Heat begin playoff surge

You heard it from Shaq - that he was coasting until the playoffs. Then, like Emeril, kicks is up a notch (bam!).

Well, this dish is being concocted by none other than the master chef himself, Pat Riley. With the jawdropping offseason trade for Shaquille O'neal (benefitting from something anyone in their right mind would never do - actually trade Shaq) everything seems to be falling in place. Stan Van Gundy is keeping this team focused and the chemistry has been excellent - despite a little bump in the road in mid January when suggestions were being made that Shaq was calling out Eddie Jones. All Easy Ed did was respond in kind, as he always does, and put together nights of solid efforts. Wade has developed into a superstar - and he has yet to have his official coming out party (check back during the playoffs).

Riley has assembled quite a team that goes out every night and answers the call. A cast consisting of several characters that add to the strength of this team behind the scenes. There is the oft-traveled Damon Jones, the hyper and tenacious Keyon Dooling, the strong post play of Michael Doleac, a re-energized Christian Laettner, the veteran leadership of Shandon Andersen, Rasual Butler - growing into a deadly marksman off the bench - all of these players have contributed and lend themselves to the success of this team. The lead in the Southeastern conference has swooned to 6.5 games over a surprising Washington team. The Heat hold a commanding 6.5 game lead for home court advantage over the defending world champ Detroit Pistons.

The scary thing is, this team has not played up to its potential as of yet. They continue to win, but show spurts of greatness - not the consistent kind found in a team like San Antonio - whom the Heat will face off with this Sunday. Against the Bulls on Saturday, we did see a Heat team that played up to its potential. Shaq dominated the paint with dunk after rim-rocking dunk. He brought energy to his defense - even diving on the floor for a loose ball at one point.

We have not seen this Heat team at its best, yet. But with the stretch run coming up after the All Star break - which will feature Heat players all weekend - what better time than now to make their rise. The Heat are also expected to make a deal in the coming weeks before the February 24th trading deadline - the rumors are flying over Donyell Marshall and possibly an Alonzo Mourning return. Wesley Person, redundant due to the shooting of Butler, and the Jones' boys, is expected to be moved. The future gleams bright as well with Dorell Wright finally getting to play and with Qyntel Woods learning the system.

So as the temperature in Miami gets hotter, so will the Heat. Shaq will continue picking up the pace while Dwyane Wade pushes the break. The pieces are falling into place, and Pat Riley stands by and watches as this team grows and his dreams become more and more tangible.

Be ready.