Heat prevail 108-103 over Thunder

The Heat beat one of the better teams in the NBA today. This should quiet some critics for a while. For the first time in a while the big three were all on the same court together, and late in the game it looked like one would be gone again. Like when Wade came down awkwardly on his ankle and started limping to the other half of the court. It must be fine though because he out hustled Dequan Cook to the ball with 9 seconds remaining in the fourth. 

The 1st quarter was probably Miami's worst defensive quarter of the season. They gave up 38 points, but were able to keep in the game due to 35 of their own. The defense seemed to get better as the game progressed. The Thunder would not score over 25 in another quarter. The Heat held Oklahoma City to 18 points in the 4th quarter. I think it will take a little bit of time for the team to get back to full form. 

By Bosh just coming it filled a hole our interior defense was missing. It seemed as if without him the big men of other teams would just drive into our paint for easy scores. Amar'e Stoudemire comes to mind from last Thursday night. Wade also came back from his injury and filled a need. Which was hitting foul shots. He was 6-8 from the line today and knocked down one of two key free throws at the end of the game. 

There's been a lot of talk about how the Miami Heat couldn't close games. The stat that showed up on my television show that the Heat were 2-8 in games decided by 5 points or less. That changed today and while the big scored a combined 75 points none of them was the late game hero. It was Eddie House who nailed the big 3 pointer in the corner after LeBron made the extra pass to him. I won't forget it was Mike Miller who had the offensive rebound who started this.

Miami made and effort to move around today. They make a lot of smart passes when everyone is doing something and not just watching the guy with the ball. That is why they scored 108 points today and shot 52% from the field. Great win today now enjoy the Lakers vs. Celtics game.

GAME NOTES :

• The Bench scored 19 points. Miller and Jones had two 3 pointers each.
• Chalmers and House were both perfect from the free throw line. I'm confident in our PG's at the line.
• Miami scored 40 points in the paint.
• LeBron had 13 assists to go along with his 23 points.
• Bosh scored 20 points and had 7 rebounds in his return.