Heat-Bulls in East Conference Finals

Here’s the series schedule:

Game 1 – Sun May 15 Miami at Chicago 8:00PM TNT

Game 2 – Wed May 18 Miami at Chicago 8:30PM TNT

Game 3 – Sun May 22 Chicago at Miami 8:30PM TNT
…
Game 4 – Tue May 24 Chicago at Miami 8:30PM TNT

Game 5 * Thu May 26 Miami at Chicago 8:30PM TNT

Game 6 * Sat May 28 Chicago at Miami 8:30PM TNT

Game 7 * Mon May 30 Miami at Chicago 8:30PM TNT

*if necessary

Checking in from Philly…

Hello from the land of our founding fathers and great cheesesteaks. While we’re still in the process of giving the blog a new look, but I just wanted to check in from Philadelphia. I’m sitting court side at the Wells Fargo center, the home of the Sixers. I get the feeling, though, the Heat will be feeling right at home in a few hours. I’ll be here over the next 4 days covering Miami’s trip to Philly.  Meantime, enjoy the game. Chances are it won’t be as good as the Philly Cheesesteak I had for lunch!

R-E-D-E-M-P-T-I-O-N

With the Heat looking for some redemption against the Celtics in a key Eastern Conference battle on Sunday afternoon, I thought I’d tell everyone about a little redemption of my own.  I’m not exactly this story will inspire the Heat to finally beat Boston, but it certainly brought me some closure to a bad childhood memory.

The background is this:  in the 5th grade, I got to the quarterfinals of a spelling bee at school.   I was coasting along until I absolutely froze on the easiest of words:  biscuit.  Yup, that’s right.  I spelled biscuit wrong.  I spelled it B-I-S-C-U-T.  Laugh away, but it drove me nuts for years.  After that day, whenever I would have to spell a word out loud, I would think back to that embarrassing moment.  Well, go figure, some 20-plus years later, I was asked to be a guest speller in the Tony award-winning play, “The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee.”  My role was simple.  I would go on stage, as myself, along with 3 other audience members, and compete against the actors.  I was not told which words I would get.  All I was told was to try my hardest.  With the memory of 5th grade in my mind, I went out and spent almost an hour on stage.   I ended up being the non-actor who spent the most time in the competition.  Redemption at it’s finest.  Oh, and don’t forget, you can watch me play myself again during our Local 10 pre-game special on Sunday at noon.  I’ll be joined by former Heat star Jamal Mashburn.  We’ll get you ready to see if Miami gets redemption in Boston on Local 10 and A-B-C at 1pm.

Hobbled Heat getting healthy

After a brilliant December in which Miami was practically unbeatable, the Heat have come down to earth in January, and you can blame injures for that.  Every member of the Big 3 has been banged up a bit, with Chris Bosh being the most serious.  The 5 games he missed proved to everyone just how valuable he is.  He may not explode for 40 points like Lebron James and Dwyane Wade, but when he’s healthy, he’s a consistent 18 points and 9 rebounds.   Or, he’s exactly what this team needs to compliment Lebron and D-Wade.

Bosh returned to the line-up in Sunday’s thrilling win at Oklahoma City and made his presence felt right away.  It was the first time in a while Miami had all its big guns, and if they can remain in one piece, watch out!  That’s because the one positive that came out of the tough stretch to start the new year was the play of Eddie House and Mike Miller.  House, who hit the game winning shot on Sunday, is starting to find his stroke.  We know he’s never been afraid to shoot the basketball in big situations, but it’s clear, his teammates have confidence that he can make them.  Case in point, Lebron passed up on a contested shot to pass it over to a wide open House.  The veteran repaid James unselfishness by draining the clutch 3-pointer.

Meantime, Miller is slowly rounding into shape following so much time off due to his thumb injury.  I know it’s been a grind and very tough on him, but we’re slowly seeing his game come together.  Don’t overlook the fact that Miller had the key rebound that allowed House to even have a shot at that game winner.  Miller told me before the season that hitting the open shot was priority number one, but he also said that helping on the boards would be a key to his game.  He showed why in the win over the Thunder.  To think, Udonis Haslem is on track to potentially come back in March, so this is just the tip of the iceberg of how good the Heat can be.

All along, critics of Miami have talked about no ball movement, too much standing around and not enough energy, in particular on offense.  Well, it’s hard to have all of that when you don’t have all your pieces together.  Those parts are finally lining up now for Miami, and it’s just in time for the 2nd half of the season.  In other words, the best is yet to come.

A Miami Heat Town?

Very quietly, the tide is turning in South Florida.  While the Dolphins keep slipping into NFL irrelevance by missing out on the postseason for the 8th time in 9 years, the Heat are the biggest story in the NBA.  Along the way, they’re also becoming the biggest story in a town long dominated by the Fins.  That dominance is about to change.

For the first time that I can remember, a regular season Heat game beat a regular season Dolphins game in the ratings.  It happened on Christmas day, when the Heat-Lakers game on WPLG (had to give the station a plug) got a better rating than the Dolphins-Lions game the next day.  While some may disregard the significance of this fact, I think it’s very significant.  Remember, the Dolphins only play 16 games a year, and while it was a meaningless game against the Lions, this points to the lack of interest from fans.  Meantime, people around South Florida were glued to their TV’s to watch a Christmas day regular season NBA game.  Again, it could signify a MAJOR shift for South Florida sports fans.

While Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has been busy trying to make a Dolphins game a great event around the stadium, Heat owner Micky Arison has been busy making the game itself on the court an event.  The Heat’s acquisition of the top player in the game has guaranteed daily media interest.  Simply put, more and more people are caring about the Miami Heat than ever.  While this has happened, newer generation Dolphins fans are getting frustrated.  The die-hard 25 year season ticket holders will always be there for the Dolphins, but they can’t afford to lose the young fan base.  That’s the group that’s not worried about history and only worried about having a good time.  If you call watching a team go 1-7 at home a good time, than maybe the Dolphins will always be king.  More likely, it’s the 3 Kings that will continue to win and attract attention, and along the way, expect the big ratings to continue.

Lebron smiles and embraces Heat

Did the Heat have it wrong all along?  Maybe instead of using the “us against the world” mentality and play with a chip on their shoulders, the Heat should have been embracing this all along.  That’s exactly what they did in Cleveland on Thursday night, and they’ve never looked better.  Of course, it starts with Lebron James, who clearly was enjoying his role as the villain.  I know Lebron has said numerous times he doesn’t buy into the whole villain thing, but it’ll be hard for him to claim that anymore.  In a sea of boos, chants and profanities, James came out looking like a superhero.  The more they booed, the more shots he made.  The more they chanted, the more he smiled and had an extra hop in his stop.  In the process, he woke up a Heat team that seemed to be sleep walking through the first 20 games of the season.

I said before the season that I would give this team 20-25 game to gel.  This is the exact reason I have hesitated to write a blog on Miami’s struggles to begin the year.  That said,  I was a little concerned about the direction the team was going, and I pointed that out on this blog recently.  It was easy to point the finger at Erik Spoelstra because he’s an easy target.  Trust me, I got your emails calling the coach “video tape boy” and your calls for Pat Riley.  I’ve said all along, Spoelstra isn’t the problem.  The players have been the problem, in particular the Big 3.  They have played hesitant trying to figure out their roles.  I know it’s not easy to just come together as a team, yet sometimes it’s just as easy as this:  have fun!

The Heat have been doing that over the last few games, and it really showed against the Cavs.  Yes, I know Miami hasn’t exactly been beating up strong opponents, but the attitude seems different.  It’s about time the Heat forget about the “haters” and critics.  They’ve seemed so focused on proving everyone wrong that they haven’t been enjoying themselves.  I know players won’t admit it, but they were playing tight.  I also understand this team has holes at point guard and center.  Look, that’s not going to change all of a sudden.  They will be in dogfights with the top teams in the league, but that’s the way it should be. 

Who knows, maybe this team will just revert back to the inconsistent form it showed to start the season.  I just hope they take this as a lesson learned in Cleveland.  Sometimes it’s good to be the bad guy.  Just ask Al Pacino’s character in Scarface.  Take the Heat and smile.  Lebron did on Thursday, and Cleveland fans will never see a bad guy like that again.

The Curious Case of the Miami Heat

What in the world is wrong with the Miami Heat?  That question, or a variation of it with profanities, has been asked to me at least 50 times in the last couple of days.  It’s not only a question being asking by Heat fans and local media, but by pretty much anyone who follows the NBA.  This was supposed to be the dream team, but instead it’s been a nightmare just 14 games into the season.  It’s not really the fact that Miami is just 8-6, but it’s the way they’ve played and the injuries they’re dealing with.  The team has preached from Day 1 that it’s a process and to be patient, but I know plenty of Heat fans are ready to hit the panic button on this team!

Don't press it just yet!

I’ll be honest with you, I’ve been imploring people to be patient, and I still believe the Heat will be fine, but I’m concerned.  While we were all busy drooling over the thought of Lebron, Wade and Bosh on the court at the same time, we seemed to forget that you need 5 players to start a game and a strong bench.  That’s the problem with the Heat.  They are not a complete team right now.  They have no identity.  Are they a defensive team?  Not really.  Are they an up-tempo, push the ball down the court team?  Far from it.  Are they a tough, intimidating team that rebounds well?  In a dream world, maybe!  This is just a group of guys thrown together like a science project, but so far it looks like this mixture is about to explode.  Meantime, those so-called 3 Kings look as confused as anyone on the court.  Dwyane Wade has been banged up and playing the worst ball of his career.  Lebron James is having some nice games but settling for too many jumpers.  Chris Bosh is playing tentatively and looks indecisive.  This is where Miami needs to turn things around.  Erik Spoelstra needs to find a way to get the Big 3 comfortable.   

As for the head coach, too many people are quick to start calling for Spoelstra’s job.  I think this is ridiculous!  It’s not his fault that Udonis Haslem may be out for the regular season with a foot injury, his point guards are not very good and his rotation is a mess.  Spo deserves the benefit of the doubt to try to straighten this mess out.  Some would question his motivational skills, and I do understand Pat Riley is a master motivator.  Yet, it’s on his star players to get motivated and turn this around.  Are you telling me Lebron and Wade aren’t frustrated with this slow start?  Of course they are.  They need to forget about the expectations and media pressure and just play basketball.  They’ll tell you that’s exactly what they’ve been doing, but I don’t buy it.  This team looks shell-shocked.

So for now they could bring in Erick Dampier and start Mario Chalmers and give key minutes to Juwan Howard all they want.  It doesn’t matter.  If the real stars of this team don’t get angry and help Miami establish an identity, this team will be a major disappointment all season long.  I don’t think that will happen, but it’s on the Big 3 to start coming up big and stop talking about a process.

Miami Heat: The Dream Begins

A programming note for all you Heat fans out there.  Tonight on Local 10 at 10pm, we’re airing a special show called Miami Heat:  The Dream Begins.  It’s a one-hour look into how the 2010-2011 Heat team was built.  I’ll take you to Akron, Ohio for 3 in-depth stories about where Lebron James grew up and the challenges he had in becoming a star.   Plus, we’ll have features on the Big 3, a one-on-one chat with Udonis Haslem and analysis from former Heat player Jamal Mashburn.   If you’re a Heat fan, I think it’s a cant-miss show.  I hope you get a chance to watch and enjoy!

10 things I learned about the Heat…

The title says it all.  After spending the week here in Fort Walton Beach watching practices and talking to the players, here’s what I learned:

1.  Lebron James is a lot bigger and stronger in person.  Okay, so this might be stating the obvious, but it’s incredible to see how big Lebron really is.  He is built like a football player, except he’s 6’8!  He has a thicker chest, broader shoulders and stronger arms than anyone on the team.  It just makes it even more amazing what he’s able to do on the court with his dunks and fancy moves.

2.  This team is HIGHLY motivated.  The theme of the week was the intense practices, and that wasn’t just lip service from the players.  The “Big 3″ are focused on silencing the critics, while the other players are just hungry to be part of the action.  It was interesting to see the centers all working hard, knowing that minutes could be limited.  Every single player on the team is practicing like if their job depends on it.  This team is focused.

3.  Pat Riley is a genius.  I’ve always had a great deal of respect for Riley, but the public relations move the Heat were able to pull off by training in a military base was really one of a kind.  Actually, I’m told Riley didn’t come up with the original idea, but he did make it happen, in the end, and he’s always been very fond of honoring the military.  Miami’s organization came out very high-class after this week.

4.  Carlos Arroyo is likely the point guard for Miami to start the season.  It’s unfair to Mario Chalmers, who’s coming back from injury, but it’s been clear in practices that Arroyo is comfortable in the system.  Even coach Erik Spoelstra admitted as much after practice on Friday.  That said, does it really matter who’s at the point?   We all know the ball will be in the hands of Lebron or Dwyane Wade come the 4th quarter of every game.

5.  Chris Bosh is one interesting dude.  I have to admit, I can never be too sure when Bosh is serious or joking.  Sarcastic would be a good way to describe him, but overall, he’s unlike any star athlete I’ve encountered.  He’s laid back, yet works hard.  He’s funny and silly, yet very intelligent.  In many ways, he’s the perfect complement to Lebron and Wade from a personality perspective.  Lebron is all business.  Wade is a little of both, and Bosh is just a kid at heart.

6.  Erik Spoelstra will coach this team all season.  Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, how the heck could you determine that after just one week?  Well, it’s the question media members from outside Miami asked me all week:  so hey, when does Riley take over as coach?  Again, I say it’s clearly NOT going to happen this year.  Spo has control of this team and seems to have the full respect and attention of the players.  He is preaching defense and the players are listening.  Get over it people, his job is safe.

7. Dwyane Wade doesn’t mind playing second fiddle to Lebron.   For the last 7 seasons, at any Heat practice or event, all eyes, and cameras and questions have centered on Wade.  That hasn’t been the story this week.  When Lebron moves, all eyes follow.  When Lebron talks, all ears listen.  And you know what?  D-Wade couldn’t be happier.  He still gets his attention, but he doesn’t have to be the man all the time.  I can tell it’s refreshing to him.

8. I have no clue how the center position will shake out!  Honestly, all 4 centers in camp do good things, and I think Joel Anthony has the advantage of having played in the system, but this will be a wide open position all season long.  Again, the coach even admitted after practice on Friday that he could see each of the 3 veteran centers get significant time, depending on the game and opponent.

9. Udonis Haslem is still the heart and soul of the team.  I can’t tell you how many times I saw Haslem draw charges in PRACTICE!  He was constantly on the ground and playing tough defense.  Quietly, as the star players would take the ball inside, Haslem would wait for a kick out pass and hit an open jumper.  No player on that roster gives more to this team than UD, and his teammates know it.

10. Finally, I couldn’t have lasted more than 5 minutes in the military!  Yes, I know this has nothing to do with the Heat, but it’s amazing to see the hard work that these men and women put in every day.  Waking up early for drills and training, and then having amazing focus and discipline for everything they do.  I know it’s been said many times before, but they are true heroes, and I’m so glad to have been able to see that firsthand, even for just a few days.

Back to the Grind…

It was nice to get away for a couple of weeks to recharge my batteries for football season, but I’m happy to be back.  As usual, even during a slow time in sports, plenty of things happened in South Florida.   Let’s see, in a nutshell, Udonis Haslem allegedly got caught with marijuana, Ronny Paulino got caught using performance enhancing drugs and Brandon Marshall couldn’t catch anything.   That’s it, right?

Well, a lot more will start happening now.  Already this weekend, Marshall showed why Dol-Fans need to relax, and the Marlins literally gave fan favorite Cody Ross away to the Giants.  So, let’s get ready for the next few months.  It should be fun!