A Moment of Silence For Jason Terry by Deron Butler

We are gathered here today to say goodbye to Jason Eugene Terry, who was unceremoniously dunked by Miami Heat superstar LeBron James in 105-103 victory over the Boston Celtics. He was an NBA Champion with the Dallas Mavericks and he went by the nickname "The Jet", which now solely belongs to the original jet and NBA on TNT correspondent, Kenny "The Jet" Smith. Sadly, Terry will not be flying high like he once was, for the jet has been put inside his hangar, never to soar again. On a side note, let us remember the epicness that was the LeBron poster dunk on Terry.  I'm Deron Butler, leaving you with this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=asWAZpf7oaM

21 Games Later...By Deron Butler

What started as a win over Toronto back in February, has become an historical feat that many are taking notice of. The Miami Heat currently have a 21 win game streak, higher than the last defending NBA Championship team to do so, which were the Boston Celtics back in 2009.  The Heat also hold the third longest streak record behind the Houston Rockets' 22 win game streak in 2008, and the Los Angeles Lakers' 33 win game streak in 1972. Tomorrow, the Heat will face the Toronto Raptors at 1pm on Sun Sports and Monday against the Boston Celtics, who aren't impressed with their streak...or so Paul Pierce believes. Well, I'm not one to brag and such sometimes but the Heat have already eclipsed the Celtics' streak by 2 games, not that it wouldn't mean anything but it's something to point out at the least. Just how far will this streak go, is entirely up to the Heat. They control their own destiny now that they're on top of the Eastern Conference and the NBA as far as overall records go. For homework, watch the Heat take on the Raptors tomorrow at 1 on Sun Sports and on Monday against the Celtics at 8. I'm Deron Butler telling you to streak...with your clothes on.

Miami Heat's Harlem Shake

Last week, your beloved Miami Heat team took time out of their schedule and practice to have a little fun in the form of the popular internet dance craze called "The Harlem Shake". In the video, we see Chris Andersen doing his best bird impression while Heat players stretch out. Once the music stops for a moment, and picks up again, we see LeBron James dressed as king, Dwyane Wade (with a bear costume head) dressed as Kanye West, Mario Chalmers as Super Mario (obviously), Udonish Haslem in a firefighter's helmet, blazer jacket, shorts, and a championship belt, Norris Cole in what looks like pajama overalls, Chris Bosh with a boombox, shades, cowboy hat, and pajamas, while everyone else are wearing Rey Myseterio masks and sombreros. Overall, the video was pretty funny and I recommend you all to watch it as homework, while watching the Heat take on the New York Knicks today at 1 on ABC. I'm Deron Butler, telling you to do the Harlem Shake.

Celebrating 25 Years of Miami Heat by Deron Butler

It seemed like yesterday when it was announced back in 1988, that Miami would have its very own NBA Franchise. Who knew that from that fateful year, it would span thousands of people filling up the Miami Arena and later the American Airlines Arena, to cheer on one of the most exciting and talked about teams in the league? Twenty-five years and two championships later, Miami has hit the quarter century mark in their tenure in the NBA. As an avid Miami Heat fan, I am very thrilled to be a part of something historical, and can look back at all the memorable moments in Heat history. From the early days with Rony Seikaly, Sherman Douglas, Steve Smith, Glen Rice, John Crotty, and Bimbo Coles to being playoff contenders during the Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway era to the championship years with Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James, there's been a lot of history and fund moments in Heat history and lore. Who could forget the heated rivalry between the Heat and the New York Knicks in the late 90s, or Miami's first trip to the finals against the Dallas Mavericks in 2006? Or how about the arrival of Dwyane Wade as superstar when he hit the buzzer beater in Game 1 of the 2004 NBA Playoffs First Round against the New Orleans Hornets? The 25th Anniversary of the Miami Heat is capped off with fans voting for amazing moments in Heat history from game winning shots, to emphatic blocks, to thunderous dunks. It should be also mentioned that former Heat players such as Brian Grant, Eddie Jones, Alonzo Mourning, and Tim Hardaway have all been honored by the Miami Heat organization during halftime at many Heat games. Much is to say about other moments in Heat history would be looking back to 1997, where the Heat won Game 7 over the Knicks in the Semi-Finals, and would later face Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. Years later in 2006, and again in 2011 and 2012, the Heat would later become Eastern Conference Champions, defeating the Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, and Boston Celtics respectively, but it was trips to the finals in '06 and 2012 against the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder, that would solidify Miami as not just NBA Champions, but also in an elite class of teams that have won more than one NBA Championship during their tenures in the league. There's much to celebrate for the Miami Heat's 25th Anniversary, who knows what will happen in the next 25 years? Will we see Dwyane Wade and LeBron James' jerseys hanging in rafters? Will the Heat carry on the winning tradition that was brought to this organization by Pat Riley and owner Micky Arison? Will Miami be recognized as a basketball city rather than just some vacation spot? Time well time in the future but for now, let's take time to appreciate the Heat, and many of its players, past and present, through the many years, ups and downs, and everything in between. For homework, brush up on some Heat history. You'll need it to increase your Heat pride. I'm Deron Butler, telling you to celebrate 25 years of Miami Heat greatness.

When Gremlins Stalk Royalty by Deron Butler

In my last post, in which I mentioned troubled and whack wannabe rapper Lil Wayne dissing the Heat, and getting banned from all NBA games and events, it turns out that "Weasel" Wayne seems to be stalking LeBron James around. How is it that someone, who intentionally made it known to the world that how much he hates the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade, LeBron, Chris Bosh, and go on record about sleeping with his wife, only to go to 99 Jamz and "apologize" to the city for having done said all those things, and showing your rear end to the city that you now live in? Apparently, Wayne has been doubling or tripling his intake of Robitussin, or he may be out of his mind like he's always been but no matter the reason, it is no excuse (not even for an apology) for this disgrace to humanity to shame our city, and act like he's impervious and that he runs the city. But back to the subject, Apparently, Wayne has been courting behind LeBron James, trying to be his best friend, and get in the same circle with rap mogul, and co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets, Jay-Z. Though Wayne's attempts to be LeBron's buddy may be all ambitious and beneficial to him, it would not be for LeBron. According to sources, LeBron wants nothing to do Wayne. Every time Wayne has appeared in front of LeBron to get in his good graces, LeBron simply turns him away. It's good to know that LeBron does not want to be associated with trash and ignorance that Lil Wayne has brought on for many years. Why would he need Wayne, when he could have Jay-Z? And to quote NBA Legend Robert Parish with the comparison to Wayne to Jay-Z would be moving from "an outhouse" to "a penthouse". So why is Wayne still stalking LeBron like a jilted lover? Sooner or later, that stalking will grow into an unhealthy obsession that will spiral out of control, but of course, this is Lil Wayne we're talking about, his mindset is already warped, and would probably do idiotic, if not harmful things, just for the sake of attention. First, he disrespects Bosh and his wife, then goes to 99 Jamz (who shouldn't have let the roach in the building) to air out a worthless apology to the city of Miami, and LeBron, and now he's stalking him? All this over not getting any dap? As my girlfriend would say "Go play in traffic on the Rickenbacker Causeway!" For homework, I want all you fans to reach out to LeBron on his Twitter account @KingJames, and suggest to him that he should have a restraining order on Lil Wayne. It's just that simple, after all Lil Wayne is banned from NBA games, especially our home games. And if you want to listen to Wayne's sorry excuse of an apology, here's the video in its entirety through this link here. I'm Deron Butler, letting you know that there are no place for whack, untalented, wannabe rappers in the city of Miami.

No Basketball For Miserable Gremlins by Deron Butler

It's been a long while since I've updated this blog but it seems as though I can't ignore this trend that's going on right now that is the stupidity and ignorance that is Lil' Wayne and his hatred for all things NBA.  As many of you know, Lil' Wayne has been a fixture at many NBA games, including Heat games but lately, Wayne's presence has been more of an annoyance, rather than a convenience. In an article in Rolling Stone, Lil Wayne expressed his disgust for Heat players, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, in which he was perturbed about not getting any "dap" from them during games or at least ask him why he is not rooting for them. As if he didn't have enough problems not getting his way, Wayne was kicked out of an Oklahoma City Thunder game because they didn't have front row seats to accommodate for him, to which Wayne took to his Twitter account and blast the Thunder by saying that "he hopes the Spurs beat the dog $#!% out of them". All this because he couldn't pay for a ticket like everyone else? Jump to February 10 of this year, when the Heat hosted the Los Angeles Lakers, in which Wayne found himself arguing amongst Heat fans for rooting for the Lakers (despite the fact that he attends many Heat games and not only lives in Miami but also has a mansion in Star Island). In another instance, while attending the Heat-Lakers game, Wayne had made a gun gesture at one of the fans, leading him to get escorted out of the arena. Wayne, once again, took to Twitter to take out his frustrations on the Heat by proclaiming how much he hates the team and would only root for the Lakers. Things then reached a boiling point when Wayne performed in Houston during All Star weekend, in which he truly showed his disdain for not only the Miami Heat, but also the entire NBA. In addition to telling everyone how much he despises the NBA, Wayne had the audacity to claim that he "slept with" Chris Bosh's wife, Adrienne. It's one thing to say you hate an organization and a team but it's another to say that you slept with someone's wife, and quite frankly, I have been sick of Lil Wayne, and his little tirade on the NBA, as well as for his music, and everything he says and does. Lil Wayne is nothing more than a small, miserable, little man with self-hate issues, and if he hates the Miami Heat so much, why does he live in Miami? I commend the NBA for banning Lil Wayne from all their games. If we can get the city of Miami to get rid of this pest, then pretty much everyone is going to follow suit, if it hasn't started already. Lil' Wayne simply has no class, no value, or any thought as to what he is going to say or do. He's simply a waste of time, an annoying spoiled brat that doesn't get his way, and will be irrelevant just like his YMCMB label. Bad things tend to happen to Lil' Wayne whenever he attends an NBA game, and banning him was great move. Maybe he should attend WNBA games instead...oh wait. For homework, and this should be very easy, I want you to endlessly support the Miami Heat and the NBA, just to shove it down the throat of this gremlin's negative aura. And for those of you who hate Lil Wayne, just trash his music, and everything this cockroach stands for. I'm Deron Butler, telling you that Lil Wayne will be irrelevant and everyone could breathe a lot more easier.

The Heat Are Back And On A Roll by Deron Butler

It's been a long time, and I know I shouldn't have left you but...It's great to be back. The Miami Heat are off and they are more dominant than they have ever been. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and  Chris Bosh are reloaded with added weapons in clutch 3 point shooter, Ray Allen, and All Star Rashard Lewis. Though Miami had some bumps in the road early on with their defense against teams like the New York Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies,  the Heat rebounded, and managed to take back first place from the Knicks. As the season continues, Miami looks forward to continue their dominance, and well into the season, teams like the New Jersey Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and especially the Knicks are looking to remove Miami from their throne as NBA Champions. For homework (and this is very easy), give time to appreciate the Miami Heat, and everything the players have done this season. I'm Deron Butler, telling that the Heat is just not on, it's scorching!

Who's Ready For Some NBA?! By Deron Butler

Hello, once again Miami Heat fans and basketball fans in general. It's that time of the year again for sports, the most wonderful time of the year! Of course I am talking about the 2012-2013 NBA Season being in full swing. The Miami Heat will face the Boston Celtics on opening night, in what is to be the most highly anticipated season since its 66 game schedule last season. What emotions will run through the Celtics as they see the team that has beaten them in the Eastern Conference Finals last season raise another banner let alone LeBron James (pictured) ceremoniously get his first championship ring. Adding more fuel to this fire is the addition of Ray Allen in Miami, who not only left the Boston Celtics on the count of Rajon Rondo but also reuniting with fellow former Seattle Supersonic and teammate Rashard Lewis. This should be a very interesting game with a lot of emotions and attitudes being exchanged on the court in this ongoing rivalry. For homework, watch the Miami Heat take on the Boston Celtics either at the American Airlines Arena, Heat. com, NBA TV, or on TNT, and watch carefully at the expressions on the faces of the Boston Celtics. I'm Deron Butler asking the 1 billion dollar question...Who's Ready For Some NBA?!

Brace Yourself...The Super Lakers Are Upon Us By Deron Butler

Well...After many months of speculating, analyzing, and making up several theories in our heads, Dwight Howard has finally, and I mean FINALLY come to Tinseltown, as he will join Steve Nash, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest Metta World Peace, Antwan Jamison and Kobe Bryant to form a super team unlike any other in the Los Angeles Lakers. What's that you say, another super team? Yes, Miami isn't the only team with superstar players wreaking havoc upon the NBA. Boston and San Antonio (as old as they may be) are still effective teams with big 3 players. Then there's Oklahoma City with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka as well as The New Jersey Brooklyn Nets with their "Core Four" which consists of Joe Johnson, Deron Williams, Gerald Wallace, and Brook Lopez. You may be asking yourself, why am I listing all the names of such super teams within the NBA, when the main focus (aside from the Miami Heat) is the Los Angeles Lakers? Okay, what if I told you that there was another super team that had formed in L.A. No, not the Lob City Clippers, this was before that. Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, and Gary Payton would join forces in Hollywood to play for the Lakers, instantly forming an all-star team of grand proportions. While the Lakers dominated the west, they reached the Finals in which they were devastatingly shocked by the Detroit Pistons, who had Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton, and Chauncey Billups. While it seemed like their could've been more potential for this Super Lakers team to continue, Shaq just couldn't take any more of Kobe and (stop me if you heard this before) took his talents to South Beach and joined the Miami Heat. A year after Shaq joined the Heat, Gary Payton would soon follow in The Big Aristotle's footsteps, resulting in Miami's first NBA Championship. Comparing the Super Lakers team of the 03-04 season to this Super Lakers team, one may find some similarities to Shaq and Dwight Howard (other than the Superman nickname) but this Super Lakers team have all the potential to be just as memorable as Magic Johnson's Showtime Lakers. But, if history repeats itself, with another failed campaign to win it all, then consider some options or just go back to the drawing board. One thing Miami should take into consideration, if any, is that this Lakers team is going to run the Princeton Offense, where either Kobe or Nash (let's just say Nash) brings up the ball and passes it out to either Pau, Kobe, or Dwight. The Lakers have several options as far as scorers go and how they can finish the play by having D.Howard or Pau set a pick for Kobe or have Dwight or Pau cut in the lane and make a layup or finish strong with a dunk. I can already see Miami facing the Lakers in a highly possible NBA Finals series next year. Just think about all the ratings (looking at you David Stern).  For homework (yes, it's back to school time!), I want you all to take the time to put Miami's starting five (Bosh,  Rashard Lewis, LeBron, Wade, and Ray Allen or Chalmers) against the Lakers' starting five (Howard, Gasol, Metta, Kobe, and Nash) and see how they stack up. As an added bonus or extra credit, simulate how these two teams would play against each other in NBA 2K11, NBA 2K12, and NBA2K13. I'm Deron Butler, telling you that it's going to be Miami vs. L.A. Lakers in the 2013 Finals.

Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to Miami Heat By Deron Butler

In case you haven’t heard the news, Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis are the latest NBA Superstars who are taking their talents to South Beach. Ray Allen accepted a three year, $3 Million deal with Miami over a two year extension with the Boston Celtics while Rashard Lewis signed a two year deal. Both Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis were once teammates when they played together as members of the now-defunct Seattle Supersonics. With the recent signings of Allen and Lewis as well as a seemingly resting Chris Bosh, a sucessful knee surgery for Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James winning his first NBA Championship as well as heading to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, things are already looking up for the Miami Heat. For Homework, let's all welcome Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to South Beach. I'm Deron Butler and I think Miami could be the new Seattle...maybe not.

Bosh Is Out Indefinitely...What This Means For Miami by Deron Butler

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers was physical just like every other NBA Playoff series is right now. But much like every other NBA Playoff series comes more than physical play, injuries are involved, much like the injury Indiana dealt to Chris Bosh. In Sunday's game, Bosh was injured after a play in which he was going for a basket, resulting in an abdominal strain. Miami will have to contend without Bosh in their series against Indiana but now it seems like their only options aside from their scoring productions from Wade and LeBron, we should look to Udonis Haslem, Ronny Turiaf, and Joel Anthony to come off the bench and fill the void that is now gaping. Game 2 will now test Miami's mettle more than ever when they face Indiana tomorrow night on TNT. For homework, I want you all to take the time to appreciate Haslem, Turiaf, and Joel Anthony and what they've done off the bench for their time in Miami and cheer them on like everyone's watching. I'm Deron Butler, and I believe Udonis Haslem should start for Game 2 and continue to get the ball rolling for Miami. 

Things Indiana Pacers Should NOT Say by Deron Butler

See this goofy looking guy in the picture? This is Frank Vogel, head coach of the Indiana Pacers. Just today, the Pacers head coach made a comment regarding the Miami Heat and their upcoming series in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals in which Vogel said that "It'll be very interesting to see how the referees officiate the series and how much flopping they reward." Judging from that goofy smile on Vogel's face, there is nothing to grin or joke about. Vogel's Pacers had just defeated a Dwight Howard-less Orlando Magic in 5 games but just imagine if D12 were effective for the Magic sans his back injury, the Pacers would've been eliminated and an afterthought on top of that. Vogel shouldn't be making jokes at this stage in the playoffs and if you remember reading my last post about how Miami should not undermine their opponents, well, Indiana has proven that even your opponents can undermine the most daunting of challenges and could possibly make themselves look the most embarrassed amongst their peers. 

In addition to Vogel's comment about the Heat being the "best flopping team ever", Pacers center Roy Hibbert chimed in by saying "We didn't do it the easy way. It took time. We didn't do this by signing a couple of superstars."  Well excuse us, Mr. Hibbert if you don't approve of how Miami's system of success to solidify themselves as contenders for the NBA Championship. Miami may not be Indiana as far as destination and pitch wise for a player of high caliber to play amongst the lights, sights and sounds of the big city but the one thing you can't take away from a team is how hard they practice and mold together to form a team worthy of winning championships. While I do admire Indiana for their hard work to climb to the top of the Eastern Conference but to bash another team for their way of doing things beyond the court is just wrong. Why not take that up with Pat Riley, who knows success and opportunities when he sees them. The Heat host the Pacers this Sunday at 3:30pm on ABC and for homework, I want you to see how long you can hold in your anger regarding Vogel's comments about the Heat and if you manage to hold it in until Sunday's game, use it for a positive by cheering for the Het in the most excitable and most raucous way imaginable. I'm Deron Butler telling you that it's best to be seen and not heard. 

Next up: The Indiana Pacers by Deron Butler

After defeating the New York Knicks in 5 games, the Miami Heat now move on the semi-finals, where they take on the Indiana Pacers. You may be laughing to yourself right now thinking about Indiana Pacers  and saying to yourself "what good players do Indiana have"? Well, before I answer your question, allow me to instruct a little history lecture for ya. Back in the 2004 NBA Playoffs, after the Miami Heat defeated the then Eastern Conference team New Orleans Hornets in 7 Games, Miami had to face the Indiana Pacers (yes, when they had Reggie Miller) in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. The Pacers had swept the Boston Celtics at that time and were looking to do the same to Miami. The Pacers took the first two games of that series in Indianapolis but once the series shifted to Miami, The Heat tied the series but afterwards Indiana took the next two games, eliminating the Heat but losing to the eventual NBA Champions that year in the Detroit Pistons. Since that time, Miami has won its first championship and brought forth big stars like Shaquille O'Neal and Gary Payton to LeBron James and Chris Bosh while Indiana had to say goodbye to Reggie Miller after 18 seasons with the team and looked for a new hope in Danny Granger. Now that we got that history lesson out of the way, and to answer you question about what good players Indiana have, the Pacers have Danny Granger, George Hill, Paul George, Tyler Hansbrough, and Roy Hibbert. While those names may not sound all that daunting, keep in mind that this Indiana Pacers team not only defeated a Dwight Howard-less Orlando Magic but were also placed third in  the Eastern Conference Standings during the regular season. And during that regular season, Miami has defeated Indiana 3 games to 1, which would mean Miami would win the series over Indiana but again, that was the regular season and this is the playoffs, where injuries are always occurring and at any moment boiling emotions can turn into a fisticuffs. For Homework, I want you as Heat fans to not rest on your laurels. Just because we got past one stage against a rival team, doesn't mean it's time to celebrate. Again, this is the playoffs and anything can happen. Let's remind ourselves of what happened last year's NBA Finals and not make the same mistakes and not to underestimate the Pacers or any team thereafter. I'm Deron Butler, telling you that our celebrations are temporary but our work and determination are always mandatory.

Was Michael Biamonte's Comment About Amar'e Necessary? By Deron Butler

If you were in attendance for last night's Game 5 between the Heat and the Knicks, then you may have heard the Heat's excitable PA Announcer, Michael Biamonte's witty comment about Amar'e Stoudemire fouling out of the game in which Biamonte said "Stoudemire has been extinguished from the game", going back to the post Game 2 incident in which an exasperated Stoudemire took his frustrations out by punching a glass case concealing a fire extinguisher with his non shooting hand. To Heat fans, the joke was deemed as light hearted humor but to Knicks fans and several basketball bloggers and everyone else around the basketball world, no one was laughing along with Miami. The joke itself caused a ruckus amongst fans saying that the joke itself was "distasteful" and "a slap in the face" to Knicks fans. Sports blog Deadspin.com commented on the pundit saying that "The Heat are surely winning friends the right way", which may be a sarcastic insult to the Heat for Biamonte's choice of words. Though it may be a joke for Heat fans, no one (not even Knicks fans) are not laughing. Imagine if the Heat were in MSG struggling to win and, for example, Chris Bosh starts crying again. The Knicks PA Announcer would probably say something like "Bosh is crying because the Heat are extinct" or something that like. For Homework, I want all Heat fans to find some other form of humor not relating to anything about the Knicks, they've suffered enough as it is and it's time we move on to face Indiana. I'm Deron Butler telling you that it's all fun and games until someone's feelings are the subject of matter. 

Game 5? Is Tonight The Night We Close The Knicks Out? By Deron Butler

Hello, Heat fans one and all. If you have made through the last two days of waiting for Game 5 without losing your mind...or sleep, then congratulations, you are ready to sit back and watch your beloved Miami Heat put away the New York Knicks. Sunday's game against the Knicks brought forth a revelation for me. As I watched LeBron James in the fourth quarter make at least 9 points, I started to think to myself is this LeBron James trying to prove to the masses that he can close out in the fourth quarter? When the Knicks took the lead near the closing moments of Game 4, I was hoping Miami would nail the shot and sweep the series as did everyone else but who would've thought that D.Wade and not LeBron would be the one to take the final shot sans the Knicks defense hastily rushing the offense. No disrespect to Wade, it all seemed like LeBron was coming back for Miami in the fourth quarter but at the same time, has LeBron  ever closed out in these types of situations (and I'm not talking about regular season either)? Game 5 is just a few hours away and I'm anticipating this game to be like a title fight between two contenders. I want  to see LeBron dominate in the fourth quarter, I want to see Bosh be more agressive on offense and defense as well as being an X-Factor for the Heat, and Wade to guide the team and set plays. I still believe that the Knicks are running on borrowed time. Jeremy Lin is still injured, Amare Stoudemire still has that injured hand of his, and Carmelo Anthony still has problems playing defense. Speaking of defense, Erik Spolestra should not have Shane Battier play defense against Carmelo, not because Carmelo is a solid shooter but because Carmelo is much faster than Battier. If anyone is gonna guard Carmelo, it should be LeBron (see picture) or maybe Wade...primarily LeBron. For Homework, Watch Game 5 tonight at 7 on TNT and see if LeBron James can guard Carmelo defensively and how Shane Battier can learn from that plus see if LeBron James can close out in the fourth quarter.  I'm Deron Butler counting down the minutes, the seconds, and the hours until Game 5, where Miami will hopefully close out on New York. 

Down The Stretch By Deron Butler

With the NBA Playoffs looming around the corner, every NBA team is scrambling for positions to for home court advantage. Of course, this also regulates to the Miami Heat as well as each game becomes more important one after the next. Yesterday's game against the Boston Celtics were an indication that Boston, though they have an experienced trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, are sparking at the right time, having knocked off the Philadelphia 76ers for first place in the Atlantic Division, and while they managed to beat Miami back to back, one wonders if the Celtics would get their revenge on Miami after being eliminated by them in last years playoffs. As for Miami, going up against the top contenders of the east has been an uphill battle. Not only have they lost back to back against Boston, but they also lost to Chicago and Indiana as well. The Heat play Chicago tomorrow night in a crucial game that will determine whether or not Miami's ability to put away the Bulls in last season's playoffs was not a fluke as some doubters have speculated. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, as solid of scorers that they are need to involve Chris Bosh more in these types of games, heading down the wire but only that, the Heat need to make sure that every player is healthy, have adequate minutes on the court, and be able to contribute on offense and on defense. I can't stress this enough in my head just thinking about how Miami will perform late in the season. For homework, watch the Miami Heat against the Chicago Bulls on TNT, and also focus on teams such as Chicago, Indiana, and Boston in the east as well as potential NBA Finals opponents including San Antonio, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers (yes them), and especially the Oklahoma City Thunder.

I'm Deron Butler telling you that Heat Basketball is the best basketball.