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 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 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.....

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!

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.

Flash

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"?