With the Miami Heat season feeling all but over and the fans becoming hopeless, there are still some things that the Heat have improved on since the beginning of the season (let me give you a hint: ITS NOT WINS).
The main thing the Heat have improved on is their offense. They began the season off averaging an abysmal 92 points a game, which was good enough for 2nd worst in the league. Since then, their team point average has risen to 94 points a game, which is 23rd in the league. This doesn't sound so spectacular, but you have to look at the Heat's recent statistics.
A lot of the Heat's recent offensive rise has been due to the return of Dwyane Wade from injury. Wade missed the first 7 games of the season, and the Heat averaged 83.2 points a game. Since Wade's return, the Heat have averaged 97.1 points a game. That's a rise of 14 points a game. This obviously shows that Wade's 25 points a game has been a huge boost to the offense and that the Heat are scoring more as a team.
Also, before Flash's return, Miami had just one 100+ point game. Since his return, the Heat have had eleven 100+ point games. While this is good that the Heat's offense is improving, this still isn't translating into wins for the squad. Out of their eleven 100 point games, only 4 have translated into wins. One of the main reason's for this is the lack of the Heat's defense and inability to make clutch stops in late game situations. The Heat have had 3 overtime losses, in which they have been unable to stop 3 pointers or missed a key defensive rebound.
Hopefully these frustrating losses will stop and the Heat will be able to keep up their offensive improvements, but also improve their defense. Maybe the combination of these two will salvage this season and give Dwyane Wade a reason to stay in Miami.
Tell me what you think...
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
A sad day in Miami Heat history
And just like that, the glorious career of Alonzo Mourning is over. With a blink of the eye, 15 years of hard-work, dedication, and an unparalleled hustle is over. Mourning's career had so much impact on the game of basketball and to see it end like this just did not seem fair. When I saw Mourning fall to the ground and clutch his knee, I knew it could not be good. I knew a 37-year old center clutching his knee in pain could mean a sad day in Heat history. As I expected, ESPN announced the next morning that Alonzo Mourning tore his right patellar tendon and that it would require season ending surgery. And with this being Zo's final season, it would mean his career would come to a sad end. For a player that had so much tenacity and love for the game, you didn't expect him to end his career with a knee injury. But, he did it doing what he did best- playing defense.
In a season that many considered lost for the Miami Heat, Alonzo Mourning still believed in his heart that the team could turn the season around. Every game of this pathetic season for the Heat, Mourning tried his hardest and was always hungry for a win. He did not have to do what he did. He already had won a championship, already owns every record in the Miami Heat record book, and was easily on his way to the hall of fame. But Zo wanted to win another championship and wanted to deliver more happiness to Heat fans. But while trying to accomplish that feat, he sustained a career ending injury. Zo had such a big heart and wanted to make every one happy. Although Zo's last season won't be remembered for being drenched in champagne after a Miami Heat championship, it will still be remembered for his best quality: his toughness. Zo ended his career playing defense and did while doing another thing he did superbly- blocking shots. Zo's attempt to block a shot by Hawk's guard Mario West epitomized his legacy. He was a player that never gave up on a play, always thought he could block a shot no matter how big or tall the person was, and always put forth full effort.
Alonzo Mourning will not only be remembered for his great statistics, great defense, and great effort, but will also be remembered for his big heart. Alonzo Mourning's legacy is a story like no other. Just 4 years ago, Mourning was fighting for his life when he found out he had a life threatening kidney ailment. But Mourning did what he always did, he fought through it. He fought through his illness and won an NBA championship. His legacy will always be remembered.
With the loss of Alonzo Mourning, The Heat lose a legend, a Miami Heat icon, and a player that will never be forgotten. Alonzo Mourning's number 33 will be hanging in American Airlines Arena forever and will be remembered by not only Heat fans but by the entire basketball community. Zo- thank you for the great memories and all the things you accomplished for the Miami Heat organization.
In a season that many considered lost for the Miami Heat, Alonzo Mourning still believed in his heart that the team could turn the season around. Every game of this pathetic season for the Heat, Mourning tried his hardest and was always hungry for a win. He did not have to do what he did. He already had won a championship, already owns every record in the Miami Heat record book, and was easily on his way to the hall of fame. But Zo wanted to win another championship and wanted to deliver more happiness to Heat fans. But while trying to accomplish that feat, he sustained a career ending injury. Zo had such a big heart and wanted to make every one happy. Although Zo's last season won't be remembered for being drenched in champagne after a Miami Heat championship, it will still be remembered for his best quality: his toughness. Zo ended his career playing defense and did while doing another thing he did superbly- blocking shots. Zo's attempt to block a shot by Hawk's guard Mario West epitomized his legacy. He was a player that never gave up on a play, always thought he could block a shot no matter how big or tall the person was, and always put forth full effort.
Alonzo Mourning will not only be remembered for his great statistics, great defense, and great effort, but will also be remembered for his big heart. Alonzo Mourning's legacy is a story like no other. Just 4 years ago, Mourning was fighting for his life when he found out he had a life threatening kidney ailment. But Mourning did what he always did, he fought through it. He fought through his illness and won an NBA championship. His legacy will always be remembered.
With the loss of Alonzo Mourning, The Heat lose a legend, a Miami Heat icon, and a player that will never be forgotten. Alonzo Mourning's number 33 will be hanging in American Airlines Arena forever and will be remembered by not only Heat fans but by the entire basketball community. Zo- thank you for the great memories and all the things you accomplished for the Miami Heat organization.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
How about Daequan Cook?
The start of the Miami Heat's season has certainly been a forgettable one. They own the Eastern Conference's worst record at 4-13 and have the 3rd worst record in the league. A huge drop from a team that is only 2 years removed from a championship. But in a season with not much to brag about, there has been one bright spot: The immediate impact of Daequan Cook.
Daeqaun Cook, drafted out of Ohio State in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers, and then traded to the Miami Heat for their first round pick, was not expected to do much for the Heat. He wasn't even expected to make it off the bench. But not only has he accomplished that, he has made an immediate presence on this struggling team. Cook, the Buckeyes 6th man in his one and only year with Ohio State, has averaged 10 points a game in just under 20 minutes a game. Not only that, his speed and athleticism has been welcomed on a veteran and aging team. In addition to that, he has been able to knock down the occasional 3 and is 3rd on the team in field goal percentage. And this is all in just his rookie year. Unlike the Heat's past 2 draft picks, Dorell Wright and Wayne Simien, Cook has been a success and will be a huge piece of this franchise's future when Jason Williams is gone (which could be soon). The Heat were in desperate need of a point guard and the draft of Cook was very smart and will definitely pay off.
So in a season of failure and desperation, Daequan Cook has at least given a look into what the future could look like for the Miami Heat's point guard position. Hopefully the 3 D's, Dwyane Wade, Daequan Cook, and Dorell Wright can form their own "Big Three" and get the Heat back to championship form in the future, or maybe even this year?
Tell me what you think...
Daeqaun Cook, drafted out of Ohio State in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers, and then traded to the Miami Heat for their first round pick, was not expected to do much for the Heat. He wasn't even expected to make it off the bench. But not only has he accomplished that, he has made an immediate presence on this struggling team. Cook, the Buckeyes 6th man in his one and only year with Ohio State, has averaged 10 points a game in just under 20 minutes a game. Not only that, his speed and athleticism has been welcomed on a veteran and aging team. In addition to that, he has been able to knock down the occasional 3 and is 3rd on the team in field goal percentage. And this is all in just his rookie year. Unlike the Heat's past 2 draft picks, Dorell Wright and Wayne Simien, Cook has been a success and will be a huge piece of this franchise's future when Jason Williams is gone (which could be soon). The Heat were in desperate need of a point guard and the draft of Cook was very smart and will definitely pay off.
So in a season of failure and desperation, Daequan Cook has at least given a look into what the future could look like for the Miami Heat's point guard position. Hopefully the 3 D's, Dwyane Wade, Daequan Cook, and Dorell Wright can form their own "Big Three" and get the Heat back to championship form in the future, or maybe even this year?
Tell me what you think...
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Toss Up: Boston or Orlando- whose better???
Ok, so the Boston Celtics have more media attention right now than when Britney Spears shaved her head. The Celtics have the best record in the entire NBA at an impressive 14-2. They are 9-0 at home, 4-0 in the Atlantic division, and are 4th in the league in both 3 point percentage and field goal percentage. Along with that, their defense has been impeccable as they allow the least amount of points per game in the league. Also, the "Big 3" is gelling together perfectly and there counterparts are doing just fine. But is Boston really as good as they seem? I don't think they are and this is why:
- Although the Celtics only have 2 losses, look at the two teams they lost to- The Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Dwight Howard's Magic have the 3rd best record in the league at 16-4, which makes them an elite team. Cleveland is 9-9 and currently in 2nd place in the Central Division. Both teams Boston lost to are very good teams. Now lets look at the teams they beat. Eight of their 14 wins came against teams that are under .500. Five out of the remaining 6 wins have come against teams that are barely hovering at the .500 mark. Their only win against team that was completely over the .500 mark was the Denver Nuggets. So only 1 win out of 14 has come against a really reputable team. People make the argument that they are blowing out teams left and right. While this is true, you also have to look at the fact they only beat a LeBron-less Cavaliers 90-80 last Sunday.
S0 while Boston does own the NBA's best record, I still don't think they are the "Beasts of the East". I think that title deserves to be given to the Orlando Magic. Furthermore, I still think that the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, and Dallas Mavericks are all better than the C's and in a head-to-head match up, I think all 3 Western Conference teams would prevail.
In conclusion, I think if any of the "Big Three" goes down to injury, Boston's Cinderella story year might come down crashing. So, Boston fans better hope that they stay healthy and keep feasting on the weak teams in the East. Come January and February, the Celtics have match ups against San Antonio, Phoenix, Dallas, and Detroit. Most importantly, Boston gets a rematch with Orlando on December 23 at the Banknorth Garden. I'll be sure to tune in on that game to see if I can be proven wrong.
Tell me what you think....
- Although the Celtics only have 2 losses, look at the two teams they lost to- The Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Dwight Howard's Magic have the 3rd best record in the league at 16-4, which makes them an elite team. Cleveland is 9-9 and currently in 2nd place in the Central Division. Both teams Boston lost to are very good teams. Now lets look at the teams they beat. Eight of their 14 wins came against teams that are under .500. Five out of the remaining 6 wins have come against teams that are barely hovering at the .500 mark. Their only win against team that was completely over the .500 mark was the Denver Nuggets. So only 1 win out of 14 has come against a really reputable team. People make the argument that they are blowing out teams left and right. While this is true, you also have to look at the fact they only beat a LeBron-less Cavaliers 90-80 last Sunday.
S0 while Boston does own the NBA's best record, I still don't think they are the "Beasts of the East". I think that title deserves to be given to the Orlando Magic. Furthermore, I still think that the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, and Dallas Mavericks are all better than the C's and in a head-to-head match up, I think all 3 Western Conference teams would prevail.
In conclusion, I think if any of the "Big Three" goes down to injury, Boston's Cinderella story year might come down crashing. So, Boston fans better hope that they stay healthy and keep feasting on the weak teams in the East. Come January and February, the Celtics have match ups against San Antonio, Phoenix, Dallas, and Detroit. Most importantly, Boston gets a rematch with Orlando on December 23 at the Banknorth Garden. I'll be sure to tune in on that game to see if I can be proven wrong.
Tell me what you think....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)