By: Matt Pineda

Kevin Garnett owned Chris Bosh.  From the very beginning.  All this talk about Garnett being played to an even by Bosh was over.  Bosh was invisible the entire game, and Garnett was the forerunner of the Celtics climbing back into this series.  The Celtics got off to a hot start, and opened an 11 point lead early.  Miami fought back with the help of Joel Anthony’s 10 first half points.  The HEAT lead by 2 at halftime and had some momentum, but the Celtics were able to outlast the HEAT. 

The return of Shaq didn’t do a whole lot basketball wise.  He had two points in 8 minutes, but his very presence brought energy to the crowd.  Boston came out in the second half and took control and never let up.  Rajon Rondo dislocated his elbow in a nasty fall with  Dwyane Wade.  It surely looked broken and a series changer, but he went into the locker room, got in popped back into place and came back into the game to start the 4th quarter where he scored 6 points.

The Celtics beat the HEAT 97-81, and now Miami leads the series 2-1.

Game MVP: Kevin Garnett

KG had 28 points and 18 rebounds and was the difference maker in this game.  He absolutely could not be stopped.  Joel Anthony wasn’t big enough to guard him, and Chris Bosh wasn’t efficient enough to contest him.  Defensively Garnett was outstanding as well.  KG gets the game ball, and the reason the Celtics are now in the series.

Biggest Surprise of the Game: LeBron James

LeBron usually strives in these atmospheres.  The crowd against him, on the road, a statement game.  But LeBron was very inefficient tonight.  He only scored 15 points tonight, and never really got it going.  I was very surprised James performed that way.

Tough Game: Chris Bosh

30 minutes. 6 points. 1-6 FGs. 5 rebounds. Max contract.

Lights Out Performance: Paul Pierce

Pierce had 27 points with 5 three-pointers and played effective defense on LeBron.  He was on tonight from the very beginning and his passion was evident, even if he tried to fake an injury again at the end.

Stat of the Game: 19 FTA for Miami

In two games in Miami, the HEAT were getting 30+ free throws, but they didn’t get those in Boston.

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This team needs adjustments.  Spoelstra can’t keep getting his team into holes with Ilgauskas and Bibby starting halfs.  They are playing ineffectively, and Chalmers and Anthony are playing outstanding.  Something needs to happen.  I expect Miami to come out focused for game 4.  They will be much better off than Boston with only one day of rest.  Rondo’s elbow is going to hurt like a mother on their day off after popping it back into place, let’s see how he feels on Monday.  But James and Bosh have to play more efficiently than they did.  They need more poise, and they need to play like they are capable of playing.

Next Game: Monday night, Game 4 @ the TD Garden in Boston.  The game will be on TNT at 7 PM.

*Images property of Getty Images and AP Photos

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By: Matt Blue

This was a magnificent performance by the Miami HEAT. You better believe this was a serious team effort. There is no way you can beat an elite team such as Boston with just three players. Yes it is very true that Miami’s trifecta carried the HEAT offensively by combining for 80 points. However, the HEAT’s benched contributed defensively and on the glass. Joel Anthony was all over the place in this game. He is the HEAT’s unsung hero and he is this team’s energizer bunny and its epic warrior. His energy and effort is truly contagious. The rest of the team has been able to emulate Anthony’s style of play. You saw Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Mike Bibby and Mike Miller diving for loose balls. The 50-50 balls went the HEAT’s way the entire night. As a result, they completely outhustled the Boston Celtics.

This was a very important game for Miami to win. There is a huge difference between going back to Boston up 2-0 and tied 1-1. The HEAT made a statement at home that they are truly for real and that they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. LeBron James finished with 35 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Dwyane Wade posted 28 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. While Chris Bosh had a very solid night at the office as well posting 17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.

The fact is, talent usually wins out in the playoffs. Right now, it looks like the HEAT are not only more motivated than Boston but they are also the more talented team. The motivation they have stems from the fact that both Dwyane Wade and LeBron James’s seasons have been ended in the past by the Celtics.

Both teams played excellent defense throughout the entire game. The difference tonight was that Dwyane Wade and LeBron James are in a HEAT uniform. The two plays of the night for the HEAT were carried out by both superstar players. Late in the second quarter, Dwyane Wade rapidly dribbled the ball in the open court and he almost decided to shoot the three point shot. Instead, he wisely decided to drive the ball to the rim. In the process of driving the ball, he made an unbelievable change of direction stutter step move on KG. Kevin Garnett looked mesmerized after the conclusion of the play. He had no idea what had just happened to him. The second play of the game which greatly excited HEAT fans occurred when LeBron James made a great spin move on Rajon Rondo. He knocked him down and finished the fast break play with a thunderous two handed slam.

The Celtics just looked flat out old and lethargic. Rajon Rondo made some spectacular plays for Boston. Kevin Garnett also shot the ball very well in the second half. He really contributed offensively for the Celtics. Other than Rondo and Garnett, the Celtics were not able to generate much offense.

The HEAT is in complete control of this series. Any honest observer would tell you that Miami completely dismantled this Celtics team. The Miami HEAT has now found themselves in the driver’s seat. Hopefully, we will see a killer instinct from this HEAT team. They can’t afford to let up or get too comfortable. They need to make sure they do everything they can to close out the Boston Celtics. You don’t want to give them any life or confidence.

The HEAT has delivered two major blows to the Celtics. Now all they have to do is deliver the knockout punch.

Game MVP LeBron James

James played with a tremendous sense of urgency carrying the HEAT offensively in the second half.  James scored 24 of his 35 points in the second half. He made a number of critical shots in the third and fourth quarter.  He was also super aggressive and he was in attack mode. You can never ever question James heart, will and desire to win. He shot 14-25 from the field and he made smart decisions by not turning the ball over. James did a good job finding open teammates like he did when he made a very nice pass to Joel Anthony for an easy dunk.

Lights Out Performance: Dwyane Wade

D-Wade played a great first half. He came out of the gates energized and pumped up. The tag team superstar duo definitely played up to their capabilities. Wade was able to get to the hoop at will. He shot 11-13 from the free throw line as well. This was another very impressive performance by Mr. Wade.

Stat of the Night: Miami outrebounded Boston 44-38

This was the key stat of the night. I believe whoever is able to control the glass will ultimately win the series. In order to play winning playoff basketball you must control the glass and get to those 50-50 balls.  Tonight Miami got the job done on the glass against a bigger Boston team.

Next Up: The HEAT will be taking their talents to Boston for a Game 3 matchup against the Celtics Saturday night at 8PM. The Game will be nationally televised on ABC.

*Images property of Getty Images and AP Photos

The post Bring out the Rocking Chairs: HEAT takes a 2-0 lead over the Boston Celtics appeared first on The World Champion Crank Up The HEAT.

By: Matt Pineda

Miami came into Game 4 with the mindset to close out the Philadelphia 76ers, but got off to a rough start. The HEAT trailed early 20-6 with the Sixers playing with a lot of pride. Miami was able to come back and led the game at halftime behind a great first half from Dwyane Wade. In the second half it was a tight game, back and forth, and eventually Miami gained control. The HEAT led by 6 points with 90 seconds left, but they failed in the clutch again. A missed shot by Wade and Chalmers, coupled by two 3-pointers by the Sixers and an Evan Turner jump shot put the Sixers up by two with 8 seconds left. The play was called for a LeBron clear-out and he had the advantage, but help side defense caused LeBron to put up an off shot, and the Sixers seized control of the game.

The HEAT melted down the stretch. They had the series wrapped up but they couldn’t execute offensively down the stretch. Philadelphia also hit some big shots. Both three pointers were just iso plays and shooting over the defender, much luck more than execution by the 76ers. But everyone know sees again Miami struggles with the game on the line. LeBron had a great game, but many question whether Wade should have had the ball in his hands at the end of the game.

Either way, the HEAT lost 86-82 and Philadelphia closed the game on a quick 10-0 spurt. The HEAT now lead the series 3-1.

Game MVP: LeBron James

Despite losing the game when he had the chance to tie it up, LeBron played great ball most of the game. He had a game high 31 points and racked up 7 rebounds and 6 assists. He also played a game high 44 minutes and could benefit from some rest if Miami can stop the slow starts.

Biggest Surprise: Lou Williams

17 points off the bench and the 3 that gave Philly the lead was huge. His play really elevates the team, and Miami didn’t have an answer today.

Rough Game: Mike Bibby

Remember, Bibby was that playoff tested point guard? The one who was afraid to take and make that big three when the team needs it? Bibby played 14 minutes, 0 points on 0-6 shooting. We know Mike is better than this, and he must play better for the HEAT to be successful.

Lights Out Performance: Andre Igoudala

Dude finally got some points up – 16. He has to score in order for Philly to beat Miami, and he did, and they did.

Stat of the Game: Zydrunas Ilgauskas -18, Joel Anthony +18 on the +/-

Joel is way more effective in the game, and he needs to be put in sooner for Miami to be more competitive.

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Here’s a good omen for you. In the current set-up of 7 game series in the first round, no NBA Champion has ever swept through the first series. And this year, only the Boston Celtics swept the first round. Miami may actually benefit from not resting for a week, and getting another game together before their eventual series with the Boston Celtics.

But Miami has to close out Philadelphia in Game 5, which is on Wednesday nigh at 7 PM on TNT in Miami.

Let’s Go HEAT!

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By: Pedro Heizer

Miami came into the 2009-2010 NBA season with one goal, redemption in the playoffs. From the get go it looked like Miami was poised to be the 4^th seed in the East and have home court advantage in the playoffs. Beginning the season with a commanding 115-93 home victory over the New York Knicks, it seemed like second year head coach Erik Spoelstra was ready to show the NBA world he belonged with the big boys. Yet, with all the hype surrounding the Heat, their Achilles heel was, surprisingly, Home. Miami failed to capitalize in a first half home-heavy schedule. With 17 of the first 28 games in the month of November and December at home, Miami managed a mediocre 9-8 at home in that stretch.  Not a proud number if you are looking to become one of the four elite teams in the eastern conference.

This was supposed to be the season in which Dwyane Wade would receive his credit and be the MVP award. That didn’t happen for a number of reasons, the main reason are the sportswriters who pick an MVP on the basis of team record rather than value for the team. I think that MVP awards are simply a popularity contest; Wade has done the same amount. if not more, work than LeBron. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, if the name of the award was most valuable team, LeBron’s Cavaliers would win. But, take away LeBron from the Cavaliers and they will still be a playoff team with the rest of its stars such as Mo Williams, Daniel Gibson, Antawn Jaminson, Anderson Verajao, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and of course, Shaquille O’Neal. That is a team playoff ready and would be a great team regardless of LeBron James. Now, Miami without Wade… How does that work? Who would be the go-to man? Michael Beasley? No. He isn’t capable of playing the style of Wade. Miami without Wade would be like  Chinese food and chocolate pudding, it just wouldn’t’ work.  This isn’t a campaign for the MV3, this isn’t an angry fan letting out the rage of the system that has done wrong, and I’m not being biased. These are the mere facts in which we should know. Mark my words, if I was voting for the MVP, and one day I will, I will not base my decision by the record of the team. With that being said, LeBron will win his second undeserving MVP title, and will once again fail to make it to the finals. If he does, it will be like 2007 all over again.

The man on the hot seat at the begging of the season has been in that position all season long. With other people, not only I, questioning him and his ability to play the game in the level he played at Kansas State, Michael Beasley have showed all of them, including myself, wrong in the past few games.  Since March 22, Beasley has averaged 13 Points per game, and 5 Rebounds per game. His season totals have been good, but not such a great increase from last season. His points per game total haven’t been such a great rise, only a .8 increase from 13.9 to 14.7. His biggest increase was in the rebounds department going from 5.4 to 6.3. Beasley will only get off the hot seat when he becomes that 15-10 guy that Pat Riley has said he can be.  He’s almost there, maybe next season with the addition of a superstar or two, Beasley will grow up and play like the big boys, and he sure does deserve it. So here’s to you, Mr. Beasley congratulations in proving me and others wrong about you. Hope we can see more of that in the future and let’s see you step up your game in the playoffs.

I predicted at the beginning of the season Miami going 48-34 and being the 4^th seed in the conference. Who knew I was going to come so close with a record of 47-35 and 5^th in the east? Miami met my speculation and will be in the playoffs playing the Boston Celtics, a team who just two years was also at the top of the NBA world but the 2010 Version of the Boston Celtics is much like the 2007 Version of the Miami Heat. Evidentially, in 2007 Miami was also the 4^th seed of the east and they lost to a young Chicago Bulls team in the first round. As many people say it, history repeats itself, and this time I believe history is on the Heat’s side.

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