City of HEAT

Miami 82 @ Chicago 103 (5/15/11) *Game 1, Eastern Finals

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals got under way Sunday as the HEAT took on the East’s # 1 seeded Chicago Bulls. Miami had yet to beat the Bulls this season, going 0-3 against Chicago in the regular season, and as of Sunday night the wait will have to continue as the Bulls comfortably beat the HEAT by 21 points in a game that remained close through halftime but saw Chicago pull away in the 3rd. Lebron James (15 points) and Dwayne Wade (18 points) both struggled and sub par games against the Bulls league leading defense.

 Game 1 got off to a bright start for the HEAT as dunks by both James and Wade put the HEAT up early. The 1^st and 2^nd seeds would go back and forth as the HEAT held a 3 point lead after the first quarter and went into the half tied at 48. Unfortunately for Miami the Bulls would make their run in the 3^rd quarter. After the HEAT took a 58-57 lead, Chicago went on a 10-0 run and would not relent, eventually blowing the game wide open and sending the HEAT to defeat and its first series deficit this post season. Chicago were led by Derrick Rose’s 28 points and Joakim Noah’s 14 rebounds and the lockdown defense played on James and Wade leaves Miami in a 0-1 hole and needing to make some serious adjustments. Game 2 will be Wednesday in Chicago.

COH Player of the game (Losing Effort): Chris Bosh (30 points, 9 rebounds and the HEAT’s lone bright spot)

Miami 97 Boston 87 (5/11/11) *Game 5, Round 3

After losing the first three games versus the Celtics this season the HEAT found themselves up 3-1 and with a chance to close Boston out and move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics would get off to an early lead and although the game remained tight Boston managed to maintain a slight advantage through most of the 4^th quarter. With 4:15 remaining in the game and down by 6, the HEAT would go on an amazing run and score the next 16 points. Beginning with a James Jones three the HEAT’s run would include dunks by Bosh and an amazing 10 straight points by Lebron James to carry the HEAT to victory over the Celtics and book a place in the Eastern Conference Finals. Dwayne Wade led the HEAT scoring 30 points through 3 quarters to keep the HEAT within striking distance but it was James, criticized and ostracized all season, who would single handedly close out Boston and in the process close some mouths around the country.

After losing 3 straight regular season games against Boston, the HEAT would finally CLOSE the Celtics out!

After both being eliminated by the Celtics in 2010, Wade and James would CLOSE the Celtics out!

Paul Pierce (12 points), Rajon Rondo (6 points), Kevin Garnett (15 points) failed to come through in the big game as they were outplayed and CLOSED out by the HEAT!

And…..after all the was said and done it would be the “veteran” Celtics who, aside from Ray Allen and Delonte West would walk off the court without offering a single hand shake. Looking old, tired and slow the Boston Celtics were CLOSED out by the Miami HEAT!

Now, while sitting back and enjoying this enormous and historic victory on the way to their ultimate goal, Miami must wait to see who their Eastern Conference Finals opponent will be.

Aside from the 2006 Finals games, this game surely ranks up there with perhaps the 2006 Eastern Conference Finals win versus Detroit (2006) as one of the biggest wins in HEAT history.

COH Player of the game: Lebron James and Dwayne Wade ( 30+ points each)

Miami 98 @ Boston 90 (OT) (5/9/11) *Game 4, Round 2

Miami entered critical Game 4 Monday knowing it was the definition of the swing game, win and they would all but kill Boston’s hopes up 3-1 and heading home or lose and the Celtics make it a best of 3 series. Rajon Rondo started the game, two days after dislocating his elbow in Game 3, and after all the discussion on his status for the game, it was ironically the HEAT who would make a lineup change as Joel Anthony was inserted into the starting lineup, replacing Big Z. There would be one more change for the HEAT as Udonis Haslem would play for the first time since late November, unfortunately for Haslem he played only 3 disastrous minutes, finishing with 2 fouls and a technical foul.

The game would remain virtually even throughout as the Big 3 carried the HEAT eventually finishing with 83 points and perhaps most impressing, 35 of the HEAT’s 45 rebounds. Both teams would make runs but neither team would conjure up enough to pull away and as the last minutes ticked down HEAT fans everywhere were on the edge of their seats. With the game tied at 86 and 19.5 seconds to go Boston had the ball with a chance to take the final shot and tie the series at 2. Lebron James would stick tightly to Paul Pierce as the Celtic actress received the ball but would put up a last second fade away jumper which bounced of the rim and sent the game into overtime.

The extra period is when the HEAT, and an angry fired up Dwayne Wade, would make their move to close out the biggest game of the season so far. Lebron James would make the first basket to give the HEAT the lead and between 4 Boston turnovers Dwayne Wade would hit a shot clock beating jumper with one foot on the 3pt line and Chris Bosh had his biggest basket since joining the HEAT with a late tip in. These contributions would be just enough as the HEAT pulled away in overtime to defeat the Celtics.

With Game 5 only 2 days away, HEAT fans can’t but dream about how close they are, close to closing some mouths, perhaps some careers and their biggest rival.

COH player of the game: Lebron James (35 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals)

Miami 81 @ Boston 97 (5/7/11) *Game 3, Round 2

The HEAT came into Saturday’s game hoping to rip the Celtics’ heart out and take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Unfortunately the HEAT would hit a sizeable roadblock as Boston thoroughly outplayed Miami and took the game easily, 97-81, to cut the HEAT’s series lead to 2-1.

The Celtics came out firing and used a big 1^st quarter run to take an early lead. The HEAT would strike back though, led off the bench by Joel Anthony’s first double double of the season (12 pts, 11 rbs) and Mario Chalmers (17 points), Miami seemed to crank things up a notch in the 2^nd quarter and held a 2 point lead at halftime. However, the Celtics would come out after the break and immediately charge off on another run to take a double digit lead, leaving many to wonder how long Erik Spoelstra will stick with the struggling Mike Bibby and Zydrunas Illgauskas. Then came “elbow gate”, Dwayne Wade got tangled up with Celtic’s guard Rajon Rondo who fell awkwardly, rolled around the floor in pain and would eventually be carried off the court with what we later learned was a dislocated elbow. Rondo would return to the game a few minutes later with his team still leading and, playing with one arm, would help the Celtics extend their lead and send the HEATLES crashing to defeat.

Aside from the impressive Anthony and Chalmers, the rest of the HEAT players to take the court had dismal sub par games in the loss, Lebron James managed only 15 points, Dwayne Wade scored 23 and Chris Bosh finished the game on the bench after putting up only 6 points and 5 rebounds. Bosh who had outplayed Garnett in the previous two victories hit only 1 shot in 30 minutes as Garnett torched the HEAT with 28 points and 18 rebounds.

All is not lost, the HEAT still hold a 2-1 series lead and have another chance to get a game in Boston on Monday night before returning home for Wednesday’s Game 5.

COH player of the game (Losing Effort): Joel Anthony (12 points, 11 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal)

Miami 102 Boston 91 (5/3/11) *Game 2, Round 2

When Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh were brought together over the summer the vision was that of a nightly dominating trio that would unhinge opponents and lead the HEAT to a second title. In Tuesday night’s game that vision became reality and the HEAT took a huge leap towards their ultimate goal. The Big 3 finished with 80 points and 26 rebounds as a close game through 3 quarters, quickly turned into a second straight comfortable win for Miami as the HEAT turned up the defense in the 4^th quarter and left the Celtics looking old, injured and slow. The game would remain close throughout with the HEAT holding only a 1 point lead after the first quarter and only a 5 point lead heading into the final period. The Big 3 got valuable contributions from Mike Bibby (8 pts, 4 rbs, 3 assists) and fan favorite Joel Anthony (6 pts, 5 rbs, 3 blocks) who’s tireless hustle and defense is finally being appreciated by HEAT fans. After the Celtics tied the game at 80 with 7 minutes to play the HEAT would go on a 14-0 run led by the James and Wade and for the second straight game, hold off and close out the Celtics, something many thought they were unable to do just a couple of months ago. Lebron James led Miami with 35 points, Dwayne Wade added 25 points and 8 rebounds and for the second straight game Chris Bosh outplayed Kevin Garnett finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds as opposed to K.G.’s 16/ 6.

Now the HEAT must wait for their chance, the chance to kill off the Celtics and take Game 3 in Boston on Saturday, knowing in the back of their minds that no team in NBA history has ever come back from 0-3 down to win a series.

COH player of the game: Lebron James (35 points, 7 rebounds, 0 turnovers)

Miami 99 Boston 90 (5/1/11) *Game 1, Round 2

With the AAA full to the rafters and decked out in white, the HEAT opened round 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs in style with a 9 point win over the Celtics. The way the game was won was perhaps most satisfying as the HEAT outplayed the Celtics at almost every position and took away one of Boston’s biggest assets, its bullying physical play, and punched back at the infamous bully. The HEAT got off to a quick start, mostly thanks to the scoring of Dwayne Wade and ended the quarter up 6 after Mario Chalmers breakaway layup with 0:1 seconds remaining. Wade admittedly had struggled in the regular season versus the Celtics, averaging only 12.8 ppg while shooting 28%, but in this important opening game Wade had 23 points by halftime. With Rajon Rondo in foul trouble and Kevin Garnett contributing very little the HEAT increased their lead through the 2^nd quarter and ended the half up by 15 points after DWade’s highlight bank shot buzzer beater to end the half. James Jones had perhaps his best game of the season as he hit 5 three point shots, was 10-10 from the free throw line and finished with a HEAT postseason record 25 points off the bench. The majority of Jones’ free throws came as a result of technical fouls, flagrant fouls and as Doc Rivers called it, “Chippy” plays. The dislike between these two rivals is clearly evident but tonight the HEAT would give the Celtics a dose of their own medicine and clearly the Bully did not take it well. Paul Pierce was ejected in the 4^th quarter after separate incidents with Jones and Wade, an ejection that severely cost his team as they would play the final 7:00 plus without their leader. Chris Bosh, although putting up numbers below his average, outplayed Kevin Garnett and finished with 7 points and 12 rebounds opposed to Garnett’s 6 points and 8 rebounds. Lebron James played floor general tonight making passes at the perfect time, guarding Celtics at all positions and still finishing with 22 points. The Celtics would make a couple of mini runs to stay close but the HEAT were able to hold off their long time nemesis to comfortably take game 1.

COH Player of the game: Dwayne Wade (38 pts) & James Jones (25 points, 5-7 3pt’s)

Miami 97 Philadelphia 91 (4/27/11) *Game 5

Attempting to close out the 76ers, the HEAT flirted with disaster Wednesday night as the Philadelphia remained within a point going into the last minute of the game. Putting a fright into HEAT fans everywhere, the HEATLES would find just enough to hold off the young and impressive 76ers in the last minute and end Philadelphia’s season while confirming their own date with the Celtics.

Unlikely heroes Joel Anthony and Mario Chalmers played a major part in the HEAT victory with Chalmers scoring 20 points and Anthony playing almost the entire 2^nd half and finishing with 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 key free throws in the last few seconds to ensure the victory. As they’ve done in almost every game in this series, the 76ers got off to an early lead against the HEAT and seemed to be beating them at their own game, up tempo and getting out on the break. With only a 3 point lead at halftime Erik Spoelstra would change his lineup and rotations leaving Big Z and Mike Bibby on the bench to begin the half, opting to stick with the quicker Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony. The HEAT would struggle to maintain their composure as a series of questionable calls went against them in the 2^nd half and resulted in Erik Spoelstra and Dwayne Wade both being issued technical fouls. Wade’s technical had the potential to be extremely damaging, coming with 51 seconds left and the HEAT up only by 2. Wade inexplicably barked at the wrong official in Steve Javie, known for his quick whistle, after not receiving a foul call. Rotating only 5 players during much of the 2^nd half, Spoelstra and the HEAT would get just enough from each of the five to finally kill off the 76ers and take their place in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. The Big 3 finished with 64 points and 32 rebounds combined, but the story of the night was the help they needed and received from Mario Chalmers, Joel Anthony and James Jones.

COH Player of the game: Mario Chalmers (20 points, 6-12 3pt FG, 0 turnovers)

Miami 82 @ Philadelphia 86 (4/24/11) *Game 4

Seeking a four game sweep and the possibility of up to a week off the HEAT came out in game 4 and laid an egg on Easter Sunday. The 76ers, as they have done for much of the series, were the better team out of the gate and again held an early lead. Facing their biggest deficit of the series the HEAT rallied from 16 down in a defensively furious 2^nd quarter full of trapping, steals and transition baskets. After the half the HEAT would revert back to some of the frustrating traits that have plagued them all season, laziness on defense, the Big 3 settling for jump shots and the role players providing very little help. Despite this the HEAT were up 6 with just under 2 minutes to go and seemed on the verge of closing it out in Philadelphia, unfortunately for Miami the 76ers scored the next 10 points to win the game 86-82 and force a game 5 back in Miami on Wednesday night. Proving that anyone can beat anyone in the playoffs the HEATLES will have to get a lot more production from the role players Wednesday than what they got on Sunday, Mike Bibby finished with 0 points, Big Z 1 point, James Jones 5 points and so on down the line of unproductive role players.

COH Player of the game (Losing Effort): Lebron James (31 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists)

Miami 100 @ Philadelphia 94 (4/21/11) *Game 3

The HEAT took the playoff road show to Philadelphia Thursday and strolled off the court with a commanding 3-0 series lead and on the verge of booking their place in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The 76ers put on their best showing of the series before their rowdy home crowd but even that was not enough as the HEATLES displayed just how talented and gritty they can be.  The 76ers came out strong scoring the first 9 points of the game and holding a lead throughout much of the first 3 quarters, however the fourth quarter would demonstrate just how important having a “go to guy”, “game closer” type of player is and how Philadelphia, although young and talented, lack just that. Fortunately Miami has three such players and Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh scored 23 of the final 27 fourth quarter HEAT points to finish off the 76ers and put them on the brink of elimination.

COH Player of the game: Dwayne Wade (32 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists)

Miami 94 Philadelphia 73 (4/18/11) * Game 2

Looking to take a commanding 2-0 series lead the HEAT entered game 2 well aware of the 76ers abilities to stay with them. Dwayne Wade started and played 34 minutes after missing Sunday’s practice and being confined to a dark room, fighting off the effects of a migraine. This game would be nothing like the first, the HEAT came out strong and put the cold shooting 76ers away early. The HEATLES maintained a double digit lead through much of the game as their defense just stopped the Sixers in their tracks. Double teamed much of the night, Dwayne Wade finished with 14 points but his ability to use the double teams to his advantage and kick out to open teammates was invaluable. Chris Bosh had his second straight playoff double double and Lebron James flirted with a triple double once again. Perhaps the unsung hero of the night was “The Warden”, Joel Anthony, whose athletic plays, rebounding and shot blocking ignited the HEAT. Anthony initiated the play of the game with 2 consecutive blocks of Thaddeus Young which then led to an amazing Lebron James fast break dunk. HEAT fans showed Joel the love with what is now becoming the ceremonious but sarcastic “MVP” chants for the big Canadian, a chant that left his teammates on the bench smiling, giggling and at times almost joining in. Things are looking good as the HEAT can get one step closer to a series win on Thursday in the all important game 3 in Philadelphia.

COH Player of the game: Lebron James (29 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists)

Miami 97 Philadelphia 89 (4/16/11) *Game 1

After months of waiting and 82 regular season games, game 1 of the playoffs finally arrived in South Florida, and the HEAT embarked on their playoff journey that hopefully leads to a championship. The 7^th seed Sixers came out flying, hitting 8 of their first 10 shots Philadelphia led by as much as 14 points in the first quarter. The HEAT would not panic and clawed their way back during the second quarter, thanks to the hot shooting of Chris Bosh, and managed to take a 5 point lead into the locker room. In the second half the HEAT began to build on their lead, withstanding a sub par scoring game from Dwayne Wade the Miami led by as much as 16 and took an 11 point lead into the fourth quarter. The Sixers would make their run in the fourth however, a run that would bring them back to within 1 point and make all HEAT fans feel uneasy, especially with Dwayne Wade on the bench through much of it with 5 fouls. Lacking a defined “go to guy” the Sixers got contributions all around, with Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young doing the damage down low and Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday complementing the big men from the outside. After Chris Bosh and Lebron James missed several shots in the final few minutes to extend the lead the HEAT turned to Dwayne Wade, DWade fulfilled his roll as the “Closer” scoring 5 points in the final 1:34 to finally put an end to the Sixers upset bid and give the HEAT a 1-0 series lead.

COH Player of the game: Lebron James (21 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks)