Miami vs. New York...Rivalry Renewed! By Deron Butler

The Miami Heat are back in the NBA Playoffs once again, this time as the number 2 seeded contender. With the Heat as the number 2 seeded team, you ask yourself who is the number 7 seeded team that will undoubtedly face a first round exit? It's none other than the dreaded New York Knicks. Miami hasn't had a playoff series against New York since 2000 and back then we still had ill will towards the likes of Patrick Ewing, John Starks, and Anthony Mason. I remember as a child of the 90s, watching the NBA on NBC's coverage of the NBA Playoffs, rooting for the Heat and embellishing a disgust for the Knicks. From the fights to the exchange of attitudes and even nail biter shots, it got me all the way emotional just looking back at those moments. It was basketball at its finest and now we get to see the Heat and the Knicks once again in the playoffs. Instead of Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, and P.J. Brown, Miami has LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, whereas the aforementioned Knicks legends are replaced by Carmelo Anthony, A'Mare Stoudemire, and Tyson Chandler. This series will be entertaining to watch from beginning to end as nba.com announced this matchup being the marquee series of the playoffs. Although, it's all fine and dandy, sadly, there will be no Linsanity to go around as sensational ball player Jeremy Lin is out injured for the season. It would've been nice to see how Lin would fare in a playoff series match, especially against Miami but you get what you can. Tomorrow, the Heat will embark on their playoff run in front of their Miami faithful and the world. For homework, just watch Game 1 of Miami and New York at 3:30 pm (eastern standard time) on ABC and the entire series thereafter. I'll be watching along just like any other basketball enthusiast...and casual basketball fans that wait for this one particular part of the NBA season to commence.

I am Deron Butler, telling you to get White Hot and Wake Up!

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.

Miller Time!!

It was January 3rd, 2007. Mike Miller was one three pointer away from history. His Memphis Grizzlies were playing the Golden State Warriors. On an assist from Damon Stoudemire with 2:29 to go, Mike Miller cocked back and fired a 26 foot three point jumper. Nothing but net. Mike Miller made nine three pointers in the game, and only took fifteen shots to make 33 points. He set the Memphis grizzlies franchise record of three pointers in a game. the previous two games, he had seven three pointers each, and was the only player in NBA to hit at least seven three pointers in three consecutive games since George Mcloud of the Mavericks did it in 1996.

Miller won rookie of the year in 2000. It was a weak draft, but it doesnt take away from his award. He shined and outperformed his peers. He also won sixth man of the year while averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, two assists, while playing thirty minutes a game. It is a prestigious list to be on.

Mike Miller is the ultimate energy guy. Its hard to find a three point shooter who offers more than just coming off the bench and doing little else. How many times does Miller keep the drive going by diving to get loose balls and getting a difficult offensive rebound? His effort breathes new energy into a game. The Heat were smart to get him. He is also a great team defender, and takes pride in doing the little stuff. Miller is very underrated, and only seems to draw attention from fans because of his three point shooting. Fans never realize the small things that can lead to victories. He had a rocky start his first year as a member of the Miami heat. A string of injuries kept him from making full impact. In the conference semi finals, Miller helped the Heat defeat the Bulls with rebounding, defense, and all out hustle. He hesitated to shoot because of his still injured fingers. Heat fans, his six for six game Tuesday night against San Antonio is the beginning! If Miller can stay healthy, expect great things from him! Please don't be in the surprised crowd when Miller's makes up for lost time.

Analyzing the Heat's Centers

The Heat are 13 games into the new season. Time to analyze the centers on the roster. every Heat fan would like to forget last year's trio of incapable, lethargic centers. None of them left the bench by the time the finals rolled around. Dampier was slow, and did little else, besides clogging the lane. The same goes for Dampier. Ilgauskas was too slow to defend, rebound, or get down the court. Yes, those days are over. The Heat struck out on Nene and Samuel Dalambert, who changed his mind and signed with the Rockets. This current group might do damage because being a center on this Heat team entails less work than being a center on another team. Boxing out should be a must, as well as some rebounding, defending, and being ready to catch an easy dunk from any of the big three as they will rightfully get most of the attention on the floor.

Joel Anthony-Being undersized, Joel Anthony had many difficulties last year despite blocking many shots and doing very well at defending. This year, he is shedding the image of fumbling easy passes, and missing easy shots. He is shooting a career high 59 percent. i personally would love to see a couple more rebounds, and his blocking numbers did not catch up yet. He is currently the Heat's starter.

Dexter Pittman-He might not be in NBA shape yet, but Pittman seems to make the most of his minutes, scoring wise. He averages eight minutes a game so far, and is shooting fifty percent. He does also need to cut down on his fouls, but it is great to have size and bulk down low that can do something other than take up space. Expect him to get better, especially after proving himself in the D league last year.

Chris Bosh-So far, Bosh playing center has benefited the Heat. He has relied on his speed and often slips screens. Many of his crowd rousing dunks has come from the center position. He has the size at 6'11, and put on more muscle over the offseason to deal with the physicality of playing down low. There was hesitation last year, but he warmed up to the idea. Bosh playing at center opens up the power forward position for Haslem, who leads all bench players in the league in rebounds.

Mikel Gladness-The 6'11 shot blocker tried out for the heat last year and did not make it. This year, he did. The Alabama A&M product left college ranked in the top 25 all time as a shot blocker. He has played garbage time minutes. The Heat elected to go young, and it might be a worthwhile decision.

Eddy Curry-Certainly the most proven true center on the Heat. In 2007, he averaged 19 points per game on 57 percent shooting. Soon after, he found himself the odd man out to Mike D'Antoni's seven seconds or less offense. he lost weigh and is now in the best shape of his life. Curry was never a good rebounder or defender, but he should be able to maintain his scoring form from a couple years ago. I want him to box people out with his wide frame. Then i would be satisfied.

The Heat has a mix of rebounding, scoring, and defending in a mix. If coach Spo can utilize them at the proper times against the proper opponents, then the big man problems can be a thing of the past.


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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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HEAT WIN! 120-98 against The Spurs

The Miami HEAT without Wade in His 30th Birthday, started out playing bad by losing both Quarters, in Half Time the Heat were trailing the San Antonio  Spurs by 14 points.



In the 3rd Quarter LeBron James started to hit Threes, as well as recently Activated Mike Miller started to hit threes. The HEAT Made a Come Back, they were losing by 14 at the half but in the 3rd Quarter they were wining by 13 point.


At The End The HEAT out scored the Spurs and Won by 22 points.


120 HEAT - Spurs 98


Video Recap:



Stats: 

• LeBron 33 Points and 10 assist
• Bosh 30 Points 8 Rebounds
• Mike Miller 18 points (6-6 on 3pt FG's)
• Mario Chalmers 13 points and 4 assists
• Norris Cole 8 points
• Joel Anthony 6 points and 4 rebounds.

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HEAT vs Spurs

Your Miami HEAT are back at the America Airlines Arena and will take on the San Antonio Spurs 7:30 pm (Eastern Time)


Note: LeBron James has average.25.9 points with Wade in the lineup in 1+ seasons, 33.7 ppg in 7 Game Started with Dwyane Wade.


Talking about Wade:


Let's all Wish Dwyane Wade a Special 30th Birthday!


Here is a Top 10 of Wade NBA Career: 








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