Hello all,
Thanks for all of your continued support. I recently was contacted by someone who works for the independently-owned sports Web site, Most Valuable Network. I was offered the position to write about the Miami Heat, and I have agreed to write for them.
The new blog will be located here. I will continue writing my normal articles, only in a different place with more opportunities.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Marion to go North of the Border?
In a column published yesterday, Miami Herald beat writer Israel Gutierrez gives a number of strong convictions regarding the oft-mentioned possibilities of trading Shawn Marion.
Gutierrez, among other things, writes, "the chances of Shawn Marion remaining with the Heat for the balance of this season are quite slim," also adding that, "Marion badly wants to be traded," and that, "Marion's agent constantly is talking with management from other teams, attempting to gauge their interest."
Gutierrez goes on to say that "league sources" have told him Heat President Pat Riley is considering making a trade for Jermaine O'Neal, the six-time NBA All-Star. With O'Neal's contract giving him about $44 million over the next two seasons, Shawn Marion would have to be a part of the deal in order to satisfy the NBA's trade rules.
Is this credible information? League sources apparently told Yahoo! Sports that a trade involving Marion in exchange for Anderson Varejao and Wally Szczerbiak was brewing. High officials for both Miami and Cleveland quickly shut down that rumor. If no one says anything about this, then the rumor may lead to a move right before the trade deadline.
Toronto, expected by some to challenge Boston in the Atlantic Division, is currently at 16-24 and the 12th best team in the East. There is no doubt that Raptors owner Brian Colangelo wants to make a move. Jermaine O'Neal has missed the past nine games with a knee injury, and is putting up sub-par numbers of 14 points and seven rebounds per game. Colangelo, who was invovled with the Phoenix Suns, however, may like the idea of playing again with Marion.
Marion, who has contributed two straight double-doubles, hardly plays like a player who "badly" wants out of Miami. He recently spoke of his willingness to get more involved in the Heat's offense. While he has posted career lows across the board in his contract year, it has seemed as though Marion is beginning to get more accustomed to the half-court style of offense.
Is Marion in Miami's long-term plans? No. If Riley makes a trade for Jermaine O'Neal, will he be in Miami's long-term plans? No. The move to acquire O'Neal would probably be to add some size to this team over the next one-and-a-half seasons and part ways with him before the anticipated summer of 2010.
As I have said repeatedly, I don't see Riley moving Marion until he gets more of a read on James Jones. Daequan Cook is only 6-foot-5 and moving him into the starting lineup would significantly hurt Miami's bench production. Michael Beasley, while standing at 6-foot-9, does not have the lateral movement to keep up with players such as LeBron James; and would also hurt Miami's bench production. On ESPN, people are talking about the San Antonio vs. Los Angeles Lakers game. And both teams have one of their key contributors, Manu Ginobili with the Spurs and Lamar Odom with the Lakers, coming off the bench.
Therefore, we could see Riley pressure Coach Erik Spoelstra to get Jones into the rotation with the trade deadline 35 days away. Jones is a player who can fit right into the starting lineup if he works his way back from his injury. Throughout his five-year career, he has shot three-pointers at a 39.8 percent clip. Additionally, his long arms could give Miami some perimeter defense; and Riley may have found the closest thing to another James Posey.
O'Neal is due about $21 million at this season's end. Marion's expiring contract will give him approximately $17 million this season. That still leaves $4 million that Miami has to give in order for this trade to work.
Last season, the Shaquille O'Neal for Shawn Marion deal also needed a throw-in to work. Phoenix General Manager Steve Kerr agreed to add Marcus Banks in the deal. Well, this time Banks could find himself again as a throw-in in a deal involving the other O'Neal. Banks is owed $4.2 million, and his contract goes beyond the 2009-10 season. A deal involving Banks and Marin for O'Neal does satisfy the trade rules.
Shaun Livingston is reportedly leaning towards a Miami return, according to an Arizona Republic article. If Riley still feels there is an investment to be made in Livingston, this trade may give Livingston an opportunity, seeing as Chris Quinn will be a free agent this summer. Of course, there still remains the prospect of signing Alonzo Mourning, as well as the prospect of dipping into the luxury tax.
Looking strictly at the trade, though, it appears as though O'Neal is suited for a half-court style of offense and Marion is suited for a full-court type of offense. Both are 31 years old and both are looking to play as they used to perform a few years ago. From that standpoint, it looks like a pretty even-handed trade.
Not many stars are washed up when they are in their late 20s, but O'Neal has gotten that thrown around at him as many as three seasons ago, and some would argue even longer. Since 2004, the 6-foot-11 forward/center has missed 133 games. For the early years of the 2000's, O'Neal was a consistent 20-point, 10-rebound threat. Now, he averages about two rebounds less than Marion does.
O'Neal averages 14 points for the Raptors, and a moderate increase will be as good as one can hope for the South Carolina-native gets traded to Miami. At best, we'll see someone who will average around 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game. That's not the ideal sidekick for Wade. As I said, O'Neal won't be in Miami's plans for more than a one-and-a-half seasons. But if it's the best thing Riley can get for Marion, it makes a whole lot more sense than letting his contract expire and signing Carlos Boozer (not even a center) or Mehmet Okur (a perimeter player) in the off-season.
We'll see if this is merely speculation or something more. But you can count me tentatively on the bandwagon for this trade.
Gutierrez, among other things, writes, "the chances of Shawn Marion remaining with the Heat for the balance of this season are quite slim," also adding that, "Marion badly wants to be traded," and that, "Marion's agent constantly is talking with management from other teams, attempting to gauge their interest."
Gutierrez goes on to say that "league sources" have told him Heat President Pat Riley is considering making a trade for Jermaine O'Neal, the six-time NBA All-Star. With O'Neal's contract giving him about $44 million over the next two seasons, Shawn Marion would have to be a part of the deal in order to satisfy the NBA's trade rules.
Is this credible information? League sources apparently told Yahoo! Sports that a trade involving Marion in exchange for Anderson Varejao and Wally Szczerbiak was brewing. High officials for both Miami and Cleveland quickly shut down that rumor. If no one says anything about this, then the rumor may lead to a move right before the trade deadline.
Toronto, expected by some to challenge Boston in the Atlantic Division, is currently at 16-24 and the 12th best team in the East. There is no doubt that Raptors owner Brian Colangelo wants to make a move. Jermaine O'Neal has missed the past nine games with a knee injury, and is putting up sub-par numbers of 14 points and seven rebounds per game. Colangelo, who was invovled with the Phoenix Suns, however, may like the idea of playing again with Marion.
Marion, who has contributed two straight double-doubles, hardly plays like a player who "badly" wants out of Miami. He recently spoke of his willingness to get more involved in the Heat's offense. While he has posted career lows across the board in his contract year, it has seemed as though Marion is beginning to get more accustomed to the half-court style of offense.
Is Marion in Miami's long-term plans? No. If Riley makes a trade for Jermaine O'Neal, will he be in Miami's long-term plans? No. The move to acquire O'Neal would probably be to add some size to this team over the next one-and-a-half seasons and part ways with him before the anticipated summer of 2010.
As I have said repeatedly, I don't see Riley moving Marion until he gets more of a read on James Jones. Daequan Cook is only 6-foot-5 and moving him into the starting lineup would significantly hurt Miami's bench production. Michael Beasley, while standing at 6-foot-9, does not have the lateral movement to keep up with players such as LeBron James; and would also hurt Miami's bench production. On ESPN, people are talking about the San Antonio vs. Los Angeles Lakers game. And both teams have one of their key contributors, Manu Ginobili with the Spurs and Lamar Odom with the Lakers, coming off the bench.
Therefore, we could see Riley pressure Coach Erik Spoelstra to get Jones into the rotation with the trade deadline 35 days away. Jones is a player who can fit right into the starting lineup if he works his way back from his injury. Throughout his five-year career, he has shot three-pointers at a 39.8 percent clip. Additionally, his long arms could give Miami some perimeter defense; and Riley may have found the closest thing to another James Posey.
O'Neal is due about $21 million at this season's end. Marion's expiring contract will give him approximately $17 million this season. That still leaves $4 million that Miami has to give in order for this trade to work.
Last season, the Shaquille O'Neal for Shawn Marion deal also needed a throw-in to work. Phoenix General Manager Steve Kerr agreed to add Marcus Banks in the deal. Well, this time Banks could find himself again as a throw-in in a deal involving the other O'Neal. Banks is owed $4.2 million, and his contract goes beyond the 2009-10 season. A deal involving Banks and Marin for O'Neal does satisfy the trade rules.
Shaun Livingston is reportedly leaning towards a Miami return, according to an Arizona Republic article. If Riley still feels there is an investment to be made in Livingston, this trade may give Livingston an opportunity, seeing as Chris Quinn will be a free agent this summer. Of course, there still remains the prospect of signing Alonzo Mourning, as well as the prospect of dipping into the luxury tax.
Looking strictly at the trade, though, it appears as though O'Neal is suited for a half-court style of offense and Marion is suited for a full-court type of offense. Both are 31 years old and both are looking to play as they used to perform a few years ago. From that standpoint, it looks like a pretty even-handed trade.
Not many stars are washed up when they are in their late 20s, but O'Neal has gotten that thrown around at him as many as three seasons ago, and some would argue even longer. Since 2004, the 6-foot-11 forward/center has missed 133 games. For the early years of the 2000's, O'Neal was a consistent 20-point, 10-rebound threat. Now, he averages about two rebounds less than Marion does.
O'Neal averages 14 points for the Raptors, and a moderate increase will be as good as one can hope for the South Carolina-native gets traded to Miami. At best, we'll see someone who will average around 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game. That's not the ideal sidekick for Wade. As I said, O'Neal won't be in Miami's plans for more than a one-and-a-half seasons. But if it's the best thing Riley can get for Marion, it makes a whole lot more sense than letting his contract expire and signing Carlos Boozer (not even a center) or Mehmet Okur (a perimeter player) in the off-season.
We'll see if this is merely speculation or something more. But you can count me tentatively on the bandwagon for this trade.
Cook Bails Out Heat
If only everything was as economical as the Daequan Cook bailout plan.
Cook was coming off a scoreless performance in Miami's win against Minnesota. But Dwyane Wade continued to trust his young teammate. The former Marquette Golden Eagle usually finds Cook for open three-pointers after driving to the hoop, and it was no different Wednesday night.
And Wade needed Cook to step up.
In a rough return to Wade's college town, Cook stepped up and connected on his first six triples before ending up with a career-high 24 points on 7-of-11 shooting in 27 minutes of action. Cook's lethal three-point shooting helped Miami get back in the game after Milwaukee jumped out to an 18-8 lead. His free-throw shooting helped the Heat stave off a late Bucks surge.
Wade's collection of missed jumpers and turnovers allowed Milwaukee to take advantage, eventually cutting the once 13-point second half lead to 97-95 with 86 seconds remaining. Both teams turned the ball over before the Bucks had a chance to tie the game with 30 seconds left. Richard Jefferson attempted a runner in the lane, but Shawn Marion blocked the shot before Cook grabbed the ball. Jefferson intentionally fouled Cook, and the former Ohio State Buckeye knocked down two free throws.
Joe Alexander's layup with 16 seconds left on the clock made it a 99-97 lead for the Heat. After Michael Redd fouled fellow Olympian Wade, and the League's leading scorer connected on one free throw. Luke Ridnour's runner made it a 100-99 game for Miami with just nine seconds to go, but the Heat fed the hot hand, Cook, who calmly connected both free throws. Alexander's three-pointer to tie the game got nothing but air as the clock expired.
Wade was only 5-for-20 from the field for 17 points and turned the ball over four times, but dished out 13 assists.
In addition to Cook's resurgence, Beasley also picked up the slack for Wade. The talented rookie out of Kansas State had 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, four rebounds and just one turnover in 28 minutes of play. Cook and Beasley, Miami's usual spark-plugs off the bench and Wednesday night's leading scorers for the Heat, combined for 45 points on 15-for-22 shooting.
Wade had no problem sharing the wealth, and five Heat players attempted 11 or more field goals. Udonis Haslem shot 8-of-13 from the field for 18 points while also collecting eight rebounds. Shawn Marion contributed 14 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 10 rebounds and the aforementioned key rejection.
Coach Erik Spoelstra opened the second half with Chris Quinn and Jamaal Magloire taking the places of Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony, respectively. It worked for the Heat, as Miami put up nine unanswered points to start the third quarter. To me, these were a couple of common sense Spoelstra moves. Anthony did have three blocks last night, but Spoelstra went with more size in Magloire. And Chalmers has had a brutal road trip, with two scoreless nights in his last three games, so it makes sense for Quinn to get more minutes.
Quinn, however, struggled with a one-for-five shooting performance from the field. The 6-foot-2 guard out of Notre Dame also let Luke Ridnour constantly beat him off the dribble, who scored a game-high 25 points. Spoelstra couldn't go to Marcus Banks late in the game, who was again in street clothes. If Banks isn't back on the active list after Chalmers' continued struggles and Quinn's defensive liabilities exposed against Minnesota and now Milwaukee, I don't know what will.
James Jones did not even get off the bench last night. Spoelstra opted to play Yakhouba Diawara for seven minutes, and it appears that Jones' return will be a slow process.
Miami is now 3-2 on its seven-game road trip with a hurtin' Houston team up followed by the lowly Oklahoma City Thunder. The Heat, a team that has beaten top teams and lost to lowly ones, knows that every game is up for grabs. Nonetheless, it's possible that Miami could make a run at the Pistons for the fifth seed. Detroit, which occupies the fifth seed, is only one-and-a-half games above Miami and in the midst of a three-game losing streak. Atlanta, the fourth seed and only two games above Miami, has lost four of its last five games.
Cook was coming off a scoreless performance in Miami's win against Minnesota. But Dwyane Wade continued to trust his young teammate. The former Marquette Golden Eagle usually finds Cook for open three-pointers after driving to the hoop, and it was no different Wednesday night.
And Wade needed Cook to step up.
In a rough return to Wade's college town, Cook stepped up and connected on his first six triples before ending up with a career-high 24 points on 7-of-11 shooting in 27 minutes of action. Cook's lethal three-point shooting helped Miami get back in the game after Milwaukee jumped out to an 18-8 lead. His free-throw shooting helped the Heat stave off a late Bucks surge.
Wade's collection of missed jumpers and turnovers allowed Milwaukee to take advantage, eventually cutting the once 13-point second half lead to 97-95 with 86 seconds remaining. Both teams turned the ball over before the Bucks had a chance to tie the game with 30 seconds left. Richard Jefferson attempted a runner in the lane, but Shawn Marion blocked the shot before Cook grabbed the ball. Jefferson intentionally fouled Cook, and the former Ohio State Buckeye knocked down two free throws.Joe Alexander's layup with 16 seconds left on the clock made it a 99-97 lead for the Heat. After Michael Redd fouled fellow Olympian Wade, and the League's leading scorer connected on one free throw. Luke Ridnour's runner made it a 100-99 game for Miami with just nine seconds to go, but the Heat fed the hot hand, Cook, who calmly connected both free throws. Alexander's three-pointer to tie the game got nothing but air as the clock expired.
Wade was only 5-for-20 from the field for 17 points and turned the ball over four times, but dished out 13 assists.
In addition to Cook's resurgence, Beasley also picked up the slack for Wade. The talented rookie out of Kansas State had 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, four rebounds and just one turnover in 28 minutes of play. Cook and Beasley, Miami's usual spark-plugs off the bench and Wednesday night's leading scorers for the Heat, combined for 45 points on 15-for-22 shooting.
Wade had no problem sharing the wealth, and five Heat players attempted 11 or more field goals. Udonis Haslem shot 8-of-13 from the field for 18 points while also collecting eight rebounds. Shawn Marion contributed 14 points on 7-of-13 shooting, 10 rebounds and the aforementioned key rejection.
Coach Erik Spoelstra opened the second half with Chris Quinn and Jamaal Magloire taking the places of Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony, respectively. It worked for the Heat, as Miami put up nine unanswered points to start the third quarter. To me, these were a couple of common sense Spoelstra moves. Anthony did have three blocks last night, but Spoelstra went with more size in Magloire. And Chalmers has had a brutal road trip, with two scoreless nights in his last three games, so it makes sense for Quinn to get more minutes.
Quinn, however, struggled with a one-for-five shooting performance from the field. The 6-foot-2 guard out of Notre Dame also let Luke Ridnour constantly beat him off the dribble, who scored a game-high 25 points. Spoelstra couldn't go to Marcus Banks late in the game, who was again in street clothes. If Banks isn't back on the active list after Chalmers' continued struggles and Quinn's defensive liabilities exposed against Minnesota and now Milwaukee, I don't know what will.
James Jones did not even get off the bench last night. Spoelstra opted to play Yakhouba Diawara for seven minutes, and it appears that Jones' return will be a slow process.
Miami is now 3-2 on its seven-game road trip with a hurtin' Houston team up followed by the lowly Oklahoma City Thunder. The Heat, a team that has beaten top teams and lost to lowly ones, knows that every game is up for grabs. Nonetheless, it's possible that Miami could make a run at the Pistons for the fifth seed. Detroit, which occupies the fifth seed, is only one-and-a-half games above Miami and in the midst of a three-game losing streak. Atlanta, the fourth seed and only two games above Miami, has lost four of its last five games.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wade Out-duels Foye, Wolves
In a must-win game of sorts for the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade was his usual self and carried the Heat past the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that didn't have enough to win its sixth straight game.
Rodney Carney's jumper with four minutes and 23 seconds left in the game put Minnesota up 91-86. But on Miami's ensuing possession, Wade made a fade away jumper, while also receiving contact from Kevin Love. Wade made the free throw, and it was suddenly a two-point game. After the Timberwolves came up short on the offensive end, Wade found rookie sensation Michael Beasley for a jumper to tie the game with about three-and-a-half minutes left. On Miami's next possession, Wade turned the ball over, but Beasley took it right back. Miami's 6-foot-9 sixth man gave the ball to Shawn Marion, who lobbed it up for an easy Wade dunk. The Heat had taken the lead and the momentum from Minnesota.
But the game wasn't over. Not by a long shot.
Randy Foye, who finished with 29 points, nailed a three-pointer to put the 'Wolves up 96-95 with just under two minutes to go. After some sloppy execution by both teams, Marion drew a shooting foul on Ryan Gomes.
And so, Coach Erik Spoelstra was counting on free throws from a player who brings the ball up to his chin before releasing a shot to deliver clutch free throws. Fortunately, Marion made both free throws to give Miami a 97-96 lead with 22 seconds to go.
Minnesota coach Kevin McHale set up a play to feed the hot hand, Foye, who made 12-of-21 shots from the field and 5-of-10 attempts from downtown. This time, Wade made a clean block on Foye's jump shot with 13 seconds left. After an errant Carney three-point attempt, Minnesota was forced into a fouling mode. Wade and Beasley hit a pair of free throws to close out the game.
Wade had 31 points on 15 shot attempts, was 13-of-16 from the free throw line, eight assists, three steals and three blocks. Foye nearly matched Wade's numbers, but he couldn't shake free of the League's leading scorer when he went up for a shot with 13 seconds left.
Beasley had 14 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes. But what was most impressive was that Beasley had six points and five rebounds in the fourth quarter, a stanza he played all 12 minutes in. The talented rookie out of Kansas State out-dueled fellow rookie Kevin Love, who finished with eight points and nine rebounds.
Udonis Haslem and Marion each contributed a double-double for Miami. Haslem finished with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and 10 rebounds while Marion had 16 points on five-of-nine shooting, 11 rebounds and a pair of clutch free throws to put the Heat up for good.
James Jones only played six minutes against Minnesota, and still has not scored his first points as a member of the Heat. This allowed Yakhouba Diawara to play 15 minutes off the bench, who finished with eight points and two connections from beyond the arc.
Rookie Mario Chalmers had another tough night, going just one-for-nine from the field in 30 minutes. Chris Quinn got 18 minutes of playing time, and added seven points off the bench for Miami. Quinn's defensive liabilities were magnified, however, against Minnesota.
Does this mean we'll get another go-around with Marcus Banks? Banks had to wear street clothes last night. But keep in mind that Quinn came out of the rotation for a couple of weeks because Jordan Farmar took him apart in the Lakers' visit to Miami. It's more likely that Quinn will stay in the rotation because of his shooting and steadiness, but a return for Banks is certainly plausible.
Spoelstra had his team play Al Jefferson well, holding him to nine points on 4-of-14 shooting. The Heat did allow Minnesota to connect on 11 three-pointers, but Jefferson's high-percentage shooting around the basket is a key component to Minnesota's offense. Last night, Miami was able to take that away.
Joel Anthony and Jamaal Magloire combined for 16 minutes and 12 seconds of action, and Spoelstra instead went with a three-forward lineup of Marion, Beasley and Haslem late in the game. I still see Beasley coming off the bench as the punch of Miami's second unit, but he will be on the court in crunch time.
Daequan Cook, who was tied in sixth place for three-pointers made at 82, went scoreless last night.
Miami improved to 2-2 on its seven-game road trip and will face Milwaukee tonight at 8. The Heat earned its 20th win of the season and is two games behind Atlanta for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta is in the midst of a four-game losing streak, and Miami can take advantage. Two of Miami's next three games are against below-.500 teams; and the one team above .500 is Houston, who will be without Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest.
Rodney Carney's jumper with four minutes and 23 seconds left in the game put Minnesota up 91-86. But on Miami's ensuing possession, Wade made a fade away jumper, while also receiving contact from Kevin Love. Wade made the free throw, and it was suddenly a two-point game. After the Timberwolves came up short on the offensive end, Wade found rookie sensation Michael Beasley for a jumper to tie the game with about three-and-a-half minutes left. On Miami's next possession, Wade turned the ball over, but Beasley took it right back. Miami's 6-foot-9 sixth man gave the ball to Shawn Marion, who lobbed it up for an easy Wade dunk. The Heat had taken the lead and the momentum from Minnesota.
But the game wasn't over. Not by a long shot.
Randy Foye, who finished with 29 points, nailed a three-pointer to put the 'Wolves up 96-95 with just under two minutes to go. After some sloppy execution by both teams, Marion drew a shooting foul on Ryan Gomes.
And so, Coach Erik Spoelstra was counting on free throws from a player who brings the ball up to his chin before releasing a shot to deliver clutch free throws. Fortunately, Marion made both free throws to give Miami a 97-96 lead with 22 seconds to go.Minnesota coach Kevin McHale set up a play to feed the hot hand, Foye, who made 12-of-21 shots from the field and 5-of-10 attempts from downtown. This time, Wade made a clean block on Foye's jump shot with 13 seconds left. After an errant Carney three-point attempt, Minnesota was forced into a fouling mode. Wade and Beasley hit a pair of free throws to close out the game.
Wade had 31 points on 15 shot attempts, was 13-of-16 from the free throw line, eight assists, three steals and three blocks. Foye nearly matched Wade's numbers, but he couldn't shake free of the League's leading scorer when he went up for a shot with 13 seconds left.
Beasley had 14 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes. But what was most impressive was that Beasley had six points and five rebounds in the fourth quarter, a stanza he played all 12 minutes in. The talented rookie out of Kansas State out-dueled fellow rookie Kevin Love, who finished with eight points and nine rebounds.
Udonis Haslem and Marion each contributed a double-double for Miami. Haslem finished with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and 10 rebounds while Marion had 16 points on five-of-nine shooting, 11 rebounds and a pair of clutch free throws to put the Heat up for good.
James Jones only played six minutes against Minnesota, and still has not scored his first points as a member of the Heat. This allowed Yakhouba Diawara to play 15 minutes off the bench, who finished with eight points and two connections from beyond the arc.
Rookie Mario Chalmers had another tough night, going just one-for-nine from the field in 30 minutes. Chris Quinn got 18 minutes of playing time, and added seven points off the bench for Miami. Quinn's defensive liabilities were magnified, however, against Minnesota.
Does this mean we'll get another go-around with Marcus Banks? Banks had to wear street clothes last night. But keep in mind that Quinn came out of the rotation for a couple of weeks because Jordan Farmar took him apart in the Lakers' visit to Miami. It's more likely that Quinn will stay in the rotation because of his shooting and steadiness, but a return for Banks is certainly plausible.
Spoelstra had his team play Al Jefferson well, holding him to nine points on 4-of-14 shooting. The Heat did allow Minnesota to connect on 11 three-pointers, but Jefferson's high-percentage shooting around the basket is a key component to Minnesota's offense. Last night, Miami was able to take that away.
Joel Anthony and Jamaal Magloire combined for 16 minutes and 12 seconds of action, and Spoelstra instead went with a three-forward lineup of Marion, Beasley and Haslem late in the game. I still see Beasley coming off the bench as the punch of Miami's second unit, but he will be on the court in crunch time.
Daequan Cook, who was tied in sixth place for three-pointers made at 82, went scoreless last night.
Miami improved to 2-2 on its seven-game road trip and will face Milwaukee tonight at 8. The Heat earned its 20th win of the season and is two games behind Atlanta for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta is in the midst of a four-game losing streak, and Miami can take advantage. Two of Miami's next three games are against below-.500 teams; and the one team above .500 is Houston, who will be without Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Suggestions for Spoelstra
The Miami Heat currently stand at 19-17, and is only one-and-a-half games above the New Jersey Nets for the sixth seed. Fortunately for Miami, three of the team's four games to close out its season-long seven game road trip are against below-.500 teams.
Except the Heat's opponent tonight, the Minnesota Timberwolves, is on a five-game winning streak; and Miami's next opponent will be against the Milwaukee Bucks, a team the Heat failed to defeat at home in December.
Tonight's game against Minnesota is a must-win. And although Miami played tough against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday night, it is 2-4 in January and 1-2 on this road trip. Moral victories just don't do it.
Coach Erik Spoelstra has done a fantastic job with his team, already four games better than last season's 15-67 abomination. But he needs to make a few changes.
Joel Anthony has been non-existent recently. We knew that he never had an offensive game, but his defense has now wavered (a product of his frequent foul trouble, maybe). After limiting Andrew Bynum to four points in Miami's first meeting with the Lakers, Anthony gave Bynum everything he wanted at Staples Center. The undersized, undrafted center for the Heat is a hard worker, but he doesn't deserve his starting spot anymore.
Jamaal Magloire, on the other hand, deserves to be the starting center for Miami. In his past two games, Magloire grabbed 16 rebounds in 31 minutes. He is 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, easily the Heat's biggest player in the rotation. He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and will give the Heat some toughness in the middle. Like Anthony, Magloire doesn't have an offensive game, but his rebounding and toughness is what should put him in the starting lineup.
Al Jefferson, a man in the company of Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan as the only players who average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, will be a challenge for the Heat. I'm not saying that Magloire will lock Jefferson down, but he will be physical with him and he will never back down.
Staying with bench players, Michael Beasley should be playing more. Against Sacramento and L.A., as well as in the first quarter in Denver, Beasley has shown flashes of stardom. There is no question that Miami's first round pick has untapped potential. Wade can form a dynamic duo with Beasley in the future. Beasley can undoubtedly put up better numbers for the Heat than Shaquille O'Neal did in his first two seasons with Miami. Wade needs some help to carry the offensive load for the Heat, and the 6-foot-9 Washington, D.C.-native can do a bulk of the scoring.
I am not necessarily opposed to the idea of Beasley coming off the bench. Every successful team needs a punch coming from its bench and I have no qualms about Bealey as that role for the Heat. What I am opposed to is playing Beasley just over 20 minutes for Miami. How can he and Wade form chemistry if Beasley isn't even on the court for half the time? Shawn Marion should not be playing 37 minutes per game with the sub-par season he's had so far.
Spoelstra should, in certain situations, play Beasley as a three. This would allow the talented rookie to go to his post-up game against people who are giving up an inch or two on him. I view Beasley as more of a power forward than a small forward, and hope he will continue to get stronger. But I'd like to see the former Kansas State standout to develop his post game so that it will come more naturally to him when he does it as a four against some of the bigger players in the NBA. It's a move for the development of Beasley's game, but it shouldn't hurt the team when it is used in specific positions that will not allow the opponent to exploit Beasley's lack of lateral movement and defense.
Those were the two main things Spoelstra should adjust. I'd like to see James Jones' minutes continue to increase, though. In his two games with the Heat, Jones' playing time has gone up from three minutes to seven. At this point, it's difficult to say whether Spoelstra is working Jones into the rotation or simply giving him token minutes.
Heat News
Several teams, including Minnesota and Atlanta, have inquired into Udonis Haslem's availability. I don't see Pat Riley making any type of move with his forwards until he sees what James Jones can do. Additionally, with Shawn Marion's plausible departure this coming summer, is the Heat willing to give away its starting forward lineup? Haslem won't get Al Jefferson in a Heat uniform.
The New York Knicks offered a deal for Shawn Marion that included center Eddy Curry. The deal was swiftly declined by Riley, who doesn't appear willing to let go of Marion for center with questionable work ethic and a contract that goes beyond the 2009-10 season.
Except the Heat's opponent tonight, the Minnesota Timberwolves, is on a five-game winning streak; and Miami's next opponent will be against the Milwaukee Bucks, a team the Heat failed to defeat at home in December.
Tonight's game against Minnesota is a must-win. And although Miami played tough against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday night, it is 2-4 in January and 1-2 on this road trip. Moral victories just don't do it.
Coach Erik Spoelstra has done a fantastic job with his team, already four games better than last season's 15-67 abomination. But he needs to make a few changes.
Joel Anthony has been non-existent recently. We knew that he never had an offensive game, but his defense has now wavered (a product of his frequent foul trouble, maybe). After limiting Andrew Bynum to four points in Miami's first meeting with the Lakers, Anthony gave Bynum everything he wanted at Staples Center. The undersized, undrafted center for the Heat is a hard worker, but he doesn't deserve his starting spot anymore.
Jamaal Magloire, on the other hand, deserves to be the starting center for Miami. In his past two games, Magloire grabbed 16 rebounds in 31 minutes. He is 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, easily the Heat's biggest player in the rotation. He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and will give the Heat some toughness in the middle. Like Anthony, Magloire doesn't have an offensive game, but his rebounding and toughness is what should put him in the starting lineup.
Al Jefferson, a man in the company of Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan as the only players who average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, will be a challenge for the Heat. I'm not saying that Magloire will lock Jefferson down, but he will be physical with him and he will never back down.
Staying with bench players, Michael Beasley should be playing more. Against Sacramento and L.A., as well as in the first quarter in Denver, Beasley has shown flashes of stardom. There is no question that Miami's first round pick has untapped potential. Wade can form a dynamic duo with Beasley in the future. Beasley can undoubtedly put up better numbers for the Heat than Shaquille O'Neal did in his first two seasons with Miami. Wade needs some help to carry the offensive load for the Heat, and the 6-foot-9 Washington, D.C.-native can do a bulk of the scoring.
I am not necessarily opposed to the idea of Beasley coming off the bench. Every successful team needs a punch coming from its bench and I have no qualms about Bealey as that role for the Heat. What I am opposed to is playing Beasley just over 20 minutes for Miami. How can he and Wade form chemistry if Beasley isn't even on the court for half the time? Shawn Marion should not be playing 37 minutes per game with the sub-par season he's had so far.
Spoelstra should, in certain situations, play Beasley as a three. This would allow the talented rookie to go to his post-up game against people who are giving up an inch or two on him. I view Beasley as more of a power forward than a small forward, and hope he will continue to get stronger. But I'd like to see the former Kansas State standout to develop his post game so that it will come more naturally to him when he does it as a four against some of the bigger players in the NBA. It's a move for the development of Beasley's game, but it shouldn't hurt the team when it is used in specific positions that will not allow the opponent to exploit Beasley's lack of lateral movement and defense.
Those were the two main things Spoelstra should adjust. I'd like to see James Jones' minutes continue to increase, though. In his two games with the Heat, Jones' playing time has gone up from three minutes to seven. At this point, it's difficult to say whether Spoelstra is working Jones into the rotation or simply giving him token minutes.
Heat News
Several teams, including Minnesota and Atlanta, have inquired into Udonis Haslem's availability. I don't see Pat Riley making any type of move with his forwards until he sees what James Jones can do. Additionally, with Shawn Marion's plausible departure this coming summer, is the Heat willing to give away its starting forward lineup? Haslem won't get Al Jefferson in a Heat uniform.
The New York Knicks offered a deal for Shawn Marion that included center Eddy Curry. The deal was swiftly declined by Riley, who doesn't appear willing to let go of Marion for center with questionable work ethic and a contract that goes beyond the 2009-10 season.
Monday, January 12, 2009
In Thriller, Lakers Get Best of Heat
The Miami Heat failed to become the first team in the NBA to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers twice this season, but sure put up a fight.
The Lakers went up by 13 with three minutes left to go in the third quarter on a Derek Fisher three-pointer. But the Heat went on a 13-4 run to close out the third period, including two three-point plays, to make it a 73-77 game heading into the final stanza of play.
Dwyane Wade's finger roll with 7:24 left to play made it an 84-88 game, but it would be Wade's last points of the game. It is hard to believe that one of the League's best fourth-quarter performers would not score for the final seven minutes of a tough ball game, but Miami's superstar guard still made an impact in other ways.
An example? Wade's transition alley-oop pass to Michael Beasley gave the Heat a 90-89 lead with 5:32 left to go. The Lakers made a mini-run to make it 100-93 with just under three minutes to play. But when Wade didn't score, it was Beasley picking up the slack for him. That's something you want out of a sidekick.
Beasley scored Miami's next 10 points to pull within 100-102 with less than a minute to go. On the Lakers' ensuing possession, Wade stole the ball from Kobe Bryant after he tried to set up a pick-and-roll play with Pau Gasol. Udonis Haslem dove towards the hoop for a slam that tied the game at 102 all with 38 seconds left. Coach Erik Spoelstra's team could force a miss and have a chance to win it at the buzzer, if only one red shirt could grab a rebound.
Bryant missed a shot with 18 seconds left to give L.A. the lead, but Andrew Bynum's long arms tipped the ball back in to put the Lakers up 104-102.
Wade got a first step on Bryant and drove into the paint. The L.A. defense collapsed on Wade, and the 6-foot-4 guard out of Marquette dished it to a wide open Chris Quinn in the corner. Quinn's attempt to give Miami a 105-104 lead with seven seconds left went off the rim. Haslem intentionally fouled Vladimir Randamovic, and the L.A. 6-foot-10 forward sunk both free throws. It was a four-point game with six seconds left.
Daequan Cook nailed a triple two seconds later to make it a 105-106 game with four seconds to go. The Lakers got the ball to the reigning season MVP, Bryant. He made both free throws after Haslem intentionally fouled him; and Cook's contested three-pointer to tie the game at the buzzer got nothing but air to end the game with a 108-105 decision.
Wade finished with 27 points on 10-of-22 shooting, five rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocked shots. Beasley added 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting, five rebounds and two steals in only 22 minutes. I would have liked to see more of Beasley than just 22 minutes, and feel that he is playing well enough on both sides of the court to start.
Cook finished with 17 points on five-of-nine shooting from three-point range. Shawn Marion added 12 on 6-of-12 shooting, eight rebounds and two steals. Mario Chalmers struggled offensively, getting into early foul trouble and only playing nine minutes. Therefore, Quinn played major minutes (32 in all) and finished with 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting, just one turnover and seven assists. That three-pointer to potentially give Miami the lead, however, will be what most people remember from Quinn last night. Defensively, the athletic Jordan Farmar was injured, and Quinn's defensive liabilities were masked.
Overall, the Heat played good defense. Kobe Bryant shot just 5-for-14 from the field and Pau Gasol shot 4-of-15 from the field. Already without Lamar Odom, one could argue that the Lakers' three best players did not play well. Unfortunately for the Heat, Radmanovic hit four triples and Bynum took advantage of Miami's lack of size. The Lakers out-rebounded the Heat 53-38.
I would have liked to see more of Jamaal Magloire in this game. The Heat's tallest, biggest player grabbed seven rebounds in just 16 minutes. When he played last night, Miami was + 7. With Joel Anthony's productivity diminishing steadily, there is no question as to who should be starting at center for the Heat. If Spoelstra doesn't want to go with a three-forward lineup, he should at least get some size and rebounding with Magloire in the starting unit.
James Jones only played seven minutes last night, attempting only one shot. It was a three-pointer from the right corner that barely grazed the rim. It is not be overstated, even with Jones' preseason wrist surgery. Jones' minutes should steadily increase, and his production will be a key factor in where Shawn Marion will end up after the trade deadline.
The Heat will get a day off before engaging in its only back-to-back sequence of the seven-game road trip, starting Tuesday in Minnesota.
Heat News
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson said that Dwyane Wade gets an assist from officials after his team's win over Miami. He specifically spoke of traveling and carrying violations that, he says, the referees turn a blind eye to.
"What he's really been able to do is that pick-up move, that the Europeans really have brought in," Jackson said. "We all would consider that a walk move: Pick up the ball, take two steps, that's two and a half steps. And he's been able to get a long distance on that.
"His ability to carry the ball right now, he's getting away with that. He [carries] left to right, right to left, but he just does it fast, so nobody sees it, I guess."
Jackson, of course, coached Michael Jordan, who was also accused of taking an extra step or two during his Chicago championship days.
The Lakers went up by 13 with three minutes left to go in the third quarter on a Derek Fisher three-pointer. But the Heat went on a 13-4 run to close out the third period, including two three-point plays, to make it a 73-77 game heading into the final stanza of play.
Dwyane Wade's finger roll with 7:24 left to play made it an 84-88 game, but it would be Wade's last points of the game. It is hard to believe that one of the League's best fourth-quarter performers would not score for the final seven minutes of a tough ball game, but Miami's superstar guard still made an impact in other ways.
An example? Wade's transition alley-oop pass to Michael Beasley gave the Heat a 90-89 lead with 5:32 left to go. The Lakers made a mini-run to make it 100-93 with just under three minutes to play. But when Wade didn't score, it was Beasley picking up the slack for him. That's something you want out of a sidekick.
Beasley scored Miami's next 10 points to pull within 100-102 with less than a minute to go. On the Lakers' ensuing possession, Wade stole the ball from Kobe Bryant after he tried to set up a pick-and-roll play with Pau Gasol. Udonis Haslem dove towards the hoop for a slam that tied the game at 102 all with 38 seconds left. Coach Erik Spoelstra's team could force a miss and have a chance to win it at the buzzer, if only one red shirt could grab a rebound.
Bryant missed a shot with 18 seconds left to give L.A. the lead, but Andrew Bynum's long arms tipped the ball back in to put the Lakers up 104-102.Wade got a first step on Bryant and drove into the paint. The L.A. defense collapsed on Wade, and the 6-foot-4 guard out of Marquette dished it to a wide open Chris Quinn in the corner. Quinn's attempt to give Miami a 105-104 lead with seven seconds left went off the rim. Haslem intentionally fouled Vladimir Randamovic, and the L.A. 6-foot-10 forward sunk both free throws. It was a four-point game with six seconds left.
Daequan Cook nailed a triple two seconds later to make it a 105-106 game with four seconds to go. The Lakers got the ball to the reigning season MVP, Bryant. He made both free throws after Haslem intentionally fouled him; and Cook's contested three-pointer to tie the game at the buzzer got nothing but air to end the game with a 108-105 decision.
Wade finished with 27 points on 10-of-22 shooting, five rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocked shots. Beasley added 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting, five rebounds and two steals in only 22 minutes. I would have liked to see more of Beasley than just 22 minutes, and feel that he is playing well enough on both sides of the court to start.
Cook finished with 17 points on five-of-nine shooting from three-point range. Shawn Marion added 12 on 6-of-12 shooting, eight rebounds and two steals. Mario Chalmers struggled offensively, getting into early foul trouble and only playing nine minutes. Therefore, Quinn played major minutes (32 in all) and finished with 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting, just one turnover and seven assists. That three-pointer to potentially give Miami the lead, however, will be what most people remember from Quinn last night. Defensively, the athletic Jordan Farmar was injured, and Quinn's defensive liabilities were masked.
Overall, the Heat played good defense. Kobe Bryant shot just 5-for-14 from the field and Pau Gasol shot 4-of-15 from the field. Already without Lamar Odom, one could argue that the Lakers' three best players did not play well. Unfortunately for the Heat, Radmanovic hit four triples and Bynum took advantage of Miami's lack of size. The Lakers out-rebounded the Heat 53-38.
I would have liked to see more of Jamaal Magloire in this game. The Heat's tallest, biggest player grabbed seven rebounds in just 16 minutes. When he played last night, Miami was + 7. With Joel Anthony's productivity diminishing steadily, there is no question as to who should be starting at center for the Heat. If Spoelstra doesn't want to go with a three-forward lineup, he should at least get some size and rebounding with Magloire in the starting unit.
James Jones only played seven minutes last night, attempting only one shot. It was a three-pointer from the right corner that barely grazed the rim. It is not be overstated, even with Jones' preseason wrist surgery. Jones' minutes should steadily increase, and his production will be a key factor in where Shawn Marion will end up after the trade deadline.
The Heat will get a day off before engaging in its only back-to-back sequence of the seven-game road trip, starting Tuesday in Minnesota.
Heat News
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson said that Dwyane Wade gets an assist from officials after his team's win over Miami. He specifically spoke of traveling and carrying violations that, he says, the referees turn a blind eye to.
"What he's really been able to do is that pick-up move, that the Europeans really have brought in," Jackson said. "We all would consider that a walk move: Pick up the ball, take two steps, that's two and a half steps. And he's been able to get a long distance on that.
"His ability to carry the ball right now, he's getting away with that. He [carries] left to right, right to left, but he just does it fast, so nobody sees it, I guess."
Jackson, of course, coached Michael Jordan, who was also accused of taking an extra step or two during his Chicago championship days.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Wade, Beasley Lead Heat Past Kings
In a dramatic showdown in Sacramento, Dwyane Wade and Michael Beasley continued to look more and more like a duo, combining for 64 points in a 119-115 overtime win.
For the first three quarters, this game looked eerily similar to the game against Denver. Miami again played poor defense in the first half, allowing 62 points through the first 24 minutes. The Heat managed to make a few mini-runs in the third quarter, but a late surge by Sacramento to close out the quarter had Miami down eight entering the final stanza of play. Former Florida Gator John Salmons made two free throws to start the fourth quarter, putting Miami down by 10 with just under 12 minutes to play.
Beasley, who turned 20 years old Friday, scored eight unanswered points before finding Jamaal Magloire for a nice dunk. Within 1:58, the once 74-84 deficit was only 83-84. It seemed as if this game would go down to the wire until Miami opened up a 99-94 lead with with 115 seconds to go after Wade made a nice dish to Udonis Haslem for a layup. But Bobby Jackson nailed a three, cutting the lead to 99-97 with 68 seconds left, still anybody's game. The Heat would need to dig a little bit deeper for this win.
Mario Chalmers has hit contested threes in crunch time. This time he did it again, but in a red Miami uniform. The rookie out of Kansas State nailed a triple with Jackson all over him with 46 seconds to go. With 12 seconds left and the score at 102-99, Wade picked Kevin Martin's pocket for a steal. He was immediately fouled, and could've given the Heat a 104-99 lead.
But he didn't.
Wade made only one of two free throws. Spencer Hawes hit a three on Sacramento's ensuing possession to make it 104-103 with just 10 seconds to go. Mario Chalmers was fouled and made one of two, and Hawes made another jumper to force overtime.
Wade made the first two field goals of overtime to give the Heat a four-point lead. Unfortunately, Magloire was charged with a flagrant foul on Sacramento's ensuing possession. Hawes hit both free throws, and Sacramento would retain possession. Kevin Matin got free for a wide open jumper to tie the game up. Miami's 6-foot-11 center did a good job on the glass, but that flagrant foul ended up as a four-point possession for the Kings.
Wade and Haslem hooked up for a pick-and-roll that ended up getting the 6-foot-8 power forward a three-point play. But Hawes' reverse layup with 2:14 left to go cut the Heat lead to 111-110. On Miami's next possession, Wade's teammates were able to get him an open lane to the bucket before Hawes came over and pummeled Miami's superstar guard to the ground. Wade immediately grimaced and grabbed his right elbow, and took a few moments to get back up.
Hawes was assessed with a flagrant foul, and Wade connected on one of two. The Kings got possession after a Beasley miss. Daequan Cook was called for a foul on a Martin three-point attempt that didn't have much contact at all. Nonetheless, Martin made all three shots from the line to give Sacramento a 113-112 lead. After Wade turned the ball over, Hawes hit another jump shot to give the Kings a 115-112 lead with just 56 seconds to go.
Those were the last points scored by Sacramento. Miami would go on to score seven.
Wade made a contested three-pointer to tie the game at 115 all (and he did it just after getting a blow to his right elbow). After good Miami defense that forced a 24-second shot clock violation, Wade took another hard foul, but this time, he hit both free throws. The Heat had a 117-115 lead with just five seconds left to go.
Hawes missed on a jumper with .8 seconds left to tie the game. Cook leaped for the rebound and was subsequently fouled. The sophomore guard out of Ohio State sunk both free throws to ice the game for Miami.
Wade struggled early on, missing 11 of his first 16 shot attempts. But the League's leading scorer connected on six of his final 10 field goal attempts on his way to 41 points, 24 trips to the foul line, five rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocked shots. Wade knew exactly when to take over the game, but had help from Beasley to spark Miami's comeback in the fourth quarter.
The 6-foot-9 forward out of Kansas had his second double-double this week with 23 points on 10-of-19 shooting, two connections from beyond the arc and 10 rebounds. Throughout the first two months of the season, Beasley hadn't managed a double-double. I was pleased that Coach Erik Spoelstra stuck with Beasley in crunch time. The talented rookie played 35 minutes for the Heat.
Another player off the bench got major minutes Friday night. It was Cook, back from his knee injury that held him out against Denver. While he didn't have the best offensive game, he played tough defense on Martin. During the crucial 24-second violation the Heat forced, Cook stayed his ground and forced Sacramento's leading scorer into an air-ball.
Udonis Haslem had 11 points and eight rebounds while Magloire grabbed nine rebounds, four of which were offensive, in just 15 minutes. All of Magloire's rebounds came in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a sequence in which the 6-foot-11 center from Kentucky stayed with his shot, grabbed two of his own misses before earning a trip to the foul line. Although Joel Anthony had six quick points for the Heat, he got in early foul trouble (again). I don't see Anthony's starting position safe right now.
The biggest news before the opening tip was that James Jones was back on the active roster. Jones, a free-agent acquisition last summer, had wrist surgery on his shooting hand Oct. 18 and was finally back. The former Miami Hurricane played three minutes, with a foul and turnover. It was good to see Jones back, though. He's going to have to continue to work his way into the rotation. Hopefully Pat Riley will see the small forward who is a dead-eye three-point shooter and can provide lengthy defense on the other end of the court for the Heat.
Miami (19-16) will head down to Los Angeles to meet with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers Sunday night.
For the first three quarters, this game looked eerily similar to the game against Denver. Miami again played poor defense in the first half, allowing 62 points through the first 24 minutes. The Heat managed to make a few mini-runs in the third quarter, but a late surge by Sacramento to close out the quarter had Miami down eight entering the final stanza of play. Former Florida Gator John Salmons made two free throws to start the fourth quarter, putting Miami down by 10 with just under 12 minutes to play.
Beasley, who turned 20 years old Friday, scored eight unanswered points before finding Jamaal Magloire for a nice dunk. Within 1:58, the once 74-84 deficit was only 83-84. It seemed as if this game would go down to the wire until Miami opened up a 99-94 lead with with 115 seconds to go after Wade made a nice dish to Udonis Haslem for a layup. But Bobby Jackson nailed a three, cutting the lead to 99-97 with 68 seconds left, still anybody's game. The Heat would need to dig a little bit deeper for this win.
Mario Chalmers has hit contested threes in crunch time. This time he did it again, but in a red Miami uniform. The rookie out of Kansas State nailed a triple with Jackson all over him with 46 seconds to go. With 12 seconds left and the score at 102-99, Wade picked Kevin Martin's pocket for a steal. He was immediately fouled, and could've given the Heat a 104-99 lead.
But he didn't.
Wade made only one of two free throws. Spencer Hawes hit a three on Sacramento's ensuing possession to make it 104-103 with just 10 seconds to go. Mario Chalmers was fouled and made one of two, and Hawes made another jumper to force overtime.
Wade made the first two field goals of overtime to give the Heat a four-point lead. Unfortunately, Magloire was charged with a flagrant foul on Sacramento's ensuing possession. Hawes hit both free throws, and Sacramento would retain possession. Kevin Matin got free for a wide open jumper to tie the game up. Miami's 6-foot-11 center did a good job on the glass, but that flagrant foul ended up as a four-point possession for the Kings.
Wade and Haslem hooked up for a pick-and-roll that ended up getting the 6-foot-8 power forward a three-point play. But Hawes' reverse layup with 2:14 left to go cut the Heat lead to 111-110. On Miami's next possession, Wade's teammates were able to get him an open lane to the bucket before Hawes came over and pummeled Miami's superstar guard to the ground. Wade immediately grimaced and grabbed his right elbow, and took a few moments to get back up.
Hawes was assessed with a flagrant foul, and Wade connected on one of two. The Kings got possession after a Beasley miss. Daequan Cook was called for a foul on a Martin three-point attempt that didn't have much contact at all. Nonetheless, Martin made all three shots from the line to give Sacramento a 113-112 lead. After Wade turned the ball over, Hawes hit another jump shot to give the Kings a 115-112 lead with just 56 seconds to go.
Those were the last points scored by Sacramento. Miami would go on to score seven.
Wade made a contested three-pointer to tie the game at 115 all (and he did it just after getting a blow to his right elbow). After good Miami defense that forced a 24-second shot clock violation, Wade took another hard foul, but this time, he hit both free throws. The Heat had a 117-115 lead with just five seconds left to go.
Hawes missed on a jumper with .8 seconds left to tie the game. Cook leaped for the rebound and was subsequently fouled. The sophomore guard out of Ohio State sunk both free throws to ice the game for Miami.
Wade struggled early on, missing 11 of his first 16 shot attempts. But the League's leading scorer connected on six of his final 10 field goal attempts on his way to 41 points, 24 trips to the foul line, five rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocked shots. Wade knew exactly when to take over the game, but had help from Beasley to spark Miami's comeback in the fourth quarter.
The 6-foot-9 forward out of Kansas had his second double-double this week with 23 points on 10-of-19 shooting, two connections from beyond the arc and 10 rebounds. Throughout the first two months of the season, Beasley hadn't managed a double-double. I was pleased that Coach Erik Spoelstra stuck with Beasley in crunch time. The talented rookie played 35 minutes for the Heat.Another player off the bench got major minutes Friday night. It was Cook, back from his knee injury that held him out against Denver. While he didn't have the best offensive game, he played tough defense on Martin. During the crucial 24-second violation the Heat forced, Cook stayed his ground and forced Sacramento's leading scorer into an air-ball.
Udonis Haslem had 11 points and eight rebounds while Magloire grabbed nine rebounds, four of which were offensive, in just 15 minutes. All of Magloire's rebounds came in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a sequence in which the 6-foot-11 center from Kentucky stayed with his shot, grabbed two of his own misses before earning a trip to the foul line. Although Joel Anthony had six quick points for the Heat, he got in early foul trouble (again). I don't see Anthony's starting position safe right now.
The biggest news before the opening tip was that James Jones was back on the active roster. Jones, a free-agent acquisition last summer, had wrist surgery on his shooting hand Oct. 18 and was finally back. The former Miami Hurricane played three minutes, with a foul and turnover. It was good to see Jones back, though. He's going to have to continue to work his way into the rotation. Hopefully Pat Riley will see the small forward who is a dead-eye three-point shooter and can provide lengthy defense on the other end of the court for the Heat.
Miami (19-16) will head down to Los Angeles to meet with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers Sunday night.
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