Two days after allowing the New York Knicks to score 120 points, Erik Spoelstra apparently delivered the right message to his players. Miami's defense was scrappy and active, as they held Sacramento to just 38.2% shooting from the field in a 103-77 decision.
The Heat led this one from the start. Dwyane Wade was absolutely sensational. His first basket of the game was an and-one driving layup. He dished a nice pass to Udonis Haslem for a good and-one layup for the center. Wade put the exclamation point on this all with three dunks in the second quarter. By the time intermission began, Miami had already built up a big lead of 18 points.
Wade finished with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, eight rebounds, four rebounds, four steals, four blocked shots and just one personal foul after fouling out the previous game. However, the turnovers continue to be a concern for Wade, this time with five mishaps.
All eyes would be on Michael Beasley tonight, and he did not disappoint. The second overall pick registered 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field and also grabbed nine rebounds. However, Beasley was pulled by Spoelstra twice in the first half after missing defensive assingments. But 17 and nine is a good night for anyone.
Shawn Marion had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Marion also made sure no entry passes were made to seven-footer Spencer Hawes with ease, adding four steals and three blocked shots. Spoelstra utilized a running game, which (obviously) ended up working very well for Marion.
Overall, it was a great team effort for Miami. Udonis Haslem was able to step up to the challenge of going against Hawes and earned all 14 of his points. Mario Chalmers was not the same Chalmers we saw against New York, but at least provided some energy for Miami. Daequan Cook, who played about as much as Miami's starters, has started the season strong. He shot three-of-six from beyond the arc and was especially useful when Sacramento went to a zone defense. Mark Blount provided some offense but could not grab more than one rebound in 15 minutes of action.
I would have liked to see more of Joel Anthony, but I have been very plesantly surprised by Udonis Haslem at center. He has more than held his own against people who are a good four inches taller than him. We are still going to have to see more of him at the pivot to make a final verdict on whether he is up for the job. But so far he has been nothing short of impressive.
The Heat definitely wanted to win this game more and showed heart and resilience in the win. Miami has not been able to call itself a .500 team in a while, but can now. They should be able to build on this win and try to emulate this formula against Charlotte Saturday night. But I think it's important to remember the Heat beat a rebuilding Sacramento team without Brad Miller. And the Heat won it exactly how they were supposed to win it.
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