- Great to see Cook is alive
- somebody please give Q Rich cpr
-Better yet, send that oxygen to Spo's brain
-That being said, give Spo props for "change" we may be able to believe in..at least for now
- Having been the most critical of Spo all season, I must admit we didnt just win, there are actually changes in the offense I saw. One particular play, Cook ran baseline, got a screen, came off the curl and as JO popped out sideways, cook had the option to shoot or dish to JO. He picked up a nice assist on a play we hardly see ran. Creativity, the play within the play....things We have been screaming for all season
-Wright getting the starting nod after the break may be best for all parties involves. If Q gets "turned loose" on the second unit, he may be a really good 6th man. His 3pt shot has abandoned him, but Q can score in other ways and as we saw on his blocked dunk attempt, he hasnt lost a whole lot as an athlete.
-Meanwhile, Wright as a starter brings more ball movement.
-Y did it take so long for Arroyo to get his minutes back? Probably not the answer, but was there ever any reason to get demoted behind Chalmers?
- I have said all year this team has scorers, lacks creators, but has scorers. They just need to be put in better position to produce. Wright,Arroyo,Chalmers, and Beasley need to be allowed to run and play freely without the restraints of knowing they will get pulled for turnovers, misses, and not getting out of Dwayne's way. JO needs more touches on the go and in better position, not isolation plays from 15 feet. Q's post game is still not being taken advantage of. All of this would help Wade become more efficient.
-Hawks had 7 offensive rebounds in the first. Why does Magloire never play?
- Are the last 2 wins enough to make you feel good and not jump into instant gratification type deals? More importantly, is it enough for Riley? I hope so.
- Bad game or not, Beasley needs to be a more important piece of this puzzle. There is seemingly no connect with he and Wade on offense. Thats coaching and the lack of plays designed for them both to touch the ball. Dont think I have seen a player get as little feeds off the pick and roll as Beasley.
- A win much like last night. No super games from anybody, but lots of help from everybody. JO can help this team on offense, if it runs a real offense
- Cook was 3 of 5 from three point range. In your F*cking face Josh...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Atlanta Pidgeons vs Mediocre Miami Midgets
JK JK!
Ok so its like this.
We have Atlanta Hawks
PG: Mike Bibby - Decent jumper, sets up the offense. Wears a headband.
SG: Joe Johnson - Jack of all trades. Can initiate the offense, can shoot, penetrate, you name it. Might be on the Heat next year.
SF: Marvin Williams - I can't believe this guy was the no.2 pick in the 05 draft. But he's a decent defender and he's pretty long.
PF: Josh Smith: This guy's a beast. He killed the Heat in the postseason last year. I'm expecting a big game from him. He deserved to get in the all star game.
C: Al Horford: I hate the Gators but this kid can ball. Great rebounder and shotblocker. Can finish inside.
6th Man: Jamal Crawford. This guy absolutely destroys the Heat. Great handles, streaky jumper, and a great offensive spark off the bench.
And our heroes, the Miami Heat:
PG: Skip to my Lou: His jumper has all but left him, but he has good instincts and sets up the offense well.
SG: Dwyane "Flash" Wade: Absolute Superstar in this league. Explosive first step and strong crossover. Hawks better send multiple players to contain him. Jumper has been shaky this year but we will need it tonight against this tough team.
SF: Quentin Richardson: Honestly this guy's terrible. But since opposing teams usually give him the jumper to guard Wade and/or Beasley, he will get his opportunities. Honestly, I'd rather see more Dorrel Wright this game as I think his length could cause problems for Joe Johnson.
PF: Michael Beasley: Fan favorite. Excellent midrange game. Smooth shooter when in rhythm and can beat bigger players off the dribble. Needs to stay in the game at PF as much as possible in order for the Heat to win.
C: Jermaine O'Neal: Feed this guy down low if he's hot. Milk him for what he's worth early because he tends to disappear in the 2nd half.
6th Man: Udonis Haslem: Not my favorite player but he's got some Gritz yo.
Keys to winning:
Protect the basket, don't allow second chance points. Box out Josh Smith and Al Horford. Feed Jermaine O'neal, it worked last year in the postseason. Horford shouldn't be able to guard him one on one.
Give Beasley ample touches and don't take him out of the game if he's in rhythm.
Dwyane Wade needs to continue to do what he did against Houston. Remain efficient and play smart. He looks like he has his legs under him too after what he did to Scola last night.
Take the ball out of Crawford's hands.
Fishing Before The Trade Deadline
Note: I will try to do these topics and be somewhat objective...
According to sources, the Heat are indeed fishing for more talent. The latest rumors posted by I-Win and Somedorkontheweb have Pat Riley going hard for something out of Phoenix. Appealing news to most except for the fact that sources indicate that packages that include Michael Beasley have been discussed. With an obvious eye on the future, and the tax, the question is y? If this team as assembled is headed nowhere fast, something we knew since training camp, then why the rush to throw away the youth? Yes a 5 game slide is bad, but is a resounding win against Houston and a win against Atlanta heading into the break enough to calm the waters once again? It should be. I wont sit here and debate the merits of Beasley, but why not add without subtracting? This includes Dorrell Wright who may be pushing for a starting job after being such a consistent player all season and looking like the possible tall ball handler Riley has always envisioned. You cant win a title under the salary cap, but keeping your youth is how you stay out of salary cap hell and keep cheap labor for depth. Obviously any trade coming out of Phoenix would include Amare, but wouldn't that be somewhat of a huge gamble? What if Amare doesnt work out here, or doesn't like it here and bolts? What if he doesn't work out here and opts in for his last year? In my opinion, Amare is worth going after, but only if its for expirings and draft picks. I am sure Riley would want a commitment from Amare before he gets him, but the Cavs had a commitment from Boozer before he bolted for Utah. Regardless, how this team plays in Atlanta heading into the break may go a long way towards determining what we do. If Sporon is truly about change and we see something out of this offense that we haven't seen before, as well as letting younger guys get a chance at contributing more and closing out games, Riley may not be so eager to part with his young parts. Still it seems odd how easy it is to give up on multiple first round picks than it is to replace a coach who has been called out time and time again by his veteran players.
RUMORS AND AVAILABILY: AMARE- Rumors are flying off the radar and everybody seemingly wants a piece of him. One rumored deal has Ben Gordon moving in a 3 way deal to bring the star to Detroit. Another has Iggy and Dalembert going for he and Barbosa.
TRACY McGRADY- The Houston Rockets are in the discussion stages of a complicated, three-team trade that would send Tracy McGrady(notes) to the New York Knicks, sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The centerpieces of the trade would include the Washington Wizards shipping forward Caron Butler and center Brendan Haywood to the Rockets. The Knicks would send Al Harrington to the Wizards. For the Wizards’ part, they would still need another player, as well as a draft pick and cash to make this a workable scenario, sources said.Personally I would like the heat to get in on this deal IF we could bring in Javale McGee.
RAY ALLEN- Said to be available as the Celtics aren't getting any younger and have a window closing fast on a championship run. Rumors are of a deal that involve the Bulls and Tyrus Thomas as a move to clear cap space for Chicago.
MARCUS CAMBY- Said to be available for young players or as a way to move salary. The Clipps would be inclined to move him if they can package a little more salary to get the 15-16 mill they need to go after a max free agent.
KEVIN MARTIN- Rumored to be on Dallas's radar. Already a Maverick at heart as he provides plenty of shooting and not much defense. The mavs would prefer to bring in Iggy but martin may be more obtainable, altho they are said to be willing to take on either Dalembert's or Brand's contract.
IGUODOLA: Hot name that is floating around almost as much as Amare's. Pretty good 2nd or 3rd guy with a huge contract that has 4 years left on it.
DALEMBERT: One of the most consistent stretches of good basketball he has ever played, he looks like a worthy commodity or addition whichever way you look at it. Big money left on his deal but if and its a big if, he plays like this he may seem worth it. Regardless, it is pretty clear that Philly is in full salary dump mode.
OTHER PLAYERS SAID TO BE ON THE MOVE ARE: BRANDON BASS,TYRUS THOMAS,JOSE CALDERON, CHRIS DOUGLAS ROBERTS.
According to sources, the Heat are indeed fishing for more talent. The latest rumors posted by I-Win and Somedorkontheweb have Pat Riley going hard for something out of Phoenix. Appealing news to most except for the fact that sources indicate that packages that include Michael Beasley have been discussed. With an obvious eye on the future, and the tax, the question is y? If this team as assembled is headed nowhere fast, something we knew since training camp, then why the rush to throw away the youth? Yes a 5 game slide is bad, but is a resounding win against Houston and a win against Atlanta heading into the break enough to calm the waters once again? It should be. I wont sit here and debate the merits of Beasley, but why not add without subtracting? This includes Dorrell Wright who may be pushing for a starting job after being such a consistent player all season and looking like the possible tall ball handler Riley has always envisioned. You cant win a title under the salary cap, but keeping your youth is how you stay out of salary cap hell and keep cheap labor for depth. Obviously any trade coming out of Phoenix would include Amare, but wouldn't that be somewhat of a huge gamble? What if Amare doesnt work out here, or doesn't like it here and bolts? What if he doesn't work out here and opts in for his last year? In my opinion, Amare is worth going after, but only if its for expirings and draft picks. I am sure Riley would want a commitment from Amare before he gets him, but the Cavs had a commitment from Boozer before he bolted for Utah. Regardless, how this team plays in Atlanta heading into the break may go a long way towards determining what we do. If Sporon is truly about change and we see something out of this offense that we haven't seen before, as well as letting younger guys get a chance at contributing more and closing out games, Riley may not be so eager to part with his young parts. Still it seems odd how easy it is to give up on multiple first round picks than it is to replace a coach who has been called out time and time again by his veteran players.
RUMORS AND AVAILABILY: AMARE- Rumors are flying off the radar and everybody seemingly wants a piece of him. One rumored deal has Ben Gordon moving in a 3 way deal to bring the star to Detroit. Another has Iggy and Dalembert going for he and Barbosa.
TRACY McGRADY- The Houston Rockets are in the discussion stages of a complicated, three-team trade that would send Tracy McGrady(notes) to the New York Knicks, sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The centerpieces of the trade would include the Washington Wizards shipping forward Caron Butler and center Brendan Haywood to the Rockets. The Knicks would send Al Harrington to the Wizards. For the Wizards’ part, they would still need another player, as well as a draft pick and cash to make this a workable scenario, sources said.Personally I would like the heat to get in on this deal IF we could bring in Javale McGee.
RAY ALLEN- Said to be available as the Celtics aren't getting any younger and have a window closing fast on a championship run. Rumors are of a deal that involve the Bulls and Tyrus Thomas as a move to clear cap space for Chicago.
MARCUS CAMBY- Said to be available for young players or as a way to move salary. The Clipps would be inclined to move him if they can package a little more salary to get the 15-16 mill they need to go after a max free agent.
KEVIN MARTIN- Rumored to be on Dallas's radar. Already a Maverick at heart as he provides plenty of shooting and not much defense. The mavs would prefer to bring in Iggy but martin may be more obtainable, altho they are said to be willing to take on either Dalembert's or Brand's contract.
IGUODOLA: Hot name that is floating around almost as much as Amare's. Pretty good 2nd or 3rd guy with a huge contract that has 4 years left on it.
DALEMBERT: One of the most consistent stretches of good basketball he has ever played, he looks like a worthy commodity or addition whichever way you look at it. Big money left on his deal but if and its a big if, he plays like this he may seem worth it. Regardless, it is pretty clear that Philly is in full salary dump mode.
OTHER PLAYERS SAID TO BE ON THE MOVE ARE: BRANDON BASS,TYRUS THOMAS,JOSE CALDERON, CHRIS DOUGLAS ROBERTS.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Heat 99, Rockets 66
Heat 99, Rockets 66
by: Ira Winderman February 9th, 2010 | 9:50 PM
Observations from Tuesday’s 99-66 victory over the Rockets at AmericanAirlines Arena:
* It was the right performance and right result at the right time.
* The shame is the next home game is not for another two weeks. This schedule is flat out ridiculous.
* For the rare time this season, AmericanAirlines Arena was a fun place to be.
* The Heat had a season-high six players score in double digits.
* With 8:14 left in the second quarter, Dorell Wright had already reached his career high, with his seventh assist leading to a Udonis Haslem jumper. Wright’s previous career high had been six assists against Seattle on Jan. 7, 2006. He finished with those seven, as well as nine points and six rebounds.
* Wright energized the Heat early, entering after Quentin Richardson was called for his second foul less than four minutes in. Wright had two points, four assists, three rebounds and a steal in his eight minutes in the opening period.
* Wright is, without question, currently the Heat’s best small forward. If winning is any sort of priority, there is no way he can be sacrificed in the name of the luxury tax.
* Erik Spoelstra praised Daequan Cook’s practice on Monday, saying he was “as good as he’s ever been.” So after benching Cook in Saturday’s loss in Chicago, Spoelstra had him in at the start of the second period, with Cook nailing his first attempt, a 3-pointer. Cook had three baskets by halftime, matching his highest total since Nov. 17.
* Wright and Cook added a definitive energy, including Wright feeding Cook on a second-quarter two-on-one fastbreak.
* Haslem was in can’t-miss mode early, making seven of his first eight shots. The Heat was 13 of 15 from the field when counting the final two shots it made at the end of the opening period.
* The Heat led 56-31 at halftime, which tied the 11th-largest halftime lead in franchise history and stood as the team’s largest edge in any half this season.
* Dwyane Wade’s signature moment came midway through the third quarter, on a steal and tomahawk dunk in transition over defenseless Luis Scola.
* A Jermaine O’Neal hook with 7:39 to play in the first half pushed the Heat’s lead into the 20s, at 41-20. O’Neal finished one rebound shy of a double-double.
* The Heat had opened 1 of 8 from the field, with Wade producing the team’s second basket as part of a 3-point play with 8:03 left in the opening period.
* As strange as it sounds, the team that fields the smallest starting point guard and smallest starting center in the league was outmuscling the Heat at the outset. Chuck Hayes and Marcus Landry were doing everything but kicking sand in faces. The Heat eventually straightened that out.
* With the Rockets missing 11 consecutive shots during one first-quarter stretch, the Heat took a 24-16 lead into the second period.
* O’Neal was awarded two free throws when Rockets forward Joey Dorsey was called for a foul before the Heat inbounded during one second-quarter sequence.
* Now comes the challenge, going into Atlanta on Wednesday night and trying to do something productive on the second night of a back-to-back.
by: Ira Winderman February 9th, 2010 | 9:50 PM
Observations from Tuesday’s 99-66 victory over the Rockets at AmericanAirlines Arena:
* It was the right performance and right result at the right time.
* The shame is the next home game is not for another two weeks. This schedule is flat out ridiculous.
* For the rare time this season, AmericanAirlines Arena was a fun place to be.
* The Heat had a season-high six players score in double digits.
* With 8:14 left in the second quarter, Dorell Wright had already reached his career high, with his seventh assist leading to a Udonis Haslem jumper. Wright’s previous career high had been six assists against Seattle on Jan. 7, 2006. He finished with those seven, as well as nine points and six rebounds.
* Wright energized the Heat early, entering after Quentin Richardson was called for his second foul less than four minutes in. Wright had two points, four assists, three rebounds and a steal in his eight minutes in the opening period.
* Wright is, without question, currently the Heat’s best small forward. If winning is any sort of priority, there is no way he can be sacrificed in the name of the luxury tax.
* Erik Spoelstra praised Daequan Cook’s practice on Monday, saying he was “as good as he’s ever been.” So after benching Cook in Saturday’s loss in Chicago, Spoelstra had him in at the start of the second period, with Cook nailing his first attempt, a 3-pointer. Cook had three baskets by halftime, matching his highest total since Nov. 17.
* Wright and Cook added a definitive energy, including Wright feeding Cook on a second-quarter two-on-one fastbreak.
* Haslem was in can’t-miss mode early, making seven of his first eight shots. The Heat was 13 of 15 from the field when counting the final two shots it made at the end of the opening period.
* The Heat led 56-31 at halftime, which tied the 11th-largest halftime lead in franchise history and stood as the team’s largest edge in any half this season.
* Dwyane Wade’s signature moment came midway through the third quarter, on a steal and tomahawk dunk in transition over defenseless Luis Scola.
* A Jermaine O’Neal hook with 7:39 to play in the first half pushed the Heat’s lead into the 20s, at 41-20. O’Neal finished one rebound shy of a double-double.
* The Heat had opened 1 of 8 from the field, with Wade producing the team’s second basket as part of a 3-point play with 8:03 left in the opening period.
* As strange as it sounds, the team that fields the smallest starting point guard and smallest starting center in the league was outmuscling the Heat at the outset. Chuck Hayes and Marcus Landry were doing everything but kicking sand in faces. The Heat eventually straightened that out.
* With the Rockets missing 11 consecutive shots during one first-quarter stretch, the Heat took a 24-16 lead into the second period.
* O’Neal was awarded two free throws when Rockets forward Joey Dorsey was called for a foul before the Heat inbounded during one second-quarter sequence.
* Now comes the challenge, going into Atlanta on Wednesday night and trying to do something productive on the second night of a back-to-back.
Welcome followers of Ira
Here you can chat without the restraints of not being able to say words like shit, or donkey punch. Heed my warning, there will be no bike riding allowed. In all seriousness, lets be as civil as we can, at least till game time and hope this format allows us to ignore or ban certain bloggers. Everyone is invited, lets all take a part in creating topics and doing the after game Ira usually does. I think this may work as a second home until Ira gets his sh*t together. And BTW....NO TROLLING.
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