“You need confidence to play this game. Confidence in yourself, in your teammates and those who are with you.”     Rudy Gay

“I believe, I believe in tomorrow.”    OJ Mayo

“Success doesn’t come by luck, it comes through work, hard work. So I’m here practicing my faith, working for what I believe is true.”     #22

“I believe corners were made to be turned. Desire trumps athleticism and overlooked, beats over-hyped.”     #32

“We believe in us, we believe…..”

___________________________________________

A recap of last nights game starts with a Brevin Knight citing as a broadcaster presently. The start was sick with quick passing early, but was all sizzle and no steak!

The Heat missed a lot of shots, but made up for it with ten three pointers. Dwyane Wade did not play and was missed on offense. But the Grizz decided to not start Zach Randolph and OJ Mayo who had his consecutive starting streak stopped due to undisclosed issues.
Miami lost this one in the first quarter, losing it by nine and the fact of Memphis not starting their best lineup had no effect as Arthur shot seven of nine and was hitting early and often.

Chris Bosh scored 20 points and recorded ten rebounds which was great, but the Heat needed just that much more as getting awkward misses by James Jones and Zydrunas Ilgauskas throughout didn’t help the final. LeBron worked with the ball in his hands for most of the game dropping 11 dimes and scoring 29 with a decent field goal percentage. But surprisingly the Miami Heat only went to the line 12 times. Whereas the Grizzlies hit 20 of 27 free throws. I feel that the FT’s were the determining factor.

Next game for Miami is v. Indiana – Monday, November 21st at 7:30pm ET.

Dwyane Wade will be questionable with a sprained wrist for Monday nights game. X-Rays came back negative.

Written by
Scott Penny
www.Spennies.com

Here’s the Top Five Ranked NBA Teams to Win the Title in 2011.

Miami Heat 35.0%
Boston Celtics 17.4%
New Orleans Hornets 14.7%
Los Angeles Lakers 12.4%
San Antonio Spurs 4.2%

Imagine if  the New Orleans Hornets were in the Eastern Conference? It looks like the massive powerhouse in the West has finally shifted over to the East. It saddens me that the Miami Heat rivals, the Orlando Magic are only favored to win the NBA Championship with a 3.%! Watch out for the Magic in the playoffs, as it will be a battle for the Celtics, Heat and Magic come the second and third rounds.

You can see the full Hollinger Playoff report here.

Chris Bosh took the ball and ran with it against the Suns. Hitting shot after shot and carving up the Phoenix defense with jumpers. Which is a bad sight for the Sun defense as they had mobile big men in Hedo Turkoglu and Channing Frye rotating over to him continually. The one facet of Chris’ game they should be able to stop is the outside game, inside never. Chris ended up with 35 points and wanted to silence his critics as LeBron and D.Wade care quite a bit about them all saving face and are in this together.

So for all those requesting the actual quote, here it is… From the mouth of Chris Bosh in the post-game. “We got back to gettin’ after it again…I guess he (Spoelstra) felt he was loosening up just a little bit too much and he (Erik) knows he has to meet us halfway. So he wants to work, we want to chill, but… we’re gonna have to work to get everything down, get our timing down and to get our chemistry down.”

CB1 has now put his face in the mud again with his comments following his great performance in Miami Wednesday. Saying and that he and the team are feeling like they are just out of training camp, once again as Head Coach Erik Spoelstra has tightened the reigns and is not giving them enough space to hang themselves (subtext). Bosh quickly added that Spoelstra and co. just want them to work hard and the players just want to take it easy (shocking side-affect of South Beach). Chris was just hoping they could find some middle ground and not work so hard.

Why does it seem that one of the great NBA coaches in this league is starting to lose his team. With too many Divas in the room and prima-donnas, it will be a sad day when and if Pat Riley makes the choice to replace the coaching spot.

Here now and linked to for your viewing pleasure – the video that shocked no one and has been watched by everyone.

Like a Bosh!

Chris Bosh needs to get back to his role attained with the Redeem Team in USA basketball. Because this Chris Bosh is not good enough for Team USA, the only reason he was inserted and continued to play was his attention to detail at the defensive end. It’s not the first time I’ve said it and it won’t be the last until CB-4 gets it.

Written by
Scott Penny
www.Spennies.com

Miami quickly took the lead and let the Raptors into it late, but still lead by nine after one. Bosh continued the theatrics as he picked up fouls and flipped out as a hurt child with every one.

Throughout the second and third quarters this resilient Toronto squad showed that the one thing they have, is depth and used only heart and hustle to battle MV3 and the Heat. This one could have gotten ugly without it. Toronto was hitting their jump shots and rebounding the ball at will. Surprisingly close, with Miami always in control, the Raps were without three key players in this young season game. Barbosa the slick swing-guard that can tear up any defense, Linas Kleiza who has added toughness and scoring to the three spot and the rebounding machine Reggie Evans. Who was first thought to be out, so that Coach Jay Triano could match up Chris Bosh with Amir Johnson, but reports showed Reggie was not on the bench and was suffering with flu-like symptoms, which is going around the Raptors locker room.

Chris Bosh had a good start but had not given the effort and any highlight plays shown were from the very beginning of the game and defensively not wanting to pick up any fouls. Coach Erik Spoelstra was forced to go with another option. Bosh sat as the game got closer and never returned, being consoled by LeBron James as he noticeably sulked and was not into the hotly contested affair. The entire bench was excited throughout with the Miami Heat holding on. They were just too much for the shorthanded, under talented Raptor team, the final was 109-100.

MV3 is looking for better from the third musketeer.

6 LeBron James +11 = 23 pts & 11 ast

1 Chris Bosh +11 = 12 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast in just 22 mins

3 Dwyane Wade +6 = 31 pts & 8 reb

Next game for Miami is v. Boston Wednesday November 17th at 7:00pm ET.

Written by
Scott Penny
www.Spennies.com

Mike Miller is at the top of my list, but as he will be out until at least Christmas Day, due to injury we will look at the role players playing in the rotation currently. Starters Joel Anthony and Point-Guard Carlos Arroyo are the obvious key cogs in the wheel, but Anthony is not ideal with only being 6’9″ at the Center spot, but his hustle and defensive intensity will keep him starting. His activeness is unmatched on this roster and the only other obvious starter would have to be the old-reliable Udonis Haslem. Arroyo has not found his role, but he can hit the mid-range jumper at will. Though sometimes creative offensively, he has had trouble making or even taking the long range three pointers and hasn’t had the success in creating lay ups and the short ‘gimmes’ for himself.

James Jones ‘the sharpshooter’ has enjoyed being the sixth man and has been used to negate the minutes left by Mike Miller’s departure. So hopefully he relishes the opportunity and continues to hit the open shots given, he is currently leading the NBA in three’s and almost surpassing his numbers from last season in total. Big Z and Eddie House are glorified shooters and need Wade and LeBron to get them open and so far, they are. But without the superstar double team treatment they would both struggle to get their shots. House has been used as a two-guard presently and coming in for Arroyo moving James to the point and this usually happens when Dwayne is sent to the bench to get his first rest.

The inactive’s are Mario Chalmers, who was the projected starter at point-guard and for which whom can still take it by the end of the season (in my eyes). Jamaal Magloire is strictly security for any injuries as this Canadian veteran can slowly play backup for another Canadian in Anthony or Zydrunas Ilgauskas. The Heat have also signed veteran Jerry Stackhouse who undoubtedly makes practices that much more competitive. He can still play part-time and was a good pickup as James Jones cannot play massive minutes at the 2/3 spots if injuries occur. Juwan Howard offers the same qualities as ‘Stack’ and will be unremarkable early and a tremendous attribute late. Rookie Dexter Pittman outlasted Da’Sean Butler and Patrick Beverley for the 15th spot on the roster. These two got the axe when the final roster was announced and to fit in the veterans on the early season. I really like the two just mentioned and feel that they would tear up the NBDL and should make their way back to the NBA within three years.

At first glance this squad is good and built to succeed and was a huge surprise when assembled. Most saw that when all was settled and LeBron James announced that his talents were going to South Beach the roster didn’t even have five players on it(including the big three). Pat Riley and Co. quickly had a game plan and every UFA was a phone call away as most in the twilight of their careers wanted the call, ala Tracy McGrady who was quoted saying “I’m jealous.”

Written by
Scott Penny
www.Spennies.com

In the first half the Heat quickly took control and lead this game blowing out the Jazz. Utah in turn woke up and began to fight back as LeBron and the Heat struggled to hit any shots for a long stretch period in the early second half. This one should not have been close, but Miami didn’t fall asleep they just were outplayed by a team that showed up after half-time.
It came really close for both teams to finish it in regulation time. When Deron Williams fouled out at the end of the fourth with a dead-ball mistake of a foul, it really hurt the chances for the Jazz. Especially as Bosh played huge keeping the Heat ahead midway through the 4th Q.

Late in the overtime period the Utah interior refused to give up an easy two’s or even an offensive rebound. AK47 and Paul Millsap were both mugged with 24 seconds left and a late whistle resulted in Haslem being called on the reach. Surprisingly D.Wade wasn’t given a Technical as the Referee made the call, Wade launched his fist in protest and was within two feet of smoking the ref. It was the first ‘no abuse’ not called that was blatant to me this season.
Dwayne unaffected, earned his money, nailing the clutch three to make it a 114-114 game, deep into overtime.

A foul called as the Jazz go inside and Price drops it off to Elson who was fouled by Wade with 00.4 on the clock! (Elson–who was jokingly highlighted as a reason why you should watch the Jazz vs Heat by [The Score's] on-air Court Surfing personality Cabral ‘Cabbie’ Richards must have ESP-N!)

Elson bangs in the first free throw and tries to miss the second, but banks it in, 116-114. Miami has one chance at it with .4 ticks left. A long pass to Eddie ‘Mr.SunDevil’ House for two?…No go, all air! Utah wins!

A rundown of the lines for the sites favorite “MV3.”

6 LeBron James +4 = 20 pts, 14 ast & 11 reb

1 Chris Bosh -1 = 17 pts & 9 reb

3 Dwayne Wade +/-0 = 39 pts & 6 reb

Next game for Miami is v. Boston Thursday November 11th at 8:00pm ET.

(Also, hearing from a few sources that the Celtics have been seen to already be in South Beach for their game.)

Written by
Scott Penny
www.Spennies.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BudrR5tdhs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f7Cxi0v1B8

The opening night loss to the Celtics was not encouraging at the time, but looking back it doesn’t seem so bad. Aside from LeBron’s 3rd quarter there really wasn’t anyone on the team who I would say had a good game. Wade and Bosh looked horrible and Pierce and Allen were knocking down 3′s for Boston. Despite the Heat’s horrible offensive showing, they played solid D and were only down 3 with a minute left. The Heat get another shot at Boston next week in Miami which should be another good game with the Big 3 looking a lot better and Rajon Rondo looking like the best PG in basketball.

I’m going to lump Philly, NJ, and Minnesota into one because these are teams that Heat should/did handle easily. Miami’s defense looked like one of, if not the best in the league. The Heat have been hammering teams in the 3rd quarter in each of the last 4 games, giving the starters plenty of rest in the 4th. It’s important against the weaker teams, as it allows Coach Spo to keep Wade/LeBron/Bosh’s minutes down and save their energy for important games later in the season. Other than a few games, the Heat’s schedule for the next month is pretty soft. Expect quite a few more games like these past few. I would take this opportunity to rip on Michael Beasley, but considering he got hurt the other night I’ll pass… for now.

Miami’s win against Orlando was by far the biggest of the season so far. Orlando has long been billed as the team which could give Miami the most problems due to their combination of size inside and speed at the point. This was another one that was over in the 3rd quarter. Miami’s D held Orlando to 70 points by clamping down on Howard in the 3rd and closing hard on Orlando’s 3 point shots. Great win in the Heat’s home opener. Should be interesting to see how Orlando bounces back against the Heat next time around. These teams are the best in the Southeast Division and will be seeing one another 3 more times this season. Expect the Magic to be more competitive, make more of their shots, and Stan Van to rock his finest turtleneck next time these teams meet.

So 5 games in the Heat stand at 4-1. They’ve bounced back nicely since their opening night loss to the C’s with 4 straight blowouts. LeBron has been great at both ends, rarely forcing anything and hitting teammates for wide open looks. Wade has stepped up as the teams premier scorer, taking advantage of the extra space on the floor and getting to the rim with ease. To much is being made of Chris Bosh’s statistical dropoff. He’s been playing solid D, his numbers are far from bad, and most importantly the team is winning. After an opening night beating at the hands of Rondo, Carlos Arroyo has been surprisingly solid. He’ll need to keep it up and should have his hands full as the Heat take on Chris Paul and the Hornet’s Friday night. Noone on the team has benefited more from the presence of the big 3 than James Jones. Jones leads the league in 3 pointers made and has become the Heat’s go to shooter off the bench. Jones has always been a quality shooter when healthy, but has never seen this much open space to work with. He should be at home right now baking a cake for Wade/LeBron.

Highlight of the week goes to LeBron for his block on Wesley Johnson. Welcome to the NBA. Check it out if you haven’t seen it.

Later

care of Getty Images

Beasley quickly showed off his potential with a follow-up slam that got the South Beach faithful off their seats. LeBron ‘dimed’ his way to 12 assists as he made it look too easy at times, this seems to be his role as Point-Forward. A very scary fall for #8 Michael Beasley as he went to the rack for a contested lay up against Chris Bosh and took the brunt of the hit, knocking him off balance and to the floor hitting his backside. Resulting in him leaving the game and not returning and they are calling it a left hip contusion.

Kevin Love looked bad on a few plays but had a good line in the end shooting 7/11 for 20 points. Wesley Johnson showed early that he can compete with the NBA’s best, but was trying a little too hard in this one shooting 4/12 and adding four turnovers to his five assists and two steals.

By the third this one was over with the weaving of LBJ and shot blocks, showing Minnesota exactly why they didn’t extend Corie Brewer’s rookie contract. The Miami Heat yet again dismantled another team and took the win versus the Minnesota Timberwolves 129-97.

Minnesota has some nice pieces and will improve, but some games will make this year seem longer and let me officially start the Ricky Rubio talk, as they need help immediately, not a name they can bring over and hope works out. David Kahn needs to start making the moves that this team and its fans deserve and stop adding the NBA’s leftover veterans to their squad to fill out payroll. Is their a minimum cap they must hit in the NBA? Because this team should be close to it. Not wasting money on Ridnour and Milicic.

A rundown of the lines for our sites favorite MV3′s, plus/minus is the stat I like the best with the biggest impact on the game.

6 LeBron James +32 = 20 pts & 12 ast

1 Chris Bosh +25 = 13 pts & 6 reb

3 Dwayne Wade +12 = 25 pts & 5 fls

Next game for Miami is@ New Orleans Friday the 5th, 8:00pm ET.

Written by
Scott Penny
www.Spennies.com