Miami Heat 98 - Denver Nuggets 93

     The Heat won in Denver for the first time in 10 years, on the second night of a back-to-back, despite the absence of Dwyane Wade and finishing without Mario Chalmers behind a big night from Lebron James by the score of 98 - 93. Lebron had 27 points 12 assists and 7 rebounds. Shane Battier contributed 18 points entirely on 3-pointers.

Heat 100 - LA Clippers 107

     

     The Miami Heat were defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers 107-100 at the Staples Center on Wednesday night. Lebron James scored 30 points but it wasn't enough as Chris Paul led the Clips with 16 points and 10 assists. Blake Griffin scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Clippers guard Jamal Crawford scored 22 off the bench. Ray Allen added 14 and Rashard Lewis 11 for the Heat.

Heat 113 - Rockets 110

    
     The Miami Heat completed a late rally to defeat the Houston Rockets 113-110 on Monday night in Texas. Lebron James ended with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, with 32 points coming after halftime in a major effort to avoid consecutive road losses. Chris Bosh had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Dwyane Wade scored 19 points as the Heat shot 51% from the field.

Lakers turn down Phil Jackson

     Somehow, someway, the Lakers, in one of their most mystifying moves ever, have turned down Phil Jackson for their open head coaching position in favor of Mike D'Antoni. What?

Heat 86 - Grizzlies 104

     The Miami Heat were defeated 104-86 by the Grizzlies in Memphis Sunday Night. Dwyane Wade returned to the lineup after missing Friday's game in Atlanta with a cold. Lebron James had 20 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and a block. Chris Bosh scored 22. The loss snapped the Heat's four game winning streak.

Heat 95 - Hawks 89

     The Miami Heat defeated the Atlanta Hawks 95 - 89 in Atlanta behind an almost triple-double from Lebron James who had 21 points 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Chris Bosh had 24 points in the Heat's fourth straight win. Dwyane Wade didn't play because of a cold.

Nets 73 - Heat 103

     The Miami Heat soundly defeated the Brooklyn Nets 103-73 with a strong balanced attack Wednesday Night. Lebron James barely missed a triple double with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. Dwyane Wade shot 10 of 14 from the field to score 22 and the Heat remained undefeated at home.

Suns 99 - Heat 124

    The Miami Heat defeated the Phoenix Suns, featuring former first-round Heat pick Michael Beasley, Monday night by a score of 124-99. Lebron James led the Heat with 23 points and 11 rebounds, Dwyane Wade added 22, and Mario Chalmers distributed 11 assists.

Denver 116 - Miami 119

     The Miami Heat defeated the Denver Nuggets 119-116 in a nail-biter at home after Ray Allen converted a 4-point play in the closing seconds. Before the game, the Heat lifted a banner honoring Lebron James' Olympic Gold Medal at London this summer. Chris Bosh had a monster night with 40 points while Lebron put in 20, 9 rebounds and 11 assists in a game with several lead changes.

Knicks 104 - Heat 84

    

     The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 104-84 during an emotionally charged night at Madison Square Garden in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Carmelo Anthony scored 30 on 28 shots and the Heat looked disengaged from the start. Dwyane Wade suggested before the game that it shouldn't be played out of respect for the victims of the storm. Let's see if they can beat us in May.

Opening Night Heat 120 - Celtics 107

     After receiving their rings signifying last year's Championship Victory and raising the banner, The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics on opening night 120-107. Dwayne Wade led the Heat with 29 points. Ex-Boston Celtic and new Heat addition Ray Allen contributed 19 points off the bench

Hornets 96 - Heat 89

      The New Orleans Hornets defeated the Miami Heat 96-89 in Miami in the final NBA preseason game. Rookie Anthony Davis scored 24 points for the Hornets while Chris Bosh led the Heat with 21.

Wizards - Heat Preseason

     The Washington Wizards defeated the Miami Heat 101 - 94 Wednesday night in a preseason game in Kansas City, Missouri. Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 23 points

Miami Heat 98 - Charlotte Bobcats 92

     Chris Bosh led with 21 points as the Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Bobcats in an NBA preseason game Tuesday night. Lebron James added 10 points and 8 assists while Ray Allen scored 15. Dwyane Wade sat out.

Spurs 101 - Heat 104

     New addition Rashard Lewis led the Heat with 15 points in a 104-101 preseason victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Miami. The Heat held out LeBron James with 'soreness'.

Pistons - Heat Preseason

     Dwyane Wade scored 21 points, with he and LeBron James combining for 34, as the Miami Heat defeated the Detroit Pistons at American Airlines Arena 105-78 in the Heat's first game back on their home floor after winning the 2012 NBA Finals.

Heat vs Clippers in Shanghai

     Coach Spoelstra limited the minutes of his starters as the Heat fell 99-89 to the LA Clippers in Shanghai. Dwyane Wade sat out the entire second half.  Our next two exhibitions are at home.

Heat in China

     The second NBA preaseason game of the year for Our Miami Heat resulted in them defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 94-80 in Beijing, China. Dwyane Wade played his first game after offseason knee surgery as Lebron James paced the Heat with 20 points. New addition Ray Allen hit four 3 pointers. The two teams will play again in Shanghai on Sunday

USA v Spain

     The United States defeated Spain 100-78 Tuesday in the final exhibition match before the beginning of group play in the Olympics. Carmelo scored 27 points coming off the bench including 23 in the first half.

USA v Argentina

     The USA basketball team defeated Argentina 86-80 in an exhibition match in Barcelona last night. The Americans got off to a blazing 19-3 start before the Argentines clawed their way back to make it close.  Kevin Durant had 27 for USA while Manu Ginobli had 25 for the Argentines. Team USA wore throwback uniforms in homage to the original Dream Team which captured the gold medal in Barcelona in 20 years ago.

Heat v Blazers

     The Heat have finished with a 3-2 Summer League record after falling to the Portland Trailblazers in their final game in Las Vegas. Norris Cole and Terrel Harris were held out of the game. During Summer League, Cole averaged 13 points and 4.8 assists, scoring in double figures in every game. Terrel Harris averaged 15.5 points and only turned the ball over two times in four appearances.

Heat v Spurs Summer League

     Your Miami Heat have defeated the San Antonio Spurs in NBA Summer League Play in Las Vegas overcoming a 10 point deficit in the 4th quarter to win 83-78. Terrel Harris scored 25. 2012 Draft Pick Justin Hamilton had 15 points and 8 rebounds. Norris Cole had 11 points and 4 assists. The Heat's final Summer League game is tomorrow vs the Portland Trailblazers

USA vs Great Britain Exhibition

    

     The USA expectedly shellacked Great Britain’s ass 118-78 in a basketball exhibition on Thursday. The Americans won behind 39 assists and 16 steals compared to Great Britain’s 16 assists and 1 steal. The dominance of the USA was underscored by their 64 points in the paint to GB’s 18. Anthony Davis of the USA recorded 4 blocks while NBA Player Luol Deng had 25 points for Great Britain to lead all scorers.

Free Agency

     The Heat are considering going after free agent big man Darko Milicic, recently amnestied by the Minnesota Timberwolves. That would give the Miami Heat the 1st (LeBron), 2nd (Milicic), 4th (Bosh) and 5th (Wade) picks of the heralded 2003 NBA Draft Class.

Summer League: Heat vs Golden State Warriors

     The Heat have fallen to the Golden State Warriors 65-62 in Summer League play last night

Summer League: Heat v Raptors

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Heat Ball

     The new position-less Heat reminds one of Spain's national football (soccer) team -
make the opposing defense account for everybody, wearing them out on offense to the point of exhaustion.

NBA Summer League: Miami Heat 106 - 56 LA Lakers

     Our Miami Heat Summer League team defeated the Los Angeles Lakers' summer squad 106-56 last night, the 50-point win setting a record for largest margin of victory ever in a summer league game. The Heat forced the Lakers into 22 turnovers, as all five Heat starters scored in double figures. Norris Cole dropped 13 points on four shots as well as dishing 9 assists.

Olympic Basketball: USA 80 - 69 Brazil

     In Washington D.C., the USA Men's Olympic Basketball team defeated Brazil 80-69 in the last exhibition in the U.S. for the Americans.
     The United States rallied from an early 10-point deficit behind 30 points from LeBron James, an unusually high individual point total for international competition. D.C. native Kevin Durant added 11 and Chris Paul added 10. The United States-ers held the Brazilians to two baskets in the second quarter.
     President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden enjoyed the game from the stands. We will play against Britain in Manchester, England on Thursday and travel to Barcelona, Spain to take on Spain and Argentina shortly thereafter.

Welcome

Welcome to the Miami Heat 10-time All Star, the NBA's all-time leader in 3-point field goals made, Ray Allen!

Welcome two-time All-Star Rashard Lewis! The Heat are shaping up to be devastating next year, let's win another!

Congratulations to LeBron James on representing USA Basketball for the upcoming London Olympics!

Game 5 Trophy Night Champs!

     An awesome steal and LeBron dunk to get us started last night, and the place is rocking

     Steal by Chalmers alley lay-in to Wade. Rewatchable

     LeBron drives on Ibaka. And-1. He’s not that good a defender

     Wade pull up on Ibaka. He’s not that good on defense.

     Bosh fake. Drive. Jam.

     Mike Miller for 3!

     Cole 3!

     Mike Miller for 3!

     James “the running Beard” Harden with a phony flop tilting his head back like he got elbowed

     Wade follow jam on a Norris Cole attempt. Haslem was ready on that too right behind him

     Westbrook misses the jam.

     Bosh blocks Perkins from behind

     Miller’s on fire. Fastbreak LeBron.

     Y'know other team, throwing your hands up doesn’t make it a foul, guys.

2^nd Half

     They try to press backcourt and fail miserably; Bosh is wide open for the dunk

     ‘Rio buries a 3.

     Nice hustle Chalmers bank off Wade miss

     Battier rainbow 3!

     Love Bosh driving.

     Flagrant on Derek Fisher.

     Gorgeous Wade alley, yeah he lost his explosiveness, he looked like he was about 13 feet in the air on that one

     Fisher on Wade, Harden on LeBron, yes please!

     We are pulling away

     By the way, I was totally ready to move on from the officiating coming into this one, then it was genuinely crazy.

     LeBron is turning the screws. Desperation time for the Thunder, Harden’s chucking up 3’s

     Bosh nails a 3, that’s when you know

     LeBron block! Harden charge!

     Mike Miller 3! Wade block!

     Too good.

     The trophy rests in South Florida tonight

And that was Game 4

     What an amazing game 4 last night. I’m not gonna lie, Russell Westbrook was pretty incredible for most of the game. But D. Wade was great late, Chalmers came through. And LeBron was the most amazing of all, as usual.

     Bosh hits his shot from the elbow to get us started off.

     LeBron's GOTTA go down low

     Bosh with the driving layup off the pick and roll woo!

     Norris Cole comes in with the hi-top fade, he has Durant covering him, he should be way too fast for him.

     LeBron’s gotta post up Harden every time he’s covering him down the floor

     Cole hits a three pointer!

     I call for us to go to LeBron and Bosh every time down.

     Cole drains another.

     Nobody can guard LeBron, he takes ‘em down low, beaauutiful scoop layup

     James Jones nails a three, wee

     Chalmers driving and-1! You know it pisses him off that Cole came in and hit a couple threes

     Wade buries a three

     Westbrook helps Harden double LBJ and Chalmie buries a three

     Later in the game, Bosh has a great hustle play and gets all fired up, Heat style.

     LeBron goes off the glass.

     Wade hits the pull up in Kevin Durant’s face, he’s not too small for that.

     Great block by Wade on Kendrick Perkins

     Great assist for ‘Bron straight off the rebound to Wade.

     Chalmers draws the foul on KD

     Bosh And1! Bosh Bosh Bosh Bosh Bosh Bosh Bosh

     Chalmers finally hits the open 3-pointer

     ‘Bron assists a Battier 3 which we have come to enjoy and know so well this Finals

     Durant not big enough to hit over Wade

     LEBRON a 3-pointa in Durant’s face

     AND a Bosh steal

     baa baa Harden misses fastbreak layup

     Chalmers is bustin’ out

     Down low to Bosh for the lay-in.

     LeBron returns from injury to drain a deep three

     Wade lays it in on Westbrook

     Chalmers with an incredibly clutch lay-in

     And then the big mistake by Westbrook fouling Chalmers and the HEAT WIN! LeBron had so many assists. Game 5 baby!

Game 3 NBA Finals

     Great start for the Heat.

     Sefalosha the stopper can stop D. Wade?

     Lay off Westbrook plz

     can Durant create his own shot vs LeBron?

     Nobody can guard Bosh, “they’ve been practicing against humans”

     Mmm fouling Mike Miller while we’re in the bonus, yeah, that’s good

     I like how we’re making Harden go East-West

     Mike Miller block!

     Wade block!

     Wade with an awesome reverse layup

     Battier is still on fire apparently

     gotta take Chalmers off Westbrook PLEASE

     LeBron totally shuts Durant in the 4^th quarter

     Bosh block on Durant the one time KD gets past Bron!

     LeBron was great. So clutch in the 4^th.

Game 2

     What a game. Instant Classic for los Heaters out there. We left it all out there on the floor at our viewing party, I’m practically hoarse.

     Bosh does our tipoff. I like that, I don’t think LeBron is really into doing the tip.

     Wade Slamma!

     Chalmers has a great hustle play to keep it from going out of bounds, he passes it up to Bosh for the fastbreak who puts it in and draws the foul on Durant

     Wade Slamma!

     Shane Battier lays down a legendary pick on Westbrook.

     LeBron with the smooth hook. LeBron faces up, takes Thabo down low.

     Let’s attack Harden please

     Oh my, LeBron just took the whole Thunder team on one play

     Shane Battier sure did come to play these finals!

     Chalmers buries an open three

     Ibaka bites on every fake

     Wade cooked everybody

     LeBron was great at drawing fouls on Durant all game

     Udonis packs Westbrook! Oh yes!

     Bosh is rebounding like a beast. He is a beast. Bosh Bosh Bosh Bosh. Collison can’t guard him.

     LeBron off the glass, clutch! Was Skip Bayless watching that?

     Wade is working it and great pass to Bosh for the dunk in crunch time!

     LeBron is Mr. Clutch. He hits huge free throws, and goes 12-12 for the game.

     Let’s’ be real, it would have been a travesty if Durant had shot free throws for that ticky tack foul with less than 10 seconds to go in the game. I don’t suppose we can start saying he chokes now? No, I wouldn’t do that, because I wouldn’t be nearly as mean to anybody as people are to LeBron

     LeBron was incredible. D.Wade played like a superstar. Chris Bosh was great, especially with the solid rebounding. Battier was enormous, he needs a statue. Spo’s adjustments were good too, Norris Cole was solid, and that James Jones basket saved us in the end. Free throw shooting was big-time. And because it’s worth saying twice, LeBron was incredible.

     Now let’s go to Miami! Let’s go Heat crowd!

Game 1 of the NBA Finals

    
     Many people were wondering before the game if Bosh would start, ‘Spo elects to keep him coming off the bench and retains Haslem and Shane Battier starting in the frontcourt. Battier was great. I feel like we could have used more Haslem late, with his grit and tough defense. I really did not like how they were pushing us around late in that game, and Haslem would not stand for that.

     Battier with an early 3 pointer. + Another + Another! Then ‘Rio with another!

     A couple great turnarounds from D. Wade.

     An awesome pick and roll with Bosh

     I would like to see LeBron drive over and over.

     Battier was on fire early, what a play as he drives the lane and puts in a funky hook.

     Still in the first half, LeBron  a steal and dunk in the open court!

     LeBron driving the lane. That’s what I like to see.

     Bosh for 3!

     Wade hits off balance.

2^nd Half

     LeBron rattles home a three.

     Battier drives and draws a foul

     Chalmers blocks Ibaka!

     LeBron a nasty dunk And-1!

     Great pass down low on one play to a cutting Chalmie

     LeBron down low bucket with a foul

     Bosh hits a jumper at the elbow.

     The real story of this game though was that we settled for way too many jumpshots once again. We were great early and pretty decent late once it really got down to it. It was like once we got down to crunch time we started running plays with multiple pick and rolls, driving to the rack, stuff that really works. We could have been doing that all game.

    Like I said I really didn’t like how they pushed us around. We were getting called for all these ticky tack fouls, including at least two where we literally did not touch the opposing player. We may as well have given them the hard foul. Also, it seemed our defensive rotations were a little experimental. We'll make the necessary adjustments.

     Well Heaters you know what we really need is to take one of these first two in OKC and then go down to Miami and hold down homecourt three straight in a row. We need to drive to the rack from start to finish, and we can’t let them rough us up. Those were the two stories of the game for us, driving, and grit. That’s it guys. We fix those two things, play our game, and we got this. Now I’m gonna be straight up burning and wearing my sunglasses for the next 48 hours straight. We just need one of these two. This is our time. Now let’s take it.

NBA Finals Poll - You pick the winner

How will the NBA Finals turn out?
	OKC Thunder in 4
	OKC Thunder in 5
	OKC Thunder in 6
	OKC Thunder in 7
	Miami Heat in 4
	Miami Heat in 5
	Miami Heat in 6
	Miami Heat in 7
pollcode.com free polls

Pre Notes Finals Matchup with Thunder

     I actually feel we match up pretty well in the Thunder. Everyone keeps saying how great they are in every way, I’m sure their defense is decent, but I just don’t buy that it’s as good as the Celtics defense was. I know Thabo Sefalosha is a stopper and everything, but honestly I’d rather have D-Wade go up against one bona fide stopper than face the double team. And in my opinion we have FOUR lockdown defenders. Bron, D-Wade, Shane Battier, and Udonis Haslem are all nasty tenacious on defense. I know I wouldn’t want to try to score on them. On top of that, the Thunder were DEAD LAST in the NBA in assists this year. So bring it on to the top defense of the Miami Heat.
     I know it would be a lot to ask, but if Chris Bosh wants to keep on hitting threes, that stretches the opposing defense awfully far. Plus, at any time he can slide over to his usual spot on the elbow give you that great pump fake and slash to the basket. I don't know who they really have to match up that well with Bosh. Our weakness defensively is against post presences, which OKC doesn’t really have much of. Jump shooting teams don’t scare me. Nobody hits their shots all the time, especially on a stage with the intensity of the NBA Finals. I’d rather have our superstars driving to the rack.
     But hey, we all know the most important single aspect of this series is LeBron James. You know our Heat will be watching footage of the Mavs celebrating on our home floor last year. LeBron’s gonna come out buckwild and roast ‘em, roast those oily haystacks in Oklahoma City, and exorcise the demons. OKC’s happy to be here. Heat in 6.

Eastern Conference Finals Boston Celtics-Miami Heat Game 7

Game 7 Notes

      The Heat go with the same starting lineup, starting Battier and Haslem in the frontcourt and bringing Chris Bosh off the bench. Bosh was huge in this one, shooting 8-10 field goals including three big time 3 pointers. When Bosh is hitting threes, what can you do about that?

      LeBron hits his first two free throws. Had a feeling after last game’s domination by LeBron his free throws would be a big factor in this one, and they were as he finished 12-17 from the line.

      KG airballs… Wade then cooks Ray Allen as he should.

      Battier 3. And another. Why was Battier on KG early?

      UD hits his classic baseline shot.

      Wade with his first of a few crazy And-1s.

      Bosh two big shots in a row. Bosh 3!

      LeBron blocks Rondo as Rajon falls into the stands.

      Alley-oop on the run LeBron to Wade to LeBron! I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a cool alley-oop at such a tense moment of a pivotal game.

     Wade silky pull-up on Allen. Supposedly Miami is actually one of two preferred destinations for Ray Allen this offseason.

     Chalmers with a great aggressive drive to the hoop. LeBron’s gotta drive. Another Chalmers. Gotta love how he runs in there at top speed reckless and finishes. When Chalmers gets going like that, and Battier hits some threes, the Heat are super tough. But we don’t have a team, just a big two, right?

      Bosh is hot with his jumper. Keep drivin’ LeBron. Great drive by LeBron with a hard foul and-1.

      Monster slam by LeBron.

      Strip by Wade. Hiyyyuge Lebron 3-pointer.

      Bosh intercepts a pass. A Wade floater. This was just another instant classic Miami Heat game. The Celtics actually led by 12 early, the Heat pull even but can’t get build a lead more than two points to get some separation for a while. With 20 lead changes, to call this game exciting would be an understatement.

      Lots of embracing the screen and kisses to Dwyane Wade from my comrades at the Positive Unity Heat Watch Party as he hits The Most Ridiculous And-1.

      The Heat finally pull away as the Big 3 score our last 31 points How fitting. It was difficult to take notes much during this one folks. It was just too darned exciting. At the Positive Unity Heat Watch Party we’ve hummed Rock and Roll pt.2 and screamed ‘til we were hoarse and danced all our energy away on celebratory jigs of Heat Baskets. What a night. These Celtics put up one hell of a fight, I have to give them props for that. Incredible. Well now that the Wily Green Dragon has been slayed, it’s time to take on the young bucks in white-and-blue from Oklahoma City. After much trial and tribulation, our beloved Miami Heat are intact and finally back on the big stage. I like that LeBron had almost nothing to do with that Eastern Conference Trophy Presentation. He’s not ready to celebrate yet.

Evisceration

    
     Amazing. Amazing performance as LeBron James ripped out the heart of the Celtics and the crowd last night. How about all those fair-weather Boston fans who left the game early? But we still haven’t earned anything yet, just the right to play one on our home court for a chance to go the Finals.

    Chalmers set it off with a 3 promptly followed by another from Battier

    The Heat get ALL the loose balls. No will to win, huh? (a.k.a. the "wiyill to wiyin")

     James drives, he jams, he’s hitting threes. Saying he’s great early is an understatement. He starts 12-13. He’s an assassin. The great part about this performance is his field goal percentage is ridiculous and it’s not like he was laying it in, he was hitting contested long range shots, arguably with a fate worse than death on the line

     Bosh hits one early, a slow start from Wade

     Just a great play for a Miami Heat fan when Bosh gets the rebound of a Haslem miss from the baseline, tells him to do it again and he hits

     Icewater flows through LeBron James’ veins

     Rondo throws it away a few times. Did anybody check Rondo barely pulling off that second knuckle push up? Way to go man

     I’m digging Haslem on KG. Wade hits a couple free throws !

     Rondo with the non-basketball plays, Man. Bring it on. Not trying to hate, Rondo’s got game and all, but he certainly gets no extra love for trying to punk us all series with the non-basketball play

     Wade gets one off the glass right after halftime.

     Oh man, LeBron fade in KG’s face off the glass

     LeBron a big 3 while Rondo talks at him

     We need Wade and Bosh into it, I say to myself at the time. But in retrospect they were great decoys. They may try to double LeBron in Game 7, but I would personally look forward to seeing a 4-3 with Bosh and Wade. If each of our Big 3 takes offense at not drawing a double team, we'll be fine

     A LeBron baseline fade shot immediately off the pass right over Rondo. He was like hurry up and give it to me so I can hit this shot right away.
     Rondo’s bag of little girl tricks is on full display; the replay shows him trying to tap LeBron’s leg as he drills it.

     KG is missing point blank, C’mon Heat.

     An incredible Wade reverse. O, Wade drives, great pass right over KG to Battier for a 3.

     LeBron jumper over KG. Wade puts in his own tip. LeBron burns Bass. It was good. Heat are up by 25 at one point.

     The Celtics got punked last night, and I loved it cause it was purely through the game of basketball. Not talking, not kicking, not smacking. Just schoolin’. On to game 7!

Never Say Die

   

     Not dead yet. Where are all the Heat fans right now, amidst all this talk about who we need to get as a coach? This season is not over. Last I checked the first team to notch four wins gets the series. I am officially calling out the crowd at that game last night, you guys could have been a LOT louder. There have been plenty of championship teams that have been down, down 3-2 and looked like total crap before they turned it all around. They got this.
     How does the ref make that call against Haslem with 15 seconds left in the game? You know what the great thing about a conspiracy is? Everybody says “Oh, suure, it’s a conspiracy” And “They still have to put the ball through the basket” Granted, it’s a little bit of Column A and a little bit of Column B, but no one’s suggesting David Stern puts a gun to the ref’s heads and says “these guys gotta win”, they just let them know, that if there’s a chance, to influence it, to tilt it a certain way. I’m sorry the calls are way too ridiculous.
     That said, speaking of way too ridiculous, how about the amount of defensive rotations botched by the Heat last night? There were so many that it would really seem to indicate a larger issue than just a couple of mistakes made by players. Like I said before, granted, it’s a little bit of A and B, but if we’re missing assignments left and right, don’t you kind of look at the guy in charge? No more questions for now though. This game coming up, this is it now. We’re going find out who really doesn’t want to go home.

Game 5 Notes

     Bosh active, not starting. Really could have used him drawing out Garnett in the 4^th Quarter. Spo’ says after the game “I wanted to be fair to Chris” or something like that, which is his way of saying “he was missing defensive assignments” but dang man. Forget fairness right now. On the other hand, better not to re-aggravate the injury and they could have won without him.

     Battier has a drive for a two pointer early, this may seem minor in the wake of everything else right now, but some plays like that in general are probably a good idea once in a while to get our shooters in rhythm. By the way, The Heat shot 26 three-pointers last night. What? On Thursday night, at least, they do have an opportunity to play much better.

     Rondo and Kevin Garnett were ice cold in the first half. KG eventually came around.

     Really enjoy having Udonis out there. It feels so much more like a team when he’s on the floor.


Some delightful Heat moments for any one questioning the Heat, who may otherwise forget (like the kid said, "Good job, good effort". Words to live by.):

     An Alley to Wade

     A wonderful block by Lebron on Paul Pierce, who falls into the stands

     Bosh puts up an And-1 down low right in KG’s face

     Just multiple great drives by Lebron in the first half. Perhaps if Bosh had been in late, the lane would have been cleared for more of that in the second half.
     I wouldn’t mind at all if Lebron just went off for fifty. You always hear the classic killer instinct thing, when you’re the best player in the world, you go to work, demand the ball, get a screen, and just cut their throats. Down in South Florida we say, get the ball, get the screen, straight up chew these guys' faces off

     Mike Miller draws a charge on Pierce. Ira Winderman had an interesting take the other day, proposing the league eliminate charges entirely. With this officiating chaos, all kinds of suggestions are being made, including expanding the no-charge circle under the rim to varying degrees.

     In the second half, Lebron puts one up down low that rims out, Pierce tries to tip it out but Lebron collects the ball and puts it in

     Chalmers drivin. Udonis fullcourt pass to Chalmers.

     Rondo, “one of the greatest ever” gets an entertaining backcourt violation

     Wade is penetrating and dishing pretty well. Battier did knock down a huge 3 that should have been an And-1 if the calls were being made the same both ways.

     Rondo gets a breakaway, but like a speeding bullet, unseen, from behind Norris Cole jacks him

     LBJ drives and lays it in right in KG’s face. Then hits a 3. Pierce airballs it, KG rebounds and does the same.

     An amazing drive by Wade and then a redonkulous block.

     Then we let it slip away. Real tough one. “Our mistakes can either define us or they can galvanize us”, didn’t Pat Riley say that in the 2006 Finals? Game 6, now. Boston Garden. Do or Die. Tell you what, I don’t like it, but now that we’re here, wouldn’t have it any other way. This Celtics team is bringing such a hell of a fight to us and you know, I’m glad, because if we make it out of this, the Heat will be a lot better for it. Hey, you gotta put it all out there. Win or lose, there’s no question either way we’re going to learn from the Cetlics what championship basketball is all about. They’re not perfect, it’s not always pretty, and I don’t like them, but that’s how it is. Come on, guys. I want the Heat juju to be through the roof the next couple of days. Chew their faces off. See you Thursday night

Game 4 Heat-Celtics Eastern Conference Finals 2012

     Before I get into all the doom and gloom of actually recounting the game, I want to remind Heat fans there are a lot of things to feel good about going into tomorrow’s game 5.

     At the top of the list is the showing we got from Udonis Haslem last night. He’s back. He’s finally getting decent minutes and doing something with them, notching a solid 12 points and 17 rebounds.
     Next is the fact that our defense on Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett really improved in the second half of that game. The Celtics scored 61 in the first half. They hardly put up half that the rest of the way, scoring 32 in the second half and overtime. That’s huge.
     We’ve taken their best shot and still had a great chance to win both games. Now we’ve got homecourt in a three game series. But it is absolutely imperative that the Heat take Game 5. On to our observations of Game the Fourth


     A start for Joel Anthony. With the incredibly flat beginnings we’ve had from the Heat lately, I think we’ve got to get Haslem back into the starting lineup. There is no question the effort will be there from him. I vote more Rony Turiaf as well.

     OK, let’s seriously start calling fouls on these obscene KG screens. 

Contact the NBA league office. Let the NBA know you're not stupid, Let your voice be heard,

     KG tipped in a bucket for us early which was pure delight.

     Despite the rest of his seemingly ubiquitously crapped on first half, Wade did have a couple beautiful spin moves to the basket early. I know he’s got to step it up, but we ought to at least acknowledge how tough his job is. We all expect more from him, but he was also millimeters away from being the hero with a 3 at the end of it all. I know how it is being a fan, how the emotions get involved, but after listening to the radio and watching the ESPN shows and hearing and seeing all the raging, I really feel blessed just to watch these guys play

     The fouls in this game are clearly totally about pecking order. They obviously tag fouls on the guys whose names aren’t as well known.

     an Alley to Lebron! James Jones is professional, hitting a shot soon after entering

     UD hits a couple shots, and we need Wade in rhythm early

     Let’s all not forget that Rondo tried to kick Shane Battier on the ground.

     Rondo probably did us a huge favor with his stupid remark at halftime about the Heat “crying in transition”. Surely Wade takes big-time offense to that. One hopes

     The Celtics go up big again before another amazing comeback by the Heat. Really superb defense in the second half. This time the Heat make it all the way back. It’s tied when Udonis re-enters.

     Some good Norris Cole moments here, he seems to do a much better job on Rondo. Cole made a great drive straight to the rim at one point too. I like when Chalmers and Cole do that.

     A clutch 3 near the end of Regulation from Lebron.

     I don’t want to get caught up in the officiating, but the foul calls on Lebron were totally ridiculous. His last three were mystifying, topped by an utterly absurd call as Pietrus seemingly grabs his man-place, and LBJ fouls out in overtime.


     After listening to the talking heads all trash the Heat players, I have to say: Listen, I know some of the performances from Heat supporting players have been underwhelming recently, but I’m getting really tired of hearing people questioning if guys like Battier and Miller “can really play”. An Olympian and an All-Star. It’s fair to expect exceptional from guys who make as much money as they do, but I think all this is bigger than the individual guys. I put it on coaching, more than anything honestly. Our role players need a pecking order. I think we would get more consistent production if everybody knew exactly what they’re getting into, what’s expected of them, etc. Here’s mine

Haslem
Chalmers
Battier/Miller
Norris Cole
Joel Anthony
Turiaf
James Jones

     Then even the least used players would feel something is expected of them every night, rather than just being an oft-maligned question mark. Hopefully, Chris Bosh returning will end this excuse factory from Spo’ about the instability of the rotation.

     We’ve got to push through the absurd officiating.  Right now, all four teams left in the playoffs are even. Six wins from hoisting a championship trophy. Even the sacred and holy Spurs have lost two in a row on the road. This is what the Eastern Conference Finals are all about. I expect to see the Heat’s best game of the year tomorrow night, now let’s enjoy watching Game 5 and LET'S GO HEAT!

Eastern Conference Finals Poll

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Game 3

After a Heat loss in Game 3, There are two Big-Time Adjustments we're looking to see from Spo' in Sunday's Game 4.
1) More opportunities for Wade. With Bosh out, the Heat simply need to maximize Wade's effectiveness. No other way to put it.
2)  Have Haslem on Garnett in clutch time. No fronting, just straight up defense. He'll make it tough on him.

2.5) No Joel Anthony. Or Early, if at all. The Stakes are simply too high at this point. Would we trust him in the fourth quarter on their best player in a championship game 7? No, so we may as well use whoever we do trust in that situation. I would like to see more lineups with Lebron Wade Miller Haslem and either Battier or Chalmers, even Turiaf perhaps.

Game 3 Moments
Is it just me or did Rondo let the ball bounce off his head to start Game 3?

Early Chalmers has a sweet dunk. Another great showing from him.

A blatant no call when Pietrus grabs Lebron, then a bad call against a Shane Battier screen. Clearly the NBA wants this series extended. I’m sure though basketball junkies are swooning over the OKC-San Antonio Match it’s probably not incredibly popular nationwide. Whereas Miami-Boston is much more talkable. I had actually thought the officiating hadn’t been that bad this series, but there were a LOT of pro-Celtic calls tonight. The Heat never get the calls

Lebron is starting off on FIRE

Sometimes it seems having joel Anthony out there totally disrupts the offensive flow. On one possession, the ball swings outside through 4 Heat players, Miller realizes Anthony won’t get open and/or he won’t be passing to him anyway, and the ball goes right back out the other way through the other four players in a row, back to Lebron on the other side.

An incorrect offensive goaltending call against the Heat. They’re going crazy calling fouls on Heat right now!

At one point in the first half, the Celtics have a really small lineup in, it’s a perfect time for the Heat to cram it down their throat. Appropriately Lebron posts up right after I asked. That mercifully ends eight minutes for us gone without a field goal. Yeah! Full court strike to Wade! Assist Chalmers

I like the drives by Shane Battier. Somebody’s gotta do it.


2nd Half

A Battier drive and a charge drawn by Turiaf bring Brandon Bass up to 5 fouls early in the third quarter.

Heat go down by 21, Lebron draws the And-1, c’mon, there’s plenty of time left Heat. Let’s go

Lebron drills another jumper

Lebron and Wade aren’t giving up baby

We need all these points missed on free throws, C’mon guys

James Jones draws a charge on Garnett. That was big-time

Heat start with small lineup in the fourth quarter of Chalmers Miller Battier Wade and Lebron to try and get something going here.

Keep on driving inside, hammering away, c’mon Heat

Wade hits a tough fade over Ray Allen

The Celtics are playing not to lose winding down the clock with 8 minutes to go, and another Heat steal. we need to out energize em, bring the defense. They’re not scoring any more tonight.

Miller hits some big time threes

Wade SLAMMA

We need to put in Haslem to guard Garnett, that’s gonna be tough for Lebron at this time.

Chalmers really making a name for himself here with a classic scoop and then an And-1

And an absolutely horrendous call that goes against Lebron after KG hooks him. The Celtics are so dirty

The lead is down to 8, 3 minutes to go. Bring the hammer down

Heat turn the ball over on a low post pass from Lebron to Haslem. Well Spo’ that’s what you get when you put Haslem back in with 1:39 to go after he’s been sitting for 10 minutes.

2012 Eastern Conference Finals Game 2

     The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics in an overtime thriller in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals Wednesday night behind 34 points and 10 rebounds from Lebron James, weathering an incredible performance from Rajon Rondo who scored a career high 44 points to go along with 10 assists.
     It was one of those games that was great because it made you nervous. The Celtics led early, but the Heat overtook them in the second half. Every time we started to pull away Rondo would hit a big shot and keep it tight. After the game, the Celtics whine about the officiating. Listen, the home crowd is always a factor, but the fact of the matter is Wade and James take it to the rack time and time again, and that’s how you get to the free throw line. This is like 2006 all over again with the foul call conspiracy charges. You can’t take all outside shots then expect to shoot as many free throws as the aggressor. But Doc Rivers is just saying his piece, ‘cause after all, what else can he do? Focus on the fact that his run-down team just lost a heartbreaker? Anyway, if you’re really in control of the basketball game, the refs don’t matter.
     I’m somewhat in shock finding out that the TNT guys besides Charles Barkeley actually had the gall to pick Celtics in 6. I don’t know what it is that had the Celtics looking superior to the Heat for those guys. If KG was 26 that would be one thing, but fortunately he’s 36. Delicious Heat, from the top:

  Turiaf has been playing as a token starter. Did he play at all after his first stint? I don’t recall seeing him in the second half. But on an early possession his effort for a rebound draws an over-the-back call on Garnett. Then Garnett is blocked leading to a Lebron dunk.

  Wade penetration leads to a Battier three. Inside-out game. The Heat appear too quick. That could be an advantage for the Heat vs the Spurs if we end up facing them as well.

  Rondo misses a point blank layup… Celtic Stiemsma gets 4 fouls in first quarter, thinning their rotation even further.

  I dig that Chalmers floater.

  Rondo is a preeminent flopper

  They’re trapping Wade and James as soon as they touch the ball, so we need to get the offensive movement going.

  Rondo goes completely Untouched and gets the call. He’s the Flopmaster.

  Chalmers is playing great, it really makes a big difference for this team when he plays well.

  Wade is cooking Allen and his ankles. Then blocks him! A reverse by Chalmers! Big Lebron pass to Wade!

  Finally UD gets the And-1 call! Then he blocks Rondo.

  Jeff Van Gundy: “James takes him on the penetration” 6 words I like to hear.

  James sends Paul Pierce’s  layup flying into the air, it’s saved by a Heat and leads to a Wade fastbreak And-1

  At the end of the 3^rd the crowd is on their feet, Wade to Lebron, and he gets his own tip-in!

  Get Joel Anthony outta there!! I’m down with the Canadian but I can’t handle the Man with Blocks of Ice for hands in the 4^th quarter of the NBA Playoffs.

  Wonder how they didn’t post Lebron earlier?

  Battier. Clutch 3 via Lebron.

  It’s amazing how often James has taken the responsibility of guarding KG along with everything else he does.

  Near the end of regulation, Celtics, that’s your shot? Pierce from 30!?

  UD buries the clutch 10 footer as he so often has.

  Oh Baby, Wade with the Tomahawk Jam And-1 in overtime.

  Then an incredible Wade and-1 and short classic stare-off with Kevin Garnett.

  Pierce, take your talents right outta South Beach! He does so earlier than expected actually, heading into the locker room before the game ends. Rondo drills a couple threes near the end to keep it close but the Heat emerge victorious. What a great game.

C's

 The Grand Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 93-79 at American Airlines Arena last night with 32 points and 13 rebounds from Lebron James and 22 points from Dwyane Wade. Shane Battier added 10 points and 10 rebounds and the Heat ended up with 11 blocks at the end of the night. Kevin Garnett contributed 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, while Rondo filled out the stat sheet as usual despite struggling with 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Paul Pierce added 12 while Ray Allen shot just 1-7 from the floor.

Spo goes with a starting lineup of Turiaf and Battier along with the usual suspects, opting to continue bringing Udonis Haslem off the bench.

Some of our more delicious and/or noticeable moments included:

Early, Rondo with an unconscionable flop off the screen.

A breakaway for the Heat and a dunk, all minor arguments in Heat households are quelled as we are united in Lebron.

Sweet Chalmie alley-oop to BronBron

Battier makes the redemption 3, hitting the exact same shot he had just missed, after a Heat offensive rebound. Gotta love the second opportunity score as a fan of basketball in general and the Heat in particular.

Wade makes a great pass to Miller for three after driving the baseline and drawing two defenders. Miller goes for another and the crowd loves it.

A Turiaf offensive rebound. He’s lovable

Lebron brickpass to Joel Anthony.

Rondo is covering Wade after starting with 4 turnovers and 0 field goals. We need to wear him out on defense.

I’m calling for some LBJ and D. Wade on the same play, and get it shortly after with a Gorgeous Drive by Wade to Lebron deep down inside! Yes, they listened!

LBJ blocks Rondo, that’s what I like to see, Battier on one side of Rondo, Lebron on the other.

Chalmers has ups on that breakaway dunk from Battier’s steal off Paul Pierce.

Love the LBJ hook shots. Wade distributes to Anthony successfully.

Rondo appears to nail Wade in the balls, sadly. Wade with an amazing hook from the free throw line and a holler to go along with it as well. Booyakasha!

Joel Anthony prances down to defend Rondo on the breakaway, Spo expectedly calls timeout.

“It’s OK to laugh” – life lessons from Jeff Van Gundy

Amazing legendary Wade shake

Haha Lebron taunts KG by holding the ball out right in front of his face after a score, daring him to earn another technical foul. Classic. Earlier Garnett was assessed a technical for tapping the ball out of a Heat player’s hand after a Celtics score.

Haslem knows the good foul, preventing a dunk.

Wade – smooth stepback high arc jumper

A Brutal Battier Bank does them in for good.
(Wait! Lebron and Wade have 54 and we need them to have 70 to win)

Love the fullcourt passes. Tune in next time folks. Did I say Heat in 4? Heat in 4. Or 5, Or 6. But I think the Heat will win every game. It’s an affliction I have. That I don’t want cured. Heat in 4.

Haters Gonna Hate

Haters gonna hate

Droppin’ jewels
Never sated
Throwin’ down diamonds
Cuttin’, fiery,
You don’t know me
No time to punk fools
I’m chillin with the trophy

Game 6: Closeout.

   "You don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't spit into the wind, you don't pull the mask off the ol' Lone Ranger and you don't mess around with..." him. Dwyane Wade, that is.

   No UD. No Bosh. No Pittman. No Problem for the Heat as they closed out the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 on Thursday Night in Indianapolis. It was All Wade, All Night. He reminds us what playoff basketball is all about, willing his team to victory by repeatedly driving into the lane, not reacting to the fact that we were getting NO calls whatsoever. Wade gets it done, in style. Just like the hot pink pants he was wearing after. Y'know, I had a hot pink Hot Wheels car when I was a young'un which I always thought was the most bad ass because it was the most audacious. Reckless. Like Wade. Like the pants.

Recap:

Starting off, Lebron is called on a non-goaltend.

Lebron puts it in with a hard not called foul by Granger.

Wade with pretty pivoting.

All night the refs are really hesitating with their whistles.

Wade with a sweet flythrough jam

Great ball movement on a Chalmers 3 but we're calling for them to go inside.

Joel Anthony. Great Two blocks on Mista Tyler.

We just gotta weather the storm here, the Pacers came out high energy and shooting well, hold tight Heaters!

Battier draws a... charrrge

O man Miller. They're Heating up storming back on a 10-0 run. Wade is the backboard's best friend. Does anybody know it better than him?

Here comes the freight train.

Wade is called for an incredible nonexistent foul, didn't even graze him and we're incredulous. You know that's gonna irritate him annnd he comes back with a basket right on cue. "You don't tug on Superman's cape..." as my Dad would say. And a Wade nother!

They are racking up the whining so Let's run

We say Miller looks like he's on the cusp of death, but he starts 3-3 on 3's and ends with 4 of em (on 7 shots) so he's cool with us.

Absolutely atrocious foul call for Granger where he's not even touched.

On another, they show Vogel claiming no foul when it clearly is.

Lebron classic driving lay-in.

Who else is tired of fat cameraman right on the sideline?

Wade has 26 by halftime somehow.

To start the second half we're treated to Lebron icing a shot with no net movement on Granger.

Love all the steals tonight.

Yeah let's trade Wade they said. Amazing

Lebron goes inside at Hibbert we need more of that.

Miller goes for a deep one.

Joel Anthony does a pretty good job of defense on West for a change of pace.

Oh D. West. With the non-basketball plays.

Amazing hook shot by Lebron, and following that Hibbert fouls Lebron multiple times on the same play, as my little brother says "It's like he's playing jacks on Lebron's body"

How many steals did we end up with tonight? 9

Battier gets a needed basket.

Wade knows the glass so well.

He's tearin' it up, breakin' ankles on crossovers. We're swarming the paint. I like it.

He's No Way Wade, I'm always saying No way

The stats at the end of the night actually say they had more paint points, but at the time it seemed to me we were keeping them out of the paint pretty well.

Lebron's goin' in! Wade only shoots six free throws somehow despite seemingly being fouled everytime down

Lebron. At the end. You knew that was goin' in.

Well, much credit to 'Spo. He's made the adjusments. Wade pours 41. With no calls. Now we're looking great, Bosh is on the way back, a weekend of rest. Bring it on

Glorious Glorious Game 5

Some of the things we were reflecting on about the last game and thinking about before this game: Shane Battier played West great last time. Udonis Haslem provided needed toughness out there. Knew they wouldn’t rough him up without a response. How true that turned out to be. Some wondered, will the Pacers try to trap James and Wade, forcing our role players to beat them? Or will they play them straight up, daring the Big Two to try and repeat Sunday’s spectacular performance? The Heat never gave the Pacers a chance to decide on Tuesday night. And it was great. From the top! We were looking forward to seeing if the wake-up call this last week served to rally the fans enough to get them in there by tipoff, and they did not disappoint.

Good start with a Battier 3.

And another.

Oh Battier, Pacers have a 3-on-1 on him and he causes the turnover

Yeah Battier is on. That’s three…

(We were calling for it before the game. Due some Shane Battier reinvigoration. )

Lebron hits a smooth fade right in Granger’s face.

Norris Cole draws a quality CHARGE. No flop!

A deep three from LBJ on Grange to end the first

Wade hits the first of a series of incredible And-1 Bank shots

Tyler Punksborough draws blood on Wade. On the bench, Juwan Howard becomes a vortex of Heat energy

Then Haslem lets Punksborough know he’s in Wade County.

OK, let’s get back to basketball, Wade with a purty crossover scoop. Many a highlight reel play in this one.

Joel Anthony packs one out into the stands. Do the Pacers want to go inside? No, they’re shooting all outside shots. I like it.

Lebron nails the 3 by the Indiana bench and looks at them for just the right amount of time, for just one moment after

When somebody passes to Joel Anthony the ball needs to have a ribbon on it.

LBJ with a Stuffa in the open lane because nobody wants to go inside for the Pacers. They end the half with a sweet back and forth Wade to Lebron lay-in.

Battier is still hot after halftime.

The lane is empty of Pacers for a Lebron Slamma.

It was priceless seeing Juwan Howard and Norris Cole roll their eyes at Granger pulling up the ankle. He’s fouled Lebron the last 3 times down the floor cause he doesn’t want to be seen next to Lebron scoring.

Wade with an amazing circus And-1, and Turiaf has the best dances.

Somebody was saying the other day this Heat team has been “nothing special” all year. I pity the fool who has not been watching because they do something spectacular every night. Especially tonight.

Lebron is all smiles after a one-hand pass for a Wade dunk, then gets professional quickly.

Every Pacers shot is outside. How many threes did they shoot in this one?

I really don’t want to talk Pacers strategy, but how do they not just ride Hibbert and West I’m asking myself time and again. They’re All-Stars

Wade with another And-1 off the glass.

The announcers are going on about Tim Duncan and then the Boston Celtics as Wade beautifies a full court pass to Lebron.

Great defensive possessions as Indiana misses a long 3 at the end of shot clock.

Wade with an awesome crossover on Hansborough. Officially an awesome game. Blow their doors off as they used to say in my time. Wade stares down Hansborough after sending his shot into the stands. This is Wade county.

Granger does not look that upset to be on a cart. Kobe's brow would be so furrowed if he were being carted out of a playoff game. Granger's chillin, looking a little relieved not to be out there anymore.

James Jones gives em a couple 3s for the plane ride home.

O Dex. He gives Lance an elbow to the throat so wrong its right. A wink too. He’ll be suspended. I’m an advocate of nonviolence and everything, but yeah this is basketball. Gotta do what you gotta do. All those cheap shots we were getting earlier this series…nah, it ain’t goin down like that.

Heat record 61% field goal percentage in a playoff game.

The three starters not Lebron and Wade scored first. Oh yeah, they’ll never duplicate Sunday, role players won’t step up. Ha. Another Heat Classic. Now Thursday.

Glorious Game 4

One of the best Heat games ever. Instant Classic. As I look back on the last few days, I realize I’m getting more and more emotionally involved here, and clearly lot of other folks are as well I see. That was a doozy. I can’t remember the last time I was this worked up consistently over sports…then I remember last year’s Heat run, and the ’06 championship run, and all the other runs from my sports viewing history…


It’s been easy to forget lately that the Heat lost two to the Chicago Bulls in the first round in 2006. With plenty of drama. There was a lot of drama during that whole run, which is also easy to forget.

Turiaf starts, I like it. Battier stays starting at the 4.

Our heroes don’t look settled early

Haslem. Slamma putback

O Wade steal on the inbounds pass Heat come right back and score and we’re back in business.

Lebron goes coast to coast. On his way to doing everything today

The Pacers are punks.

Lebron with amazing pass inside to Wade. It’s an awesome pass; you realize how casual the normal viewing experience is when they show the instant replay up close and you really see the angle and precision that goes into it.

Wade heats up hitting how many in a row after starting 1-8.

Granger likes talking unprovoked smack up in peoples’ biz.

Amazing Wade 3 after catching the ball falling on the ground.

A CHARGE by Hibbert.

Wade is on fire.

Lots of screaming around here in 3^rd quarter on glorious Heat baskets.

Udonis with a great game, especially after they drew blood. Lou whats-his-son had no idea what a mistake that would be. But Haslem. Gotta have the championship player out on the floor in crunch time. Good stuff.

Lebron.
Wade.
40.
30.
Huge.
In their house.
One of the best Heat games ever.

Feelin the Heat: Game 3. Picture ‘em Rollin’

Feeling the Heat down in my soul, folks. That was one of the worst games I’ve ever seen. Right now, I’m wondering what Riley has been turning over in his head last night and today, what Lebron is mulling, and I can only imagine like I, they picture the Heat rollin’ (kinda like the Tupac song). Amidst all the talk of no supporting cast, they must be wondering how they got here, what they were going for when this team was assembled. It wasn’t done out of foolishness. Don’t believe the hype, Haslem, Miller, Battieeeer. The media talk is divisive, making this team into the Stars and Everybody Else but we know that’s not the case. Remember in December when they looked unstoppable? That’s just waiting to be uncorked. I don’t care what’s happened, don’t care what they say. This lineup, Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole. Dwyane Wade. Mike Miller. Shane Battier. Lebron. James Jones, Udonis. Turiaf. Bosh (usually), Joel, Pittman. That lineup is still ridiculous, they’ve just been under a cloud. All the talk is the Pacers are deep, we aren’t. We’re the tired stars and underachieving role players. We’re deep. We’re a team. The Heat still have a great opportunity, to let this fire burn for a couple days and then come out Game 4 with a heretofore unseen passion. They haven’t played as hard as they’ll have to. Now they have to. Picture ‘em Rollin’, Heat fans
 Game 3 Notes, From the beginning (Heat Faithful may want to avert their eyes)
Wow Spo’ starts Pittman and Battier. Flabbergasted. Good move, I like it. If Dex gets a couple fouls and goes to the bench, big deal, at least we have a big
He gets benched quick.
It would be veddy nice if we could get a packed house at tip next time
Chalmers is feelin’ it, assists a Miller three, and that’s good.
Many a floater from Chalmers and ‘Bron.
Joel Anthony catches AND dunks it!
At the end of the 1st quarter it seems we’ve really weathered the storm, leading by 9 after trailing 11-2 to start.
Turiaf would-have-been classic Windmill Dance after an And-1 if everybody didn’t want to forget tonight. He tends to look good for the Heat, he really fills a void.
And Joel Anthony with a highlight left handed layup! Looks funny doing it as always
Haslem and Miller get fouls called on them just for being out there
After a beastly And-1, Chalmers hears it from a fan who’s had too much beer and gets a look from a lady that appear to be filled with genuine hate
O man, our alloted one incredible play (at least) from Lebron James this game
After halftime, Chalmers picks up where he left off.
Wade with a smooth J finally (it ends up being his only smooth moment of the night)
Battier short on 3s again and again.
Wow. Never seen ANYthing like Wade up in Spo’s grill. What’s more shocking, this, or that it hasn’t happened before?
Then the ref reverses a call just for being asked nicely as a gift to the Pacers and their fans
Unfathomable off. foul call against Wade. No calls tonight. Not feeling crazy about suspecting the league of tipping it in Pacers favor early in the series to make this more dramatic. Of course, the league can’t write the storyline but they can play with a little bit. They don’t want the Heat out though
Granger seems to have psychological issues. That’s the second game in a row he does something weird to Lebron then turns around and gets in his face (last time it was knocking off his headband, this time he untucks his jersey from behind)
D. West is a professional basketball player but the occassional non-basketball plays are embarrassing
You’re my boy Chalmers, All-Star tonight! All series please
Are the Pacers getting too excited?
Why why Miller and Turiaf taken out
We’ve had 3 blocks that had fouls called on them that were all ball I swear
How many early shot clock shots? How many times did they penetrate THEN kick it out?
<sigh>
 The Heat is on for Game 4. Picture ‘em Rollin’

Miami Heat Game 3 Pre-Notes

 Am I the only one who thinks it’s weird how we keep hearing Spoelstra say “I wish I could have gotten him a minute or two” in reference to the question of rest for Lebron … What? Stop being a baby. Sit him for a minute. Put somebody else in. It will be OK. Our players are capable. Does he believe his own hype when he says we have enough or not?
I’m looking for threes. Rhythmic movement of the ball throughout the team on offense. Yes, I know it’s a road game. We smoked them here by 30 points earlier this year.
I don’t care what’s been going on they’ve got to show some trust in Haslem. Do they have no vision of a player’s continued potential ability through their rough stretches? It sure doesn’t seem like it. Everybody’s bashing the role players, but the coaches are blowing in the wind with them, any non Big Three player has a couple of bad shots, they get thrown out of the rotation practically. We’ve seen this happen with Miller and now Haslem. These guys are quality players

Game 2

 Well After repeated yelling at the TV screen, much discussion afterwards, and listening to the moronic post-game questions being asked of Dwyane Wade such as “How much did you miss Chris Bosh?” “In what ways did you miss Chris Bosh?” and “Were you guys trying to conserve energy in the 3^rd quarter?” I may as well go ahead and note what I’ve noted now so I can go ahead with life
 12 minutes from Udonis Haslem. I’m immensely disappointed with Spoelstra. Can’t hide it. From the beginning:
1^st Half
Turiaf shoulda been playin the whole time. I’m sayin.
No. Early. Long. Shots.
And here is the lineup they said we wouldn’t see Miller, Battier, Wade, Turiaf, Bron at the 4. That’s a quality lineup. They’re playing fast. Great defense
OH man Wade.Lebron. Baby. A back and forth touch pass jam. Entertained.
Need some UD revival.
Some Heat players get no love from refs. Battier. And Anthony gets reach-ins every time he rebounds the ball.
The Heat are fronting the Pacers players keeping the ball out of the post.
Ooh, a deep Battier three by way of Wade Mojo Pass
2^nd Half
CHARGE taken by Haslem
Chalmers gets a talking to from Spo rightfully after ticky tack foul. If you’re gonna foul em, foul em so they don’t make the basket plz
Much needed basket from UD don’t even know how it went in.
A tough run in the 3^rd quarter best left undiscussed
Needing to establish a rhythm on offense…
How is Joel Anthony playing more than UD pray tell? Hasl-bear can set screens, rebound, and can actually catch, hold the ball, and put it in.
A Few soft passes from Wade this game
You know they have to think way too much when they’re running the pick and roll with Anthony, you can see them hesitate, and I would too.
An abominable no-call on Wade and you know he’s pissed.
Was Haslem not our starting 4 when we won a ring for cryin out loud! It’s not funny with J.A. anymore
Is that not pissing off Lebron, he wouldn’t rather have UD or Ronny out there?
Manly play from Wade with the crucial offensive rebound and putback
The Pacers are raging, Granger gets in Lebron’s face and he’s yapping. The non-basketball play is embarrassing. Can’t help but wonder if their coach didn’t get them off-track with his comments.
Manly one hand rebound from Lebron.
An impressive seven fouls from Granger after getting his fifth taken away, then proceeding to earn it back and another
Then the end.
After listening to the radio, it’s clear some in Heat nation are in panic. They talk about the late misses from Wade, the Lebron the free throws. I’m thinking about how tiring it must be for them thinking out there if the guy they’re running the pick and roll with can catch the dang ball. Spoelstra didn’t make adjustments amidst the adversity in the second half.
Heat in Five.

Game 2 Pre-Notes

Waiting for a Udonis re-stepping out game, like when he was great for us in the 06 finals, with that legendary defense on Dirk. I know he has it in him.
Ignoring Pacers whining about foul shots. The disparity, which was not that great of one, is because Lebron and Wade attack basket so well. This is more akin to Netherlands v Spain in the World Cup when the Netherlands were fouling Spain like crazy because they knew they couldnt win otherwise against a superior team
Agh Bosh
Let’s see what the starting lineup will be here
Well, I would have thought to inject Miller into starting lineup, but Lebron said he’s not going to play at the 4 so, the most likely solution is to replace Bosh in starting lineup with Turiaf. Joel Anthony was great off the bench other day, and besides not having Lebron to play the 4, I don’t think Spo wants to change bringing Miller and Battier off bench. I don’t see Pittman starting, though he could certainly play, so that leaves us with Turiaf as the starter. Which is not much of a doomsday scenario as far as I’m concerned, I think he’ll be great for us.  We’ll see what happens. I could see Haslem possibly returning to bench with a Bosh return, but that’s getting ahead of ourselves…Game on

Miami Heat 2012 NBA Playoffs Round 2 vs. Indiana Pacers Game 1

The second glorious series of our Miami Heat playoffs began on a Sunday afternoon dedicated to mothers everywhere. Visions of the ultimate goal, a championship trophy, are firmly fixed though a ways off. Yet the gravitational pull our heroes exert on the trophy increases since we met with them last, vanquishing the lowly New York Knicks in contests five. The step in front of us now is to overcome our next foe, the youthful and balanced Pacers of Indiana…
Observations
Not a whole lot of movement on offense early, and you know how that worries me.
Bosh with a 4 point play by way of put back on the And-1 foul shot
and a Glittery Wade-Lebron Alley-oop makes me feel better.
Lebron is everywhere early, as usual.
Heat clearly trying to put Pacers in foul trouble, with success, especially Wade
Pacers trying to drill inside
Not that I want to reference comments made by rookie coach this week, but who has seen Heat players ever not making a play on the ball?
Bosh looking beastly, keeping the other guys in foul trouble, Say he’s OK?
Turiaf! 2 rebounds immediately and almost gets the put-back
Miller takes a great CHARGE
It’s nice that they let Lebron jump with the ball cause that behind the back bounce pass to Turiaf for the slamma was awesome.
Quality CHARGE taken by Joel Anthony
Nice brickpass from Shane Battier to Lebron, that’s a playground favorite…
Next, a possession where only Lebron touches the ball. Everybody is the MVP, right?
Wade. Willing his self into the lane like a bulldozer. I like it.
Joel Anthony’s hands were very good today. Good day in general for him.
Legendary block by Wade where he starts off 20 feet behind, puts his head down, and catches up just in time to block the transition basket. Only guard in playoff history to average more than one block a game.
(If they reseeded like in the NHL or NFL we would be playing the Sixers…)
-And Quality Lockdown Defense from the Heat late, and a victory, as expected.

Heat Round 1 Game 5 Notes

Outside shots on the first few possessions…
Dad claims the team scores at 80% clip once Lebron gets into paint, which is ridiculous and awesome if true
What is Bibby taking these days I’m wondering during the first quarter, but that feeling wears away as the game goes on.
Pretty running hook by Udonis on Stoudy early
We’re gonna have to start an online petition to play Turiaf I think. Did he mess with Riley’s wife or something? This is the only thing my dad, friends and I can come up with
Lebron! Take em to the hole!
Can we get outside shots only after penetration please, more or less?
Dad points out its more difficult for them to drive to the hole when Joel Anthony is clogging up lane. Much love Joel
Ronny T sure looks healthy when he gets up and celebrates Heat baskets
Dad calling repeatedly for Lebron to drive inside, for Turiaf to go in, and Joel out. Not the first time, and I have a feeling it won’t be the last
Wow terrible call on JR Smith push-off of Chalmers
Obviously big mistake by Woodson leaving Amare in to get his fifth foul in the third. It’s easy to say, but I don’t know how they could lose track of that. We all at home and seemingly everybody was waiting for it.
There have been several beautiful lay-ins by Wade this game. Yeah, still not taking him for granted
After getting an offensive foul, for his sixth, in the final quarter, Amare’s gonna have a long off-season. But he’s a Florida Boy so well-wishes
What an offensive display by ‘Melo. That’s objective, not a compliment. He just keeps putting the ball in the basket somehow. Overall though, no envy here. The ball goes in to him and just never comes back out. I know they have a lot of guys injured, but I’m pretty sure this is license for him to do what he really wants to do because his assist rate is usually bad
Bosh great late
Alright, feelin’ good stuff by the end. Semi-classic close out game. Classic not for the level of the opposition or the drama but sending the Knicks home is always quality.
Yeah it’s a strong home win against a devastated opponent.
Let’s GO HEAT! Bring on the Pacers of Indiana. Moms across the land were probably hoping to have several hours of alone time this Sunday afternoon, so it’s a good thing Game 1 is on Mother’s Day.

An Unabashedly Pro-Miami Heat Blog

Let us introduce ourselves. We like the Miami Heat. We feel the Heat down in our Soul. Never supported another NBA team, never will.  The Miami Heat just can’t be beat, as far as we’re concerned. We grew up in South Florida in the mid-1990s, soon after the arrival of the Don, Pat Riley. He lifted us up to 60 wins and prominence on the backs of Tim Hardaway, Zo, Jamal Mashburn, P.J. Brown. Thunder Dan. Those were good times, but not as good as these. Watching this team is just plain fun.
You know now: We love the Heat. We understand what it means to watch this team. Even without a ring (yet), this Miami Heat team is one of the best ever, if you could put them up against any classic team in their prime, and the most entertaining. In contrast to the many who frequently express their anger with the Heat, we are thoroughly soaked in gratitude because despite the emotional ups and downs of devoting oneself to their local basketball team, we do, after all, have the privilege of watching one of the awesomest and most fun teams of all-time. When the Heat are good, it doesn’t get any better. Well, I suppose it could get better, with a trophy. That would be entertaining. Still, you see our point.
So for all those worldwide who just like the Miami Heat, like the alley-oops, the great defense, who see our ever-polarizing stars as some hard-working gentlemen, those who are glad Riley is our steward (despite the occasional odd decision…for we know he must be privy to some secret information unbeknownst to the average fan; In Riles We Trust) and Mickey Arison the owner of our beloved franchise:
This is your place.
We will never predict victory for an opponent of the Miami Heat. We will not compliment the opposition. (Has anyone else noticed them doing that occasionally on the local Heat broadcasts? No compliments for Heat opponents! That reminds me of how awesome Dr. Jack Ramsay was… though he probably made positive comments about the opposition every once in a while, having head-coached an NBA Champion has special privileges SLAMMA!) Anyway, we reserve the right to question our beloved. It’s all because we care. In Riley We Trust
The ABC announcer was saying the other day Dwayne Wade is taken granted for sometimes. Uh, NO. Not down here. We Loyal Heaters would never take Wade for granted, only an outsider. The True Leader of the Heat, he’s been the face of the franchise for a while, Co-Captain, Dominant in leading us to our only championship in ‘06, Finals MVP, our all-time leader in a bunch of categories. Clutch. Master of the Backboard. Yes. In Wade We Trust as well.

2012 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Miami Heat – New York Knicks Game 4 Observations

Why is it- no, HOW, is it an either-or proposition with Lebron James and Dwayne Wade, as it so often is, at the end of Game 4? Run a pick-and-roll, involve everybody. It sometime seems as if Spoelstra, or somebody, thinks running a play for LBJ and/or Wade is mutually exclusive
Joel Anthony was on the court for way too long.
Ronny Turiaf better be seriously hurt.
Too many iso plays, too many early in the shot-clock shots, including a few in a row by Chalmers over a stretch in the second half. Please, no hero shots folks. DO THE Heat realize how good they are when everybody’s involved? The ball is moving, pick-and-rolls with the Big Three around the painted area? It’s classic. Ride it.
To all those critical of the Heat, the coaching decisions, the refs, First of all I don’t doubt that the NBA wants another New York game, it probably is good for economy. But the fact of the matter is it’s not like the Heat were blowing them out by 20. Nobody can force ‘Melo to put the ball in the hoop repeatedly. I mean he had 40+ and shot over 50%, the man blew up. It just goes to show it’s never easy to win an NBA game. The Charlotte Bobcats won 9 NBA games; everybody in this league can play, and our opponent is a decent team.
Obviously the crowd was a huge factor. They’re hungry, and those guys haven’t won in a long time, with all the pressure of the biggest stage in NYC. On the other hand, on our side, one can see how it could be difficult to maintain and match the same hunger, intensity, and urgency over guys who’ve accumulated so much playoff humiliation the last 10 years after three seemingly easy victories.
A mid-game tribute to fallen Beastie Boy Adam Yaucht surely added to the emotions.
Our opponent clearly fed off the vibes, otherwise how did Mike Bibby hit that 3-pointer all on his own late in the game? How many threes did he miss for us up through the NBA Finals last year? Ugh, that reminds me another classic Heat error, the unfortunate and premature release of Carlos Arroyo, which I promise I won’t mention again, because I really need to get over it.
As far as the whole Lebron James/ Battier who should be guarding ‘Melo  debate, all that matters is that Carmelo Anthony considers Shane Battier to be his preferred defender, of the two. The Heat are feeding into a whole dichotomy in ‘Melo’s head over what he can handle. Lebron is that good. ‘Melo is that good at scoring. Now, Shane is usually a great defender, I don’t mind having him on Anthony through certain stretches of the game, to keep Lebron optimal, but the last two minutes? You have to have all your best options out there with the game on the line.
Lebron wouldn’t have gotten that foul call, but then again, who should have with less than two minutes to go in the game?
Maybe it’s because we grew up watching basketball in the 90s, but we’re of the opinion they should have to draw blood to call a foul on a pivotal shot during the final stretch of playoff game. Incredible.
Mike Miller was as cold as can be, along with Batter. Someone who can hit open threes, paging, someone…Much love for these guys, but gotta hit it.
Speaking of gotta hit it: Foul Shots. 11 Missed Foul Shots. Forget the conspiracies, that’s the game right there, folks.
The New York Rangers were still riding the wave of Heat Mojo we left behind on their way to a victory Monday night in Madison Square Garden…