It may take a little while for the Heat to gel (not pictured).
Tonight in Boston, quite simply, was a mess.
On offense, the Heat had absolutely no game-plan, no way to attack to attack the Celtics.
Dwyane Wade played what could be his worst game of the year.
Chris Bosh wasn't even in double-figures scoring (which may never happen again).
And yet, Miami was only down by 3 points with just over a minute left.
Be afraid rest of the NBA, be very afraid.
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I was infinitely more concerned with the Heat's defensive approach than I was with offense.
These guys are world-class talents.
They'll figure out how to complement each other offensively.
That's not the issue.
My question heading into the game was simple: Will this team have the WILL to play consistent team defense, every night???
The answer: appears to be yes.
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While Wade, LeBron, and Bosh are all proven offensively, they all LOVE playing defense.
You can see the JOY this team takes in cutting off passing lanes, taking charges, and trying to run out the other way.
That's going to be this team's biggest strength: transition.
When it's going well, no one is going to be able to run with the Heat (not even the Suns).
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Look at the opponent.
The Boston Celtics are the most cohesive unit in the NBA.
They have a dominant point guard, who is distributing to four sure-fire Hall of Famers in KG, Shaq, Pierce, and Allen.
This team has played together for years (with the exception of Shaq who is a place-holder until Kendrick Perkins returns).
They were within a game of winning the NBA Finals last year.
It was in their house, one of the most historic and intimidating venues possible.
The Heat played like garbage for 3 quarters, and were within 3 points with a minute left on the road.
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Sure, the Heat are 0-1 in the record books.
Losing is never fun.
But Dwyane Wade played an AWFUL game, and Miami JUST lost.
How many times could you say that in the last five years?
It was Wade at peak performance, or no chance.
Not anymore.
This team won't match the 72' Dolphins for perfection, but I wouldn't want to play them in January.
I am not too worried about tonight. The team looked like a kid learning to drive and sitting on the brakes. Into the 2nd half, they you could see them getting more comfortable and stepping on the gas. There will be a ton of open shots for everyone. The more spo gets guys moving without the ball, the more the defense will have to commit. Eddie House is a great addition and if Miller can come back and stay healthy, they will be close to unbeatable.
ReplyDeleteThe Heat got a bad break starting the season against a fundamentally good team on the road. The crap they threw out tonight could still probably win 45-50 games in this league,but they wont beat the bostons, orlandos and lakers of the league until they get some games underneath their belt.
up tempo, that's the key. Bosh rebounds, triggers a break with LeBron and Wade--- that will be unstoppable. That only happens if they commit to defense first. If Spo can't do it--- I know someone who can
ReplyDeleteSpo needs to start having kids and building a family...he'll need someone to spend time with in a few months.
ReplyDeletei love how much Riley and SVG now hate each other
ReplyDeleteYeah although I root for Riley's team...SVG is one of the most sensible, down to earth, seemingly good hearted guys in sports. On a personal level I would side with him. Shaq threw SVG under bus and Riley chose ring over friendship. Thats the kind of person you need in charge (and why spo needs to win and win quick)
ReplyDeleteagreed on all counts. Truth be told, SVG doesn't win title in 2006, Riley did. End of discussion
ReplyDeleteBy the way, LeBron's commercial is MUCH better than DWade's. Coming out with a superhero commercial (without a single visible basketball or sneaker even) the day after he renounces the "Flash" nickname. Wade's was extravagant, Lebron's was thoughtful.
ReplyDeletePretty sure Lebron and D-Wade aren't writing there own commercials. I'm reposting my status update from yesterday although it's not very different from what was already said...
ReplyDelete"Fans of other teams: [Insert smack about the Heat here]. But soak it up. They played awful and still had a shot in the end against the Eastern Conference Champs. Good luck the rest of the season other teams."
there = their
ReplyDeletein the battle of sneaker commercials...lebrons and wades commercials are not as good as derek rose / slim chin.
ReplyDeleteIs derrick rose even in his own commercial.
ReplyDelete