Wade scored 48 points on 21 attempts. And those 21 attempts were sans any three-point attempt. He made it to the free throw line 23 times, missing seven, but that was pretty much the only glitch in Wade's game last night. Seven rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, and three blocks were numbers for this man. However, Miami still found a way to flatline in overtime.
As usual, the Heat built up a big lead, this time a 10-point lead, before watching it melt away. However, after staying in the game for over three quarters and making a run late in the fourth to make it 99-91 with 3:37 to go, one loose defensive rebound turned the corner on a team that simply cannot close out a game.
One positive for Miami (other than Wade, of course) was Daequan Cook. While playing 30 minutes off the bench, Cook made some clutch shots. After inbounding the ball to Wade, Flash passed it right back to Cook, and he hit a deep three-pointer with 1.9 seconds left to tie the game. In the extra period, Cook converted on a three-pointer with 1:18 left to go to tie the game at 114 all. However, Orlando would go on a 7-0 run to close out the game.
I have said that one of the few things Riles has done right in the last 18 months was draft Daequan Cook. He is just a rookie, but he is showing the ability of a clutch player. He will probably be a star in this League someday, but he can't be relied on at this moment.
On the other hand, one blemish for Miami was Ricky Davis. Davis took many quick shots late in the game, which could have ended up costing the Heat the game. With 52 seconds left, Davis committed an ill-advised foul on Hedo Turkoglu which started Orlando's late game run. These are the little things that a savvy veteran would be wise not to commit.
Shaquille O'Neal missed his first game of the season in what he is calling a "sore knee." Despite O'Neal's annual injuries at the start of the season, it is a good sign that Shaq isn't taking a month off now. His stats are diminishing, but he can still be effective in spurts for Miami. Jason Williams also missed the game after MRI results came back negative.
This was another off night for Luke Jackson, who seemingly can't get his rhythm for the Heat. While he may have been better than this in the D-League, LJ is consistently proving why he shouldn't have been signed by the Heat. After all, Dorell Wright's jump shoot is looking smoother than Luke's.
Some Heat fans are waiting for the swing of the pendulum. Personally, I'm just waiting for a press conference. A press conference that will tell me that things are going to get better. Ever since the second game of the season, the Heat have shown a lack of ability to close out games. It was expected to get better with the addition of Wade, but nothing changed. Under normal circumstances, it would be sad for a team to commit the exact same mistake for 30 games without adjustment. Besides, if 48 points from Wade doesn't do it, then what will?
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