Heat Fall to Celtics, Prove Little

Miami was out of this one almost as quickly as they were in it.

The Celtics had a laugher in their hands, the score at one point being 71 to 46. They were hitting threes so frequently, I half expected Doc to come off the bench and heave up a few.

Miami, on the other hand, was missing everything - so it seemed for a team shooting 48% at that point of the game. What really was going on was careless play and sloppy turnovers. Miami, however, really didn't seem to be doing too many bad things statistically, but an easy observation showed them to be out of sync and perhaps pressing a little too hard.

In the end, the Heat made a game of it - just like they did earlier in the year up in Boston. Yet, it matter little because just like that game, the result was still a loss. A maybe at best.

This Heat team continues to disappoint. Sure, it may not blow others away with big time acquisitions, but the names are there and the talent is there, too. Riley has to utilize better and there are signs of that happening. Still, the Heat seemed to underdeliver on a night that could have sent warning to the rest of the league that the Heat were rising once again.

At this point, it looks like they are struggling to stay alive.

There is plenty of time for the Heat to right the ship and get into the playoffs. In fact, there still is little doubt that this team is playoff caliber. It can be championship caliber IF Wade can return to his old, MVP self (lately he is looking fatigued and sloppy, part of the comeback panacea) and Shaq can continue to play like his old self and not just old. Wade's presence on the offensive side of things helps.

So even though the Heat missed out on an opportunity to make a statement, they still have something to build on. The first loss, however, was positive in that it showed that Miami could play with a higher caliber team. This loss, however, is positive in that the expectations for Miami was to get a win against a high quality team. They just couldn't deliver tonight and that proves very little at this point.

24 turnovers, a season high by the way, didn't help prove much either other than the Heat's sloppiness hampered their chances.

Heat Make Lineup Changes

Riley pulled Jason Williams and Ricky Davis out of the starting lineup and inserted Chris Quinn and Anfernee Hardaway. The results, although early, look pretty good.

The Heat are showing a much more active defensive presence and are opening up the game a bit more on the offensive side of things. The Bobcats look befuddled, for a change, as the Heat's adjust may have them off a bit. We'll see...

Update:

Heat up 55-43 at the half, despite a clear goal tend from Jason Richardson on Ricky Davis' final second shot. Got to like the way the Heat are playing tonight, although you have to wonder if this change is permanent or an experiment or just a knee jerk reaction. One thing is for sure - Riley is using his bench tonight, going like 10 deep. The team looks much more active on both ends of the floor. Only one more half to go...

Up-Update:

After three, Heat running things. Closed out the 3rd quarter with a 17-3 run. Wow. Not looking old tonight. Maybe Riley found something by bringing JWill and Ricky Ticky off the bench? Oh, and playing Cook and AJ isn't hurting either.

Now...where is that DWright kid...

Final:

Heat end up scoring 110 and holding the Bobs to 90. 20 point win. A win, more importantly, but it looks like the Riley gimmick worked tonight. Let's hope he sticks with it.

Stephon Marbury, Andre Miller or Mike Bibby?

There are some rumors swirling about that involve the Heat - and it can be somewhat scandalous.

The Heat are currently in the midst of getting the team to gel - Wade has returned and dropped 31 points on the Rockets to seal up the win. 'Bout time, that is what the Heat were missing.

Or is it?

Seems that Riley is willing to give the team a few more weeks of experimentation and then the verdict on whether or not Andre Miller, Mike Bibby or Stephon Marbury could end up on Biscayne.

There are rumors already starting about each player being linked to the Heat.

Further Reading:
Andre Miller to Miami?
Stephon Marbury to Miami?

If the Knicks decide to keep Isiah, it could happen. If the 76ers decide that the new direction they were going in after shipping off AI isn't working, then another new direction might require Miller time be in Miami.

Jason Williams is just not providing Riley with what he wants - an offensive threat. Williams looks much better, quicker and healthier, but his scoring drive is not there and his big play ability still seems somewhat diminished. Sure, he is a more mature player than ever before but the Heat just need more from him. Shooting under 40% on the season, and uner 30% from three point range is not helping matters. His FGAs per game remain at 9.3 - exactly the same as last season. Yet last season he hit 41% with chronic knee pain and this season he is shooting worse with supposedly healthy knees!

Riley has criticized JWill for his lack of agressiveness at times, opting instead to defer than take the shot. Williams needs to show a healthy dose of self interest at times and needs to initiate the offense at times by looking for his own shot.

If this trend continues, the Heat most definitely will be looking for a new starting PG. With Williams in his final year of his contract, he could be an attractive option to another team looking to clear up space whereas Miami is in win now mode.

And we're back...

This time, it's for real.

Miamiheatwave.com is back online - still working out a few kinks, but we are here! Go to the boards again, talk Heat all you want all the time - we are back and here for good.

Soon, we'll have the main portal back online and the WIKI will be back up soon.

It has been a while, but we have been able to free ourselves from our old host and will now get back to talkin' Heat all the time. There is a game tonight against Houston at 8pm! Go Heat!

MiamiHeatwave.com Making a Comeback

Well, we have left our old host (because they are a-holes, quite frankly) and starting up again.

Everythign, pretty much, has to be rebuilt - including the forums.

For now, check out the progress by either typing in MiamiHeatzone.com or by clicking on this link which will take you to the front end of the site - which is, of course, being rebuilt. Yet again.

Hang in there everyone, things will be returning to normal soon.

Riley Finally Realizes This Team Needs a Change

Riley's comments are a bit too late.

He started to blast the team for underperforming against the Bobcats and now the Sonics, who had the Heat down by 20 at home. And Wade was making his debut.

Um, yeah. Now you noticed?

This team hasn't gelled yet. Sure. And certainly this team is not full of lazy players who don't want to win - that is coachspeak to help motivate the players. Hold them accountable in the media, and get them fired up.

But there are real problems here, too. It starts with Riley's choices.

Letting Kapono go was not the worst thing that happened. He was just outpriced, overvalued. Bye. He's overrated. The problem is that Riley didn't replace him. Right now, teams are just forcing Miami to shoot and not giving them much to work with. That is, before Wade came back whose ability as a playmaker will help enhance the Heat's offense.

What it really comes down to is Miami can't shoot. Riley chose to keep Penny Hardaway and instead let a young shooter like Jeremy Richardson go. He also is not playing Dorell Wright or Daequan Cook - which means by keeping Penny, you also opted to put these young players back on the bench.

Now, it isn't Penny's fault - he is playing very well right now. But he isn't breaking any zone defenses - which Cook, Wright and even a Jeremy Richardson could help do.

The other problem, which is bigger, is that Shaq is not a starter anymore. He is not even the best center on this team - that would be Zo. Then Joel Anthony. Then Shaq.

Shaq just doesn't get it. You can't absorb passes in the pivot and hold on the ball - it won't score on its own. You have to put the ball in the hoop. Shaq just doesn't have the lift anymore, and as a result he fouls a lot on his way to the basket. Everything is slow and predictable. If he had a hook shot, he could fake it better and keep his defenders off balance. But he doesn't.

Shaq could use his excellent passing ability to keep defenders honest, but that would require his teammates to make shots - which they haven't been.

Riley has some tough decisions to make - and it really should come down to benching Shaq and going against what Riley feels comfortable doing - playing the young players.

That means start Dorell Wright and don't give him such a short lease - the kid can flat out play. You just have to give him a chance. Same goes for Cook, who just needs time and experience. Heck, you already have one of the worst records in the NBA. On the positive side, Wade is just getting back and this team has not played together much yet. Then again, the same could have been said about last year's team, and even the year before that.

Riley has to start changing things, but he needs to point the finger at himself and get over his age-old bias of experience over youth.

Dwyane Wade Returns!

The Flash is back.

Dwyane Wade will be making his 2007 debut tonight against the Supersonics. And just in time - after a blowout laugher to the Bobcats, Miami is struggling to find its offense. Tonight, Wade will bring it back.

Wade did make a difference tonight - he helped push Miami back into this game and also showed signs of life in the 4th quarter.

Miami was a 4th quarter team when they won their championship. They typically showed their mettle when there was no hope left. Tonight, Seattle just fought for their first win and responded even when Miami made their push.

But Wade is back. That is a sign of hope in of itself.

Switching hosts...MHW will be back real soon...

Just a heads up to everyone...

We had to leave our old host because they went crazy on us. In fact, I am going to be migrating my other site, currently hosted with IPS very soon. I will make a more formal complaint against that company in the coming days for how they mishandled my site. But enough about them.

In the meantime, take in this horrible game against the Bobcats. Looks like the Heat are feeling down because MHW isn't online either. They are not alone! At least we get a look at Cook and Alex the Great.

MHW will be up soon - hopefully by Thursday.

And We're Back...

MiamiHeatwave.com is now back up and running. Thank God.

I was really suffering from not getting my fix! And just in time as the Heat got their first win of the season yesterday against the Knicks.

In fact, talk all about it over at the boards...

First Win for Heat Looks Vintage

Funny how just earlier today I was commenting on how the Heat are a Dwyane Wade away from starting their winning streaks. The Heat are right there and showing improvement each night out - tonight, they were able to get over the hump and preserve the win.

In hostile territory, but not against a real hostile team.

The Knicks are going to be up and down this season, too, as they have still to figure out that Marbury is overrated and they have no real consistent scoring threat from anyone. So a win today should be looked at with relief more than anything else.

Still, its a start.

Miami showed improvement, although still maintaining sloppy play. Lots of turnovers down the stretch let the Knicks back in the game, but their ability to persevere started to show.

And Wade watched and cheered from the sidelines.

It wasn't a pretty game, 16 turnovers a .438 FG% (.240 from 3 point range). The free throws were plentiful - for the Knicks (17 FTAs to only 9 FTAs for the Heat). Nevertheless, the Heat were able to overcome adversity and steal this win back.

Haslem had a huge double double (16 and 16) which offset fellow Gator alumnus David Lee's double double (14 and 14). Shaq is showing signs of durability and consistency, dropping another 16 points and 9 rebounds in 36 minutes of solid production.

Penny Hardaway continues to put is solid minutes. His scoring is not there, but he contributes in other ways - stealing minutes from Dorell Wright, of course.

All in all, a vintage looking win for the Heat as they overtake their once proud rivals in a game that harkened back to a mid-90's contest with the low scoring.

Heat Just a Wade Away from Turning Things Around

0-5 is not time to panic. Unless of course it is a playoff series in which case it would be beyond the time to panic. The Heat have not had an easy schedule but they have been competitive. There are reasons to be encouraged:

1) Ricky Davis is adjusting. The guy is an exciting, athletic player that can be a difference maker on both ends of the floor for Miami. He could easily be that 3rd scoring option the Heat desperately need and he is showing signs of that - getting 20+ points against the Suns most recently.

2) Jason Williams looks better. He also dropped 20+ on the Suns and looks terrific moving the ball in traffic and pushing the offense. Getting used to playing with different personnel will help and with Wade set to return soon JWill's play will only get better. Will he stay healthy? This is his final contract year...

3) Shaq is starting to look good again. His first two games he was virtually non-existent offensively - as far as scoring is concerned. Of late, he too is starting to score more. Looking less sluggish, he is also showing that he can still take over a game for stretches.

4) Anfernee Hardaway is as good as advertised. Coming off the bench he has played excellent defense, provided timely and efficient scoring, and showing heady play. He could be Posey's replacement. Penny is worth much more - somewhere Abraham Lincoln is smiling.

5) Wade is coming back. Sooner rather than later.

See the difference in the margin of win or loss in the Heat's first five games has been a play or two. Even against a team like San Antonio on the road, the Heat played them tight throughout but couldn't hang in the whole game trying to adjust as a team to new personnel and a strong opponent. If Wade, healthy and ready to go, was in that game there would have been a big difference on the offensive side of the floor. That could have resulted in a win.

Put a healthy Wade in the lineup against the Pistons, the Suns, the Bobcats and you might see a win in those games as well.

What we are seeing is a microcosm of last season - the Heat without Wade is a good team, not a great team. They have to find a way to compete and win - but with Wade they could make up the difference and turn things around.

Heat fans, keep this in perspective. It is still early. A healthy Wade, set to return, could be the difference.

MiamiHeatwave.com Still Down

Just an update - I should have MiamiHeatwave.com back up and running this week. My hosting company has been horrible in regards to customer service - it has been practically non-existent. I recommend anyone who is considering building a website, at this time, avoid Invision Power Services, as they have treated me most unfairly in this situation.

Anyway, that aside, we still have the data for the site and if necessary, we will use another hosting service to get the site back up and running once again.

Hang in there...in the meantime, keep reading the blog and posting your comments! Go Heat!!!

MiamiHeatwave.com is NOT DEAD

For those of you wondering what is going on, here is the gist of it.

My site has been accused of phishing. This has not happened with my knowledge as I alone run the site. Now, if someone hacked into the backend and did something to create a phishing section of my site - that is another story.

Right now, another company has accused my site of phishing and my host is not available with tech support or account support at this time. Because I cannot fix the problem myself, with the account being suspended, I cannot see what the problem is or how to rectify it.

Once I get to the bottom of this, things will be fixed and MiamiHeatwave.com will be back up and running shortly.

The company accusing me of phishing, however, will not be treated lightly for their misplaced accusations. I was never given any chance to fix this problem and was certainly never contacted directly.

Yet, rest assured, MiamiHeatwave.com will be back in the next 24 hours or so.

Daequan Cook is the Future

Daequan Cook had 17 points in his Heat debut, but that was hardly the headline. It was how quickly he scored and how precise his stroke was.

The kid from OSU was not setting the nets on fire at any time this preseason. He was noted for his age, and usually with his talent his lack of production was excused. Yet, it seemed somewhat off.

I pegged this kid to be another Ray Allen-type scorer - a real quick shot, athletic and explosive and can find his spot anywhere on the floor. He has great awareness of how to move without the ball and find a way to score. The problem is, execution.

The other thing this kid has is an enormous ego and confidence to play full time at this level. Both assets are palpable, and needed to push someone to be a very good or great player in this league.

Concerns abound. Will he find himself shooting like this another night in the NBA this season? Heck, will he even find himself coming off the bench anytime during this season with Riley dishing out PT to whomever he feels comfortable with? Let's hope so because Cook is the future.

Not in the way Dwyane Wade is. Wade is the face of this franchise - he is actually making Shaq matter at this point of his career. Cook, however, could be an excellent complementary player that can help this franchise not just win championships, but help the team transition into a future without Shaq. Right now, the Heat is limited on its outside shooting - and they can afford to be because of the space Shaq creates.

A backcourt of Wade and Cook might be an interesting thing to watch develop, too. Wade usually gets the ball in crunchtime and if Cook can play confidently and show he can play defense, his ability to play without the ball would complement Wade's game and make him even more dangerous as he can choose where he wants to make a play on the floor.

Let's face it, Riley is only coaching to win another championship. That said, Cook is probably far from his mind - even more so than Dorell Wright, of course. But it is tantalizing to think about Cook's abilities in this offense, his skill set as a complementary score, only underlines his future promise to this team. Was last night against Indy a preview or an aberration? Time will tell.

Opening Night in Miami

Some reactions on Opening Night in Miami for the Heat's 20th NBA season.

Has it really been 20 years? I was 10 when the Heat came to town...funny how time flies. Especially when you want a second championship.

Ricky Davis looked ok in his debut. He has to learn the intricacies of Riley's offense, but basically when this team is hoping to play in the 80s, there is a longer learning curve. But does anyone else feel that this team looks a lot more athletic with Dorell, Davis and Smush on the floor?

Detroit just has our number. Even Smush couldn't finish a dunk tonight, the Heat were just off. I mean Tayshaun Prince had 33 points tonight. In fact, he is typing this blog for me from the AAA on my computer and I live in Aventura. Just saying, the guy has freakishly long arms. Arms like stilts.

Zo looked majestic. Too bad this is his "last" season in the NBA, he still looks like a full time starter out ther eon the floor - manning the paint and contesting every shot.

Dorell Wright is intent on being the best kept secret in the NBA. Or at least Riley is intent on keeping it that way.

We had an Alexander Johnson sighting. I expect big things from him. Really.

But I also expect better from this Miami team. No Wade, no win, but we got Indy up next.