebron, his knack for the dime, the no look, the chest pass, and his vision are things basketball is made off. Kidd knows this "Lebron can flirt with averaging a triple double in the regular season like Oscar, especially with the teammates he has". Kidd and I think it and everyone else knows,  but don't want to admit it. 


This last game convinced me of who Lebron wants to be like, The Big O. If Lebron James ever wanted to be Micheal Jordan, he'd be in Cleveland. His "decision" was a business matter and immoral, but also a vote on the  referendum on which type of player Lebron wants to be, a basketball player. His versatility is what makes James great.  Robertson sets yardstick in versatility. If his first five seasons are strung together, Robertson averaged a triple-double over these 400+ games, averaging an incredible 30.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 10.6 assists. These numbers are even more astonishing if it is taken into account that the three-point shot did not exist when he played.


James has all the physical attributes to be the best scorer, but his choice to come to Miami was more than about scoring. Magic Johnson said "He will only get better and better as time passes" of Lebron last year. With his addition to the Miami Heat with Bosh and Wade by his side, he has the hardware to do it and the Basketball guru that is Pat Riley. 


Riley in S.I. "Lebron will be Magic, Dwayne will be Kobe, and Bosh will be Garnett." and later confirmed that "he (Lebron) actually liked that conversation. He lit up and said it would be great if I didn't have to score (alot) that he could be a consistent triple double guy like Oscar Robertson". Welcome to Miami Lebron James.


In 90 playoff games James has averaged 28 points, 8 boards, and 7 assists. One bad game cannot define a player. Before we commence the mental dissection of the intangibles. Like most writers, bloggers, and critics have. James doesn't know what Dwayne Wade knows about winning in the finals, or what Pat Riley knows about winning in the finals, yet. He has logged more minutes than any other Heat player and carried the Heat in Chicago and Baaston. His constant has been effort defensively, a clear demarcation line. His tenacity defensively versus arguably the fastest player in Chicago is somethings that truly define a player. His fourth quarter heroics propelled the Heat into the finals.


Mental toughness, the only chink in the armor or the last resort by defeated opponents? He has created it, taken it, and defeated it over and over, all year long. From the minute after the decision until the second this game 5 starts. Lebron Jame's "The Heatle" has met and surpassed expectations, I as a Heat fan, will not question him or his character now. I am not apologizing for his behavior, I am supporting him as a Heat fan win or lose. Miami can't make the same mistake Cleveland made, we know better.


As to tonight's match up, Miami has got to know by now how to break the zone down, its in high school basketball books. Dwayne Wade attacks it with ease and the key to breaking the zone is a guard, Miami has the best in the game at finals time. Mario Chalmers is also key when Wade is off the ball, he has to make shots and hit his three's to win tonight. The rebound war begins tonight and the winner will have the extra possessions to win. Joel Anthony and Chandler must meet regularly and James has to bang for boards and Chandler has to be attacked and in fouls trouble. The fourth quarter offense must run through Wade or James attacking the zones and kicking for the extra pass. Miami has to hit twice in the 1st and in the fourth, leads will be precious. The defense is the key, it travels better than the offense and Dallas has missed looks. Miami defends, and it wins. Dirk gets blocked tonight.


Nothing but Net........

Miami Looks To Rebound

Lebron must not hit the hole, he has to slam it!

The Heat put themselves in a very precarious position by giving up a home game to the Dallas Mavericks. Being up by 15 points with 7 minutes left on the clock, the Heat allowed the Mavs to get back into the game and eventually lose by two. I am still in shock and found the loss left a sour taste in my mouth, but more importantly did it leave a mark on the Heat? I expected Miami to make history, but not like this. 

The Heat can rebound from this and that's where it starts, on the glass. Miami lost the instincts that got them through the Chicago series, like Riles say "no rebounds, no rings". Miami must play out of their minds now, especially after losing their collective minds for 7 minutes in game 2. The attacking style that got Miami to this point is their bread and butter, Miami has two of the best rim attackers, use them. Role players, Mario Chalmers and Mike Bibby, these two came through last game and Miami spoiled their opportunity. The difference in game 1 from game 2 was effort, Miami simply gave in to the energy from the crowd in game 2, they cannot afford to pull off the gas. 

Dwayne Wade and Lebron James are as important to a victory as Chris Bosh is. Bosh did not have a good game in game 2, his turnovers, missed shots at the rim (24%), and poor shooting buried Miami. Bosh needs a double double in game 3 like James needs to attack the paint and kick. James must head to the low post in crunch time and distribute the ball from there. Wade is and will always be a slasher, his three point heroics made him a jump shooter instead, not his game. Miami needs Wade to facilitate, drive, and defend, not shoot jumpers. 

Miami learned a valuable lesson in game 2 and lessons aren't cheap. Instead of going to Dallas with the series in a strangle hold, Miami goes to Dallas on the ropes. How they rebound from this will influence the rest of this series, they have no more phone a friends left, no more 50/50's, this is literally do or die. Treat them all like game 7's, they say, well Miami had a flashback to the regular season and can't afford to lose game 3. If the Heat play their A game, no one can beat them but themselves, tonight is a must A game and I for one expect to see it on the court for 48 minutes without mercy.

Nothing but Net.........................

Don't Stop Believing Miami!

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...

The Heat Look To Break The Mavericks!

Bus driver Bosh, taking them to school!

Well the stage is set, your Miami Heat will face the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals starting on Tuesday at American Airlines Arena. Miami defeated the Bulls in dramatic fashion coming back from down 11 points in Chicago with 3 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Miami found yet another way to win in Chicago the best home team in the regular season. The Heatles now face the Western Conference finals champions Dallas Mavericks and Miami remembers the Mavs from the 2006 Finals that eventually crowned Miami NBA Champions.


After taking down the Bulls in impressive fashion the Heat focus their attention on the Mavericks. The Mavs have beaten the Heat 14 straight times since the 2006 Finals in the regular season and have a great team lead by Dirk Nowitski. The Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals. The Mavs also beat the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers in an unforeseen sweep, they also beat the Trailblazers in the first round. 


The Mavs bring a great offense into this series, and their three point shooters lead the playoffs in attempts. They are a big front court with 3 7 footers in Chandler, Haywood, and of course Dirk Nowitski. They have an excellent guard trio in Terry, Kidd, and Barea that can all shoot for three and put the ball on the floor. Barea especially can be a problem for Miami as small quick point guards due pester the Heat and his ability to get to the rim will help the Mavs on occasion. Dirk is the star and poses Miami with its toughest task in the playoffs so far, his jump shooting and up fake are great, his post up has gotten way better and his free throw percentage is very good. Dirk will face four Heat defenders in Haslem, Bosh, Anthony, and in the final minutes James.


Miami can taste the Larry O'Brien trophy, after such a long and self imposed pressure filled season, the Heat look to cap it off with another Championship. Despite beating the best home team in the regular season and the number one defense in the league, Miami has one more road block to get by, the Mavericks. 


Miami brings their heralded and hated trio of Wade, James, and Bosh that are averaging 78 points per game in the playoffs. The Heatles have also contributed excellent play on defense where they have tabulating 25 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 10 assist per game. Miami' duo of James and Wade bring two of the most effective rim attackers in the league, both have the experience to take over the game in its finals minutes. Wade and especially James have been playing with poise and have done what ever is necessary to get the win. Miami has elevated their game in the playoffs and many analyst didn't see them coming out of the East. The defense has been superb since the beginning of the playoffs, but since the return of Haslem and Miller the Heat have played the best defense in the playoffs.


Miami has the home court advantage as the games kick off tomorrow in the Magic City and have been undefeated at home so far in the playoffs. This lends Miami a slight advantage due to the format the NBA finals adopt for the final series of 2 games at home and 3 in Dallas, then 2 more in Miami if necessary. Usually if the home team wins the first two, they win the series as has been the case in the vast majority of finals series. One of the only team to win the finals despite losing the first two has been the 06 Miami Heat lead by Dwayne Wade.


Miami has several other advantages in this series namely the defense, Miami has held opponents to 88.3 points per game in the playoffs. Miami is also a better rebounding team and a better shot blocking team than the Mavericks. The Mavs pose problems to the defense in the name of Dirk Nowitski, his shooting and leadership have been the foundation for the Mavericks offense. Add in the best three point shooting remaining in the playoffs and Miami does have their hands full. Dallas on defense is no slouch either, Dallas swept the Lakers and held their own versus a more athletic Oklahoma team. Miami looks to push the ball and get their more athletic team running to the rim. Miami' varied offense and superior athletes pose match up problems for the Mavs, Marion on James and Kidd and Stevenson on Wade will be interesting to watch. Bosh will also be a huge factor his jumper and quick moves to the rim will put Dallas defenders in positions to foul and to get beaten to the rim.


Prediction: Miami in 6, why? In 2006 after losing to Miami, Mark Cuban down played the loss by complaining that the referees lost the game for the Mavs. His campaign against the Heat was well documented and his 2011 comments have not been forgotten by the Heat. Miami will look for revenge in Dallas for his big mouth. Miami' offense is like no offense the Mavericks have faced and stand to piece by piece dismantle the Dallas defense, Wade and James are too unpredictable to stop. The Miami defense can and will slow the Mavs mostly shooting offense with a great perimeter defense of the like Dallas has yet to see. Miami out rebounds the Mavs and the defense stifles the role player for Dallas. Mark Cuban will whine and the fans will too, but Miami wins in 5 or 6. Nothing but Net..