Monthly Archives: January 2011

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1-13-11 Miami Heat v Denver Nuggets

LeBron is out tonight replaced by James Jones Heat # 22. What size shoe does LeBron wear? Jones has a large shoe to fill. But Jones steps up with pride. Chris Bosh Heat # 1 puts the Heat on the score board with 3. NeNe Nuggets # 31 sneaks in for a basket. With a name like NeNe, look out. NeNe creeps back in for 2. Carlos Arroyo, Heat # 8 matches it for 2. When Nuggets Carmello Anthony # 15 gets in for a basket to take the score to 4-6, Bosh adds 2 to take the score to 6-6.

Wade is blocked by NeNe and draws the foul but at the line he stoops pretty low – seems he can hardly get up to shoot. LeBron is missing from the bench but the eyes of LeBron are upon you. Shoot up and in. Jones for 3, but the momentum is lost with a Heat turnover. Nice Arroyo long shot for 2 (11-10). Carmello’s in & out rebound goes to Wade. Sneaky NeNe looks right but passes left. James Jones gets a blocking foul and takes a hard hit to the floor.

Bosh gets a work out running up and back for 2. D. Wade drives to the basket but Al Harrington Nuggets # 7 won’t be out done and matches Wade’s drive. Into the 2nd quarter Heat’s Mike Miller # 13 falls but picks himself up and gets the rebound. Bosh’s foul on the arm causes an air ball but sends him to the line, it’s in. With 9:03 minutes left in the second quarter the Heat misses 5 rebounds as the Nuggets jump and jump for their own ball. Wade manages to get through all the stops to the basket. But Lawson gets a 2 pointer then steals Miami’s inbound ball, and gets the rebound.

The fouls get pretty rough. Wade takes a hit across the nose and another that lands him on the floor. JR Smith # 5 tries a nice 360 spin in the air that doesn’t make it to the hoop. He isn’t suffering from jet lag what’s his excuse? With double digit turn-overs the end of the second quarter approaches with little energy at the Heat bench. The low score at half time 43-60 reflects just how low you can go with little sleep. A Heat wave is needed. Let’s go, guys. Go get it. Wade comes back a powerful force getting the field goal and the foul adding an extra point to the score board. Bosh hits a smooth one moving the score up 2 points 48-62. Wade brings energy back 52-66. But the Nuggets match those the points.

After a long road trip and jet lag the Heat has low energy. Defense against the Denver Nuggets is lagging. But Champions never give up. The little energizers keep on going; even when it seems a far shot. Eddie House Heat # 55 comes in shooting and brings energy to put three in the basket and draws an offensive and a technical foul on the Nugget’s player JR Smith # 5 that takes Eddie House to the line.

“Go, go” hollers from somewhere in the stands as Arroyo jumps for 2 and again for 2 more. But the score is 56-70. Into the 3rd quarter and the Heat has more hesitation than movement as Denver gets its own rebounds. Bosh jumps for a block and gets the foul that takes him to the line and adds two points to the lagging indicator. 61-87 Carmello comes in and speeds up the game. But D, Wade uses adversity to his advantage. Chalmers for a steal to Bosh at the basket but Bosh gets pulled down by Harrington # 7 over the back. End of 3rd quarter the score reflects that the Heat is being outscored.

The road has taken a toll on the Heat. It’s time to come home and rejuvenate. 102-130 Mike Miller, Heat # 13 has been out with an injured thumb makes his first real entry with a shot late in the game. With the Heat trailing 95-125 Miller # 13 steps in, relaxed like it really doesn’t matter and he takes his best shot… and finds his rhythm. He’s backkk.

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1-12-11 Miami Heat @ LA Clippers

The Heat goes into this game with an impressive 13-game winning streak on the road; but tonight they go up against the Clipper’s Blake Griffin # 32, high flying # 1 rookie with great athletic ability that gets the job done, he misses the first point of the night. The Clippers fans boo LeBron – all the way to the bank as the cash register rings a sell out because of who? That’s right LeBron.

The Heat’s Dewayne Wade to the line puts Miami on the score board. Clippers turn over at the other end, its Heat ball again. Griffin # 32 launches to the basket to put the clippers on the scoreboard. Carlos Arroyo # 8 in the corner responds with a long 2. Now the Clippers with some fast passing but the rebound is Wade’s and he’s off to the other end, But – what happened? Now it’s Clippers’ Eric Gomes # 10 from the corner for 3. Chris Bosh #1 leaps for an over the head jump shot that puts Miami in the lead. But the Clipper’s Baron Davis # 5 comes back with a long 3. Eric Gordon # 10 guarding Bosh’s jump shot but Bosh gets those 2 at the line. Clippers throw a smooth pass to Davis at the basket and it’s in.

Heat down by 3, Griffin goes up for a basket but instead gets a foul on LeBron. 9-13 Then LeBron to Wade takes it to the basket. Back at the other end its Griffin and a foul against Bosh. Miami is trailing 11-16 (On the east coast that feels like the time). Carlos Arroyo gets his own rebound -Arroyo to Wade who dodges through the lane with a step then a bounce and a leap that sends him on a take off for a dunk, he’s up and in flight to the basket and it’s in.

LeBron sweating from the corner throws a nice 3 pointer. Clippers Eric Gordon # 10 goes up against Miami’s Dewayne Wade # 3. Gordon throws it up and it’s in. Then Wade races down Gordon with an answer. Now Gordon to Davis for a dunk to take the score 19 to 27. Now Wade – but no, it’s Gordon stepping on the gas to gets pass Wade to push the Clippers score 2 points. The fans call for defense as LeBron heads to the rim. Joel Anthony puts a stop to Griffin, but misses an opportunity for a layup. The rebound goes to Anthony but a loose ball foul is called on Joel. With 1:33 minutes left in the first quarter LeBron puts a monster slam into the basket. But Eric Bledsoe # 12 goes for 3 pushing the score to 24-39. A block by Joel Anthony, is followed by a steal and a 3-pointer by # 3 Al-Farouq Aminu in the last 25 seconds of the first quarter moving the score up 3 more points and the heat trailing 26-42. LeBron with 6 seconds left in the first quarter heads to the basket but a steal from Griffin takes the ball down the Clippers lane for 2. First quarter ends with a low burning flame 26-44.

The Clippers defense puts a stop to Wade’s spin to the basket but can’t stop Chalmers long shot for 3. Chalmers makes a steal but a block by Bledsoe # 12 says not here. 3 fouls on Anthony takes him out with 4:39 minutes left in the 2nd quarter and the score at 45-62. The heat’s efforts are not reflected in the score as Chalmers passes to LeBron for 3. The truth is hidden in the turn-overs. Wade in the corner converts a pass to a dunk. Wade to LeBron with a near miss but a tap and it’s in. Chalmer’s from the corner for 3, pushing the trailing score to 55-67. Wade does a nice behind-the-back pass to Chalmers but the 3-point shot is a no-go. The 2nd quarter ends with a 10-point spread 58-68. For the Heat half time in Los Angeles requires some tactical defense.

The Ball in the hands of Clippers # 32, but not anymore, LeBron slaps it away. Bosh for the rebound. Chris is wide open and delivers 2 points. From 21 down to 5 behind in the third quarter the Heat makes a resilient comeback. Then the Heat with a steal puts Wade to the line and pushes the score up within three. Heat turns up the defense with another near steal showing the Heat’s will to win. But the game’s not over yet. 75-82 Clippers are on the move with their leading scorer, Eric Gordon # 10 jumping to the basket. Chalmers for 3 but no – the tides have turned now it’s 2 to Gordon # 10.

With 8:38 minutes left in the game the Heat staggers on the floor with a hangover from the last shot being stripped from behind. A drive by Wade moves the score to 84-94. Griffin having heart palpitations is holding his chest. LeBron for 2 on a jump around shot takes the score to 86-94. Then Wade for 3 inches the score up 3 notches 89-94. Griffin pinned under the basket attempts a pass but deflects a back board pass to the Heat. LeBron heads to the basket but the momentum of an ankle sprain takes him limping off the court. Down but not out LeBron steps back on the court like he never left and shoots a firm 3 pointer. We’re almost there 91:94 the Heat has scored 10 points in the last 2 minutes. But a wave of events will change the streak of momentum. Wade kneeling and LeBron limping with an ankle sprain is in pain. It’s Gordon for 3 then Chalmers answers with 3. 95-97 with 5:47 remaining in the game. Griffin for 2 moves Clippers ahead by 4 points 95-99 LeBron headed to the basket, up, fake, down then up again for 2. Bosh for 3 with 12 seconds brings it close but then Clippers # 10 goes to the line to add 2 leaving a final score of 105:111, the Heat’s first lost since the end of November 2010.

Throughout the night Griffin throws some dazzling spinning, driving and dunking with consistency and a serious, competitive spirit. It’s a long night for the Heat playing out of their time zone but adversity makes us stronger.

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1-9-11 Miami Heat @ Portland Trail Blazers

Dewayne Wade # 3 starts the game with the first point of the night to put Miami on the scoreboard. A steal by LeBron James # 6 is Portland’s second turnover in the first minute and a half into the game.  Miami is missing shots as Portland Trail Blazers start to gain a lead. Could it be the glare off the shinny floor or the busy designs on the court – they are making me dizzy. Maybe the ball has been waxed too!

Wade is in the right place at the right time to capture on a throw away by Portland.  Then, taking the Heat score to 8, with a dunk – Wade swings from the rim. The Trailblazers hang –in. They will not be out-done. For each shot by Miami the Trailblazers come back to answer with a 2-pointer that brings the score back to even.   Wade is working up a sweat as he runs around the Portland defense pushing Miami ahead, 19-14. The hugs between Trail Blazers and Heat before the game have now turned to hostility. With the score at 23-20 LeBron loses the ball but Juwan Howard # 5 gets it back for the Heat. “What?” Howard can’t believe a technical foul is called on him after the first foul is called. While the Heat is mumbling about the call they miss the air-ball and Portland gets its own rebound. The enthusiastic Trail Blazer crowd is shouting and cheers are keep the Trail Blazers energized as they charge ahead ending the first quarter one point behind the Heat.

15 points in the first quarter and sweating, the second quarter finds Wade on the floor.  Portland loses the ball to the Heat but the Heat turns it back over to Portland, but wait -  the ball ends up back with the Heat – neither team wants the ball. The first Heat personal foul goes to Wade who is working his heart out with about 15 points in the first quarter. 

Chris Bosh # 1 looks serious tonight with a twist and turn to the basket.  A drive by Wade to the basket puts him to the line and narrows Portland’s lead to 1 point.

Into the second quarter  Bosh’s ball goes in… then… bounces back out – not to worry -  LeBron is there to put the ball where it belongs – in the basket. Miami Heat is heading to the races leading 36-28. But, not for long, Joel Anthony’s smooth block-shot takes Lamarcus Aldridge # 12 to the line and puts Portland in the lead.  The Heat is hustling now with some smooth team work. . . LeBron to Wade under the basket.. In.  Then… LeBron has good timing to halt his lightening speed and let the would-be blocker go flying by.  LeBron to Bosh adds 2 points to the score board. But Portland blazes a trail as Wesley Mathews throws a 3-pointer that ties the score again 44-44 with 21 seconds left before half- time. Portland fans jump to their feet. You can’t keep this team (or the fans ) down right now.  

Into the 3rd quarter the Trail Blazers evaporate the Heat’s lead when Marcus Camby’s first 3-pointer takes Portland into the lead. Bosh hits a 20-foot 2-pointer that is so smooth it should count for 4 points.  Portland fans get vocal murmuring over a LeBron touch to a Trail Blazer, “Hey, cool it. No foul.”  

With the Heat trailing 56-60 LeBron takes the game of basketball to another level – All the players on the court know not to mess with that man when he says, “I’m coming through.”  The players stand frozen in motion as LeBron attempts to tear down the rim. Aldridge has been getting the rebounds all night but not this one. He steps aside because he knows that “This ball is going in.”  At the other end, LeBron gets another rebound then races back to the other end of the court all alone to add 2-more points to the Heat scoreboard. But all that work and the Heat is still trailing…and being taunted by hecklers in the stands.  James Jones # 22 makes the Heat’s first 3-point of the night to bring the Heat within 2 points, 65-67 at the end of the 3rd quarter.  

Heat’s 3-point shot is matched by a Trail Blazer’s 3-point… “Oh, boy.”  Now it’s the Trail Blazers trying to rip off LeBron’s neck that takes him to the line. He misses the first one but “You can’t keep a good man down.” He regroups and makes the second. The Heat has to alter their tactical formation for the rebounds they are missing. The Heat is trailing 71-76 but Wade does a step dance to push the score 3 points then Chalmers for 2.  “You go,” Anthony, you got the foul but you put a stop to that shot. 

Score at 73-80 with 6:02 minutes left in the 4th quarter… Wade takes a smack to the head that smacks the score up 3 points 76-80. Winding down with 1:36 left in the 4th quarter, a drive by Wade dampens the Trail Blazer’s lead to 2.  Jones is heading for the sky but is taken down – 2 points at the line ties the score 91-91 with 49 seconds.   Portland lets the clock run down to 6 seconds, LeBron is ready with a smile and the house is brought to their feet as Trail Blazer’s Andre Miller # 24 misses 2 points then misses a second shot after getting the rebound.  It’s Over – time.

Wade starts the clock with 2 points. Then Portland turns the ball over to the Heat. This drama is scary and exciting as LeBron gets his 4th foul.  Bosh comes through with 2 points but Aldridge # 12 answers with 2. Heat leads 97-95 then LeBron does what he does. He takes the score to 100. Miami wills another win, 107-100… too close for comfort – Fire makes water boil. Chill…under pressure the Heat performs.

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1-7-11 Miami Heat @ Milwaukee Bucks

 Dewayne Wade # 3 starts the night out with his magic - dodging  the Bucks to take the ball from his left to his right hand,  now you see it – now you don’t.  Dunk.  Carlos Arroyo # 8  then comes back to add 2 points and a half-court pass to LeBron that sends Miami Heat off to the races. But wait, it’s not over yet for the Bucks, the fat lady has not sung.  Losing their finesse and rhythm, key Heat players find themselves in foul trouble early in the game. 

The Heat is anxious, off rhythm and playing with more power and charge than refinement. Shots that the 3-kings normally make in their sleep, they just cannot seem to get to dreamland. Stuck somewhere in between, somebody wake them up because Earl Boykins, Bucks  # 11 is discovering his potential.  With a 10 point lead over the Heat 54-46 the game is a chase-down… LeBron James # 6 races down the court just in time to catch a block-shot.

You need seat belts to watch this drama filled action packed game. At times it’s like an acrobatic show with red and white birds flying through the air. Then it’s a drama of trains colliding. Heat # 6 LeBron masterfully charges down the floor like a locomotive train, “I’m coming through,”  but at the other end there is Buck # 6 Andrew Bogut blocking like a big mac truck, “Not in my house.”  For a Friday night this game is better than a night out on South Beach.  Bucks # 17 Chris Douglas-Roberts is hot. He steals more than the ball. He takes the Heat flame and sets the house on fire. The Buck’s tight defense –  with arms waving - keep the Heat struggling just to get the ball in the court. Howard throws down some defense leaving the refs wondering whether it’s a 2 or a 3 pointer.

Boykins is half the size of Zydrunas Ilgauska Heat # 11 but gets around the legs of Heat players, like a mouse –around and around in circles – where did he go- nobody knows… To the hoop – how did he do that?  Boykins ties the score 91-91. Wade misses one last opportunity to end the game forcing the game into overtime.  “Oh my gosh,” Carlos Arroyo misses a pass into the court. But wait, Arroyo comes back to clinch a 4-point lead with 9 seconds left in the game. Then it’s “Oh my gosh,” for the Bucks –  Boykins the dynamo #11 misses a basket in the last seconds of overtime.  With some good blocking the Heat shuts down the Bucks’ dynamo.  Despite Bokins’ energized  performance,  when scoring counts the most he misses with 13 seconds left in overtime then another miss with 6 seconds remaining.  He won’t sleep tonight.

The 12-degree temperature in Milwaukee cooled off the Miami Heat and put D. Wade under pressure playing in his home town.  The Bucks set fire under the Heat and made the dream team struggle, fight and claw for a win in overtime.  It boiled down to the last five minutes when the sweat rolled.  But, from a struggle to a win the Heat pulls it off. Good thing it’s only the final score that matters.

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1-1-11 Heat v Golden State

Monta Ellis of Golden State stepped to the line with tattoos on his body looking like Jurassic Park. I wonder what that does to the blood stream. Former Heat player D. Wright gave a heated performance against D. Wade with his 3-pointers that kept the Heat down at half time but not out of the game. Wright’s 30 points were not enough to keep the 3-kings from claiming another win. Golden State gave a nice performance of spins and speed while the Heat conserved energy. The burner was turned down low for the Heat through the third quarter. Bosh shoved the ball and then his tongue down the throat of Golden State. The closer, Joel Anthony said “Let’s Go,” and the Heat stepped out of their complacency and turned up the flame in the 4th quarter. LeBron took the Heat to its 100th point and the team came back with some fuel efficiency in their scoring to go on for a sizzling win. Even when trailing the Heat is a class act. Bosh climbs up from the floor but reaches back to help his Golden State opponent off the floor.    D. Wade, with sweat running down his own face, towels the sweat from Fox Announcer Chris Perkins before a TV interview with Jason Jackson. Nice move guys.