Start Dooling

This is the playoffs. This is win or go home time. This time of year is all about adjustments and about creating matchups.

The Pistons took game 1 in Miami because they played their game flawlessly. The Heat had their moments and showed signs of life but the fact is the Heat never overcame the deficit that seemed to grow from the 30 points the Pistons dropped in the third quarter.

There are a lot of things to be positive about, even in this loss for the Heat. Like the Pistons will not typically have 30 point quarters, for example, nor will Rasheed Wallace go 4-5 from three point range. Then again, will Rip Hamilton really go 7-20 in the rest of this series? No, more like 9-20.

The problem for the Heat was that they were not able to attack enough. Wade was left with forcing up shots and trying to create off the dribble. He alone was left with that task, that is until Keyon Dooling entered the game. All Dooling did was play 22 minutes of high energy basketball that clearly affected the Pistons' defense and their confidence. The Heat made their biggest run with him on the court in the mid-4 quarter. And Dooling showed promise by continuing his hot playoff run (.608%) by going 4-7 in 22 minutes.

With Damon Jones's heel bothering him, is it time to make yet another adjustment to the starting lineup? The last time this happened, inserting DJ in as the starting PG, the Heat went on a tremendous run that enabled them to finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference. Right now, they have to prove they are the best team in the East by beating last year's champs. Dooling's energy and defensive intensity, coupled with his length and his ability to penetrate might be just the prescription the doctor ordered. And I dont mean Dr. Buss who already gave us a re-fill on championship aspirations with the Diesel this offseason.

Dooling owns Arroyo. He also gave Billups fits because, unlike DJ, Dooling wont get posted up as easily because he is longer and can contest Billups in the post and on the way to the basket. Billups also cant be as physical with Dooling as he can with DJ. Not to mention on the offensive side, Dooling will challenge whoever his defender is with his ability to penetrate and score. If not start him, we need to see more minutes from him.

This series will not be determined by who plays the better defense, but by who plays the best offense. Who will execute the best. The Heat had plenty of defense last night to win and there is room for improvement. But their offense needs to be tweaked in order to win this series and not just a game. Dooling may provide just that.