The Miami HEAT.. Superman's kryptonite?
The main question facing the Heat when they formed the super team a year ago, was if the elite centers and point guards would dismantle them on a nightly basis. One of the biggest tests came when the Heat played Southeast and in-state rival, the Orlando Magic. Dwight Howard, the 6'11 265 pound behomoth, was the best center in the game by a long shot, and would surely give the HEAT nightmares.
In the first matchup, however, Howard scored 19 points on 8 for 15 shooting, with seven boards. He was held scoreless in the second half. The Heat won 96 to 70. The rematch in November proved to be revenge for Howard, as he torched the Heat for 24 points and 18 rebounds on fifty percent shooting. The Heat fell to 8-7, on a slump. In a heat win in February, Howard scored 17 points, and added 16 rebounds. It was good numbers, but apparently under his season average. The final regular season match up provided to be a most telling tale. The Heat held Howard to another drought, in a second half where Howard could not get a shot to fall. The Magic won it on a barrage of three point shooting. Howard ended with 18 rebounds.
Take Howard's season totals into consideration. He averaged 22 points per game on a mind boggling 59 percent shooting. He also grabbed 14 rebounds a game. In four match ups, Howard only went over his season scoring average once. The Heat found some success in using a team effort in guarding him. Howard looked lost and out of sync many times. Will this formula work this year against Howard and a couple of other quality big men? Time will tell, but instances as these should only strike fear in the hearts of Miami's opponents.
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