[Miami, FL] After coming off of a close call against the Atlanta Hawks – a game in which the Miami Heat struggled very much throughout – the good guys wanted to make sure that the same didn’t happen against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

And there was a lot riding on this one – if the Heat won, they would extend their home winning streak to 12. Unfortunately, the same thing happened against the Pacers except that Indiana actually seemed like the better of the two teams on this occasion.

In the first quarter, the score stayed close. Both teams were going back and forth, scoring at will. But, with around 4 minutes left, the Pacers went on a run and extended their lead to 9. Most of Indiana’s scoring came from Danny Granger and Darren Collison, who combined to score 12 points.

At the end of one, the Pacers were up 26-17.

The Miami Heat made a bit of a comeback in the second quarter, outscoring the Pacers 22-17. Dwyane Wade dominated, giving rise to the Heat’s comeback with his 12 points. At halftime, the Pacers were still up, 43-39.

Miami came out strong after the break, outscoring the Pacers 21-18. LeBron James and Mario Chalmers paired up to score 12 points, with LeBron getting 7 of those. At the end of three, the Pacers were still on top, but only by 1 (61-60). Although the Heat were still down, the best was yet to come.

James was the hero for Miami in the fourth, scoring 11 points and grabbing a couple of rebounds. But James’ heroics weren’t enough as the Miami Heat were still down by four with less than a minute to go.

But James wasn’t done.

© NBAE 2012 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade makes a legendary shot

While the Pacers tried to bring the ball up-court, Chris Bosh and Chalmers played great defense which led to a James steal and dunk. One play later, the Pacers missed a shot, which led to an outlet pass to LeBron who made the shot and the foul.

A couple of plays later, the Heat again found themselves down, this time by 3 points. A biog shot was needed and the Heat delivered as Wade drove in and kicked the ball back out to LeBron who sunk a three-pointer to send the game into overtime.

At the end of regulation, the game was tied at 85.

In OT, the Pacers jumped out to an early four-point lead. Wade and James were fouled and made back-to-back trips to the line – but out of the four attempts, only Wade managed a single point leaving the Heat down by 3. A couple of possessions later, the Heat were down by 5 with under 2 minutes remaining.

With 1:44 left, LeBron made a three-pointer to put the Heat within 2. After a turnover by the Pacers, the Heat came back down-court and Bosh drained a shot to tie the game.

When the Pacers got the ball back, Granger missed a 3-pointer and the Heat had the game in their hands with under 23 seconds left. James gave the ball to D-Wade who waited for the clock to hit 3 seconds. He faked a shot, drew heavy contact, but still managed to throw it toward the rim.

But even with the bump, Wade hit the game-winning shot with 0.1 seconds left.

“That’s as good as it gets,” Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra said after the game.

The final score was Heat 93, Pacers 91.

The Miami Heat play the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Images: © NBAE 2012 (Photos by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Miami Heat

[Miami, FL] After blowing out the New Jersey Nets by 30 points, the Miami Heat were eager to give the Atlanta Hawks a taste of that good stuff. After all, the last time the Hawks and Heat met, Atlanta reigned supreme 100-92.

That game was close throughout, with both teams battling back and forth, but the Hawks eventually pulled away at the end. This game also had a post-season feel as well.

In the first quarter, LeBron James dominated. He scored 11 points and dished out 2 assists. For the Hawks, Josh Smith was the one doing the damage. Smith scored 10 points and reeled in a couple of rebounds. At the end of one, the Heat were up 25-22.

The Atlanta Hawks fought back and took the lead in the second, with Jeff Teague and Jerry Stackhouse combining to score 13 points in that effort. The Hawks were coming on strong and consequently went into the locker room at halftime up 45-43.

Both teams were fighting hard in the third quarter. Dwyane Wade and James took over for the Miami Heat, with Wade scoring 10 points and passing out a few assists. Meanwhile, LeBron also poured in 10 points.

On the Hawks side of the ball, it was Smith and Marvin Williams playing great, combining to score 13 points and matching the Heat bucket for bucket. At the end of the third, the score was tied at 68.

Photo: Issac Baldizon/NBAE/Getty Images

Miami Heat forward LeBron James pulls up for a jumper

At the start of the fourth, it was obvious that both teams came to play, both on the defensive side and the offensive side. With around 6 minutes left, it actually looked like the Heat could pull away. But Teague came back and hit 3 straight shots to tie up the game.

Udonis Haslem was clutch tonight – in the final minute he scored 4 points to put the Hawks away. When it was over, the scoreboard read Heat 89, Hawks 86.

The Heat have now won 11 straight home games. LeBron James had a double-double, scoring 31 points and pulling in 11 rebounds. Dwyane Wade scored 18 points and had 9 rebounds.

“That was ugly there for a while,” Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We certainly weren’t in a great flow offensively, but we were able to push through, grind out the game and make the finishing plays.”

And what about Haslem there at the end?

“We know U.D. is a champion, where he helps you win,” Spoelstra said. “More often than not, he just makes winning plays.”

Next up for the Miami Heat: Saturday vs. Pacers, Tuesday @ Magic, Wednesday @ Bulls.

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Images: Issac Baldizon/NBAE/Getty Images

Miami Heat

[Atlanta, GA] Coming into tonight’s game, the Orlando Magic (22-12) have been winners of 7 of their last 10 games. Their opponents the Atlanta Hawks (19-14), on the other hand, have dropped 7 of their last 10.

The math says the Magic should win this one easily. In sports, however, it doesn’t always come down to math.

Since this is the Magic’s last game before the All-Star break, could this be the last time we see Dwight Howard in a Magic uniform?

On to quarter number one: The Hawks flew out of the gate fast, taking an early 15-6 lead thanks to 9 quick points from Josh Smith. Perhaps Smith was still angry that Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy didn’t pick him for this year’s All-Star team? Yes, I think so.

At the end of the first, the Hawks led 29-20. Josh “Angry Bird” Smith had 14 for Atlanta. Leading the way for the Magic with was another Smith, recent pick-up and instant fan favorite Ish Smith.

The second quarter was possibly the most anemic quarter I have seen out of the Magic this year – they only put up 10 points in the quarter! Most teams score 10 points by accident. Not much to say about that other than wake up Magic!  The score at the half was the Atlanta Hawks 47, the Orlando Magic 30.

Photo: Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty Images

Mr. Angry Bird made his All-Star case to Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy

Someone must have poured some cold water on the Magic in the locker room at halftime, because the boys came out bangin’, and put up 25 points in the third. Led by Ryan Anderson (who notched 10 points), the Magic had trimmed the Hawks’ 17-point lead down to 3.

At the end of the third it was 58-55 Atlanta. Angry Bird was still the man for ATL – he had 19 points thus far in the game.

The fourth quarter was almost a wash with the Magic just able to get anything going. They ended up losing the quarter 23-25, and, obviously, losing the game. The final was Hawks 83, Magic 78.

For the Magic, J.J. Redick had a decent night with 13 points but D12 had another off night, only offering 12 points and 12 rebounds (not exactly an ideal way to head into the All-Star weekend, Mr. 12). Also in double figures were Hedo Turkoglu (11) and Ryan Anderson (10).

Mr. Angry Bird was absolutely fuming – he put up 22 points and grabbed 12 boards. Also contributing for the Hawks were Jannero Pargo with 15, Willie Green with 14 and Jeff Teague with 13.

Since this is the last game before the All-Star break, I will not be making any predictions due to the chance of major trades and the extended break. see you on the other side.

By: Mike Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Image: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic

[Newark, NJ] Coming into tonight’s contest, the Orlando Magic (21-12) have been winners of 10 or their last 13 games and are currently sitting in the 3rd seed in the East. Their opponent tonight: The New Jersey Nets (10-24), who have had to play without their young stud center Brook Lopez for most of the season so far.

Saying that they are struggling would be a understatement. But he is back, playing in his second game of the season against the visitors. Losers of 10 or their last 12, could the Nets continue their one-game winning streak, or start another 10 game slide?

Starting tonight’s game, the Orlando Magic came out of the gate hot, thanks to a fast start from Jameer Nelson and Glen “Big Baby” Davis, both contributing 8 points in the first quarter. The Magic doubled up the hapless Nets, ending the first quarter 34-17.

Leading the Nets was Lopez (who had 7) – he’s the guy that is considered the center piece around a potential Dwight Howard-to-the-Nets trade.

The second quarter was no better for the struggling Nets. There is not much to say other than the Magic dominated this one, other than some solid play from star Nets PG Deron Williams. The Magic led at the half 58-41.

First half stand-outs: for the Orlando Magic it was Big Baby, who had 14. For the Nets, it was D. Williams with 11.

With the game already over at the half – and both teams knowing it – the third quarter was a complete wash, with both teams putting up 29 points. Other than some very solid play from Williams and Lopez not much was going on for the Nets.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis pulls up for an outside fade-away jumper

The Magic on the other hand, saw some excellent team play. Through three, the Magic led 87-70. This one was actually painful to watch. I almost felt sorry for the New Jersey fans … almost.

Both teams put up 21 points in the fourth quarter and we got to see a lot of the 2nd and 3rd stringers from both teams. Not exactly an NBA barn-burner. The final score of tonight’s game was your Orlando Magic 108, the New Jersey Nets 91.

The Magic had 13 players play in this game and ten of them put up some points. Leading the way for the Magic was Dwight Howard, who managed 20 points and 17 boards in under 34 minutes. Big Baby had 16 while Ryan Anderson poured in 14 points and grabbed 9 boards.

Chris Duhon put up 11. Hedo Turkoglu and Jameer Nelson both scored 10. The Nets, on the other hand, were led by rookie sensation Marshon Brooks with 24 points, D. Williams with 23 points and 8 dimes. The mighty Brook Lopez finished with 15 points in his second game back.

Note: Sitting this one out was Jason Richardson with chest pains.

Mike’s Pick

The Orlando Magic play their next game this Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks who are coming in on a 3-game slide. I expect this one to be close, but not too close. The Magic will win, especially with the way they are playing as of late.

My Prediction: The Magic 93, The Hawks 88.

Position Advantage:

PG: Even

SG: Atlanta

SF: Magic

PF: Slight Atlanta

C: Magic

Bench: Magic

By: Mike Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Images: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic

[Milwaukee, WI] After blowing-out both the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks on the road, the Miami Heat were properly prepared to face the Milwaukee Bucks – the only team in the NBA this season to hand the Heat two losses. In both of those losses, the Bucks ran away with the game in the fourth quarter.

Miami was bound and determined to not let history repeat itself (for a third time).

In the first quarter, both teams went back and forth playing some pretty good ball. For the Heat, LeBron James scored 7 points while Dwyane Wade scored 8. For the Bucks, Carlos Delfino had the hot hand, scored 10 points, six of them coming from the three-pointers. At the end of the quarter, the Heat were up 30-27.

James and Wade dominated the second quarter, both combining to score 16 points. Yet the Bucks kept it close, even taking the lead. However, in the last 6 minutes of the half, the Heat went on a 20-9 run to re-take the lead and give them a 5-point cushion going into halftime.

At the midway point, the Miami Heat were up 55-50.

As if on cue, the Heat pretty much ran away with the game in the third, outscoring the Bucks 35-24. LeBron netted 14 points and Mario Chalmers scored 10. There seemed to be nothing the Bucks could do to get back in the game. At the end of the quarter, the Heat were up 90-74.

Feeling that another blow-out victory was at hand, the Heat’s bench came in and closed out the Bucks, not giving up any ground. The game ended with the final score of Heat 114, Bucks 96.

LeBron James scored 35 points and had 8 rebounds. Dwyane Wade scored 22 points and also had 5 rebounds. These two guys are simply playing fantastic basketball right now.

“We took last night like it was its own game and we did the same thing tonight,” said James. “Now we move on to Indiana to close it out.”

The Miami Heat … starting to play like a championship team. Next up: Indiana tonight and Cleveland on Friday, both road contests.

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Image: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat dunks against (L-R) Ersan Ilyasova #7 and Mike Dunleavy #17 of the Milwaukee Bucks on February 13, 2012 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

Miami Heat

[Atlanta, GA] After demolishing the Washington Wizards, the Miami Heat wanted to give the Atlanta Hawks a little of the same. Dwyane Wade, who dominated the Wizards, did the same thing to the Hawks on Sunday night in Atlanta.

In the first quarter, the Heat’s Big Three came up, well, big, combining to score 20 points. Wade scored 8 points, LeBron James also scored 8 while Chris Bosh chipped in 4. Shane Battier also contributed off the bench, scoring 6 points off of two 3-pointers. At the end of one, the Heat were up 30-18 and cruising.

In the second, it only got better for the Heat and way worse for the Hawks. Wade came back and scored 11 points and Bosh scored 6 points. The Hawks actually looked like they were going to go on a run at the beginning of the quarter, but the Heat pulled away, ending the half on a 25-12 run.

The Miami Heat went into the locker room with a commanding 63-41 lead.

In the third quarter, the Heat cooled somewhat, only outscoring the Hawks 25-20. But, the relentless Miami defense kept the Hawks at bay. James scored 8 points in the quarter. At the end of three, the Hawks were done, down to Miami by a score of 88-61.

With the game already over, the fourth quarter became a good time to get the bench some minutes. As expected, the Hawks made a little run at the end, but it was far from enough. The final score was Heat 107, Hawks 87.

LeBron James scored 23 points and had 13 rebounds. Chris Bosh played a great game on the boards, collecting 16 rebounds to go with his 14 points. Dwyane Wade scored 21 points and had 5 rebounds.

“It was a big luxury,” Wade said. “We came out and took care of business, a very professional win by us. We were very focused on what our game plan was. … We got off to a big lead and were able to sustain it.”

“That’s about as close as we’ve gotten to our identity on both ends,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Forget about the numbers and the stats at the end. There was a real focus and commitment to play to our identity. We were able to pull out a very good win against a very good team.”

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Image: Miami Heat/Kevin. C. Cox

Miami Heat

[Milwaukee, WI] Traveling to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks (12-14), the Orlando Magic (16-11) had to try to get the sour taste of defeat out of their mouths after last night’s OT loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

But a sour taste is something that Bucks fans – and the entire team, for that matter – are trying to avoid after comments made by their emerging star player Brandon Jennings earlier in the week.

Uh oh, trouble in cheese town?

“I am going to keep my options open, knowing that the time is coming up,” said the 22-year-old Jennings. “I’m doing my homework on big market teams.”

Way to endear yourself to the fans, Brandon.

The Bucks have been blessed over the past decade-and-a-half with some pretty talented guards. With the likes of Ray Allen and Michael Redd – two top notch gentlemen of the game – they have never had to deal with such a prima donna getting waaaaay ahead of themselves.

Jennings, who skipped his senior year of high school to play professionally in Europe for a season, entered the 2009 NBA draft instead of attending a year of college. But so far, he has backed up his big mouth with big action, averaging 18.9 points and 5.3 assists this season. But could he keep it up tonight against the Magic?

Coming out of the gate strong, the Magic took an early 7-0 advantage, thanks to 5 quick points from “Mr. Convenient” himself, Ryan Anderson. But as quick as you could say Mbah a Moute, the Magic found themselves in an 11-7 hole, as the Bucks went on a little 11-0 run.

Photo: Gary Dineen/NBAE/Getty Images

Orlando Magic players Hedo Turkoglu and Glen Davis sandwich Milwaukee’s Ersan Ilyasova

Leading the way for the Bucks in the first was Mike Dunleavy, who had 8 points. At the end of the first quarter, the score was Milwaukee 21, Orlando 16.

Heading into the second, the Orlando Magic found themselves again in a hole, this one 5 points deep. And they would stay there for almost the entire quarter. Coming alive off the Magic bench was J.J. Redick, who decided to join the party and put up 10 points in the quarter and 12 for the half.

It was a back and forth affair with the Magic putting up 27 points to the Bucks 28 for the quarter. Something that we don’t see very often: Dwight Howard was outscored by Bucks big man (and former Magician) Drew Gooden, 5 to 8.

The score at the half: Milwaukee Bucks 49, Orlando Magic 43.

The second half started out with a bang as Orlando’s Jason Richardson came down and hit a three pointer putting the score at 46-49. And he was just getting started. After only scoring 3 points in the first half, someone decided to tell him he was on TV and in front of friends and family. He scored 16 points in the third quarter alone.

After going scoreless for nearly 21 minutes, Brandon “Big Mouth” Jennings decided to show up for the Bucks, albeit briefly. He put up a measly 5 points in the quarter, giving him 7 for the game. I guess no one told him that you actually have to play four quarters to get a max contract in the league (note: not completely true).

Photo: Orlando Magic

Ta da: Orlando Magic star of the night, J-Rich

After three, the score was Milwaukee 73, Orlando 72.

The fourth quarter was both ugly and a thing of beauty, all at once. It was really a tale of two halves, or of a quarter (which would just be two-eighths, but who’s counting?).

In the first six minutes the Magic were outscored 15-6, putting the Bucks up by 10, and the score at 88-78. But then J-Rich – the Magic’s savior as of late – stepped up and hit four three-pointers in the final 4:55, the last of the bunch giving the Magic a 94-88 lead.

And that’s all the Orlando Magic needed to pull of a tough win on the road. The final score was Orlando 99, Milwaukee 94.

Leading the way for the Magic was Jason Richardson with 31 points and 4 rebounds. D12 had a poor night, adding 11 points and 14 rebounds while Hedo Turkoglu came up big with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. The leading scorer off the Magic bench was Redick, who finished with 14.

The top point-getter for the Milwaukee Bucks was none other than Drew Gooden, recording 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists against the best defensive player in the league. He was actually impressive, but over the years he has never been able to deliver those kind of performances consistently.

Also in double figures for the Bucks were Ersan Ilyasova with 17 points and 16 rebounds, Mike Dunleavy with 14 points and Carlos Delfino (12 points, 5 rebounds).

MIKE’S PICK

The Orlando Magic play the Minnesota Timberwolves (13-15) next at home on Monday. The T-Wolves are greatly improved over last year, but still in need of some serious help. They are coming off a two point loss to the Knicks, so I expect this game to be close.

My Prediction: Orlando 97, Minnesota 91

Game Notes: Look for this game to come down to a battle of the big men: Kevin Love versus Dwight Howard. Whoever has the best night will likely lead their team to victory. After seeing early NBA Rookie of the Year candidate Kyrie Irving last week, we get our first look at the only man capable of challenging him, Ricky Rubio.

Rubio could potentially cause some match up problems for the Magic. Yes, I am talking about you Jameer Nelson.

Position Advantage:

PG – Minnesota
SG – Magic
SF – Magic
PF – Minnesota
C – Magic
Bench – Even

By: Mike Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Lead photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic

[Orlando, FL] Coming off of quite possibly the biggest statement game of the season, the newly re-energized Orlando Magic (16-10) headed into tonight’s game against the Atlanta Hawks (17-9) riding in on the hopes that D-12 could have another monster 25 point, 24 rebound performance like the one he had against in-state rivals the Miami Heat.

Winners of 4 out of their last 5 games, things have finally started to click for Orlando.

“We needed a good win, we came out tonight with pretty much the same energy we had last game and we got a good win,” said Dwight Howard after their most recent victory against the Miami Heat. ”

“We just have to continue to do that, be more consistent as coming out with the same intensity, every night. I think we did a better job coming out in the third quarter they made a little run but we kept playing and got a good win,” added the big fella.

But could they keep the temperature up against Atlanta?

Shooting out of the gate just as fast as Larry Hughes‘ Magic career was over, both teams started out slow, scoring a combined 37 points in the first quarter. Yawn.

However, Orlando Magic starter Jason Richardson came ready with his dancing shoes on, scoring 8 in the first quarter by sinking his first three shots, including two three-pointers. They were badly needed to keep Atlanta from taking control early.

At the end of the first, the score was Atlanta 20, the good guys 17.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic starter Jason Richardson from the outside

The second quarter was a little more successful for the Magic – they outscored the Hawks 22-21. The biggest play of the quarter was something not seen very often: Dwight was blocked while going for a dunk. Gasp. By whom? Josh Smith, showing Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy why he should have been a part of this year’s All Star Game.

Smith was the leading scorer for the Hawks in the first half of play, recording 8 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocked shots while shooting a miserable 3-for-10 from the field. Leading the way for the Orlando Magic was none other than Superman 2.0 himself, putting up 9 points, 8 rebounds and – surprisingly – 0 blocked shots.

Atlanta held a 41-39 lead at the half.

The second half started out with both teams matching baskets. It was still a 2-point game after D-12 dunked it home with 4:36 left in the third quarter (giving him 14 points after three). The Hawks finished the quarter on a 8-3 run led by Smith who was rocking 16 and 16 after three.

The score going into the fourth: Atlanta 61, Orlando 54.

It was obvious that the Orlando Magic needed someone to step up to pull this one out, and Ryan Anderson reported for duty, putting up 12 points. But the Hawks put up a fight, lead by Smith who scored a hard lay up giving the visitors a five-point lead.

That shot seemed to be the final blow to thew home team’s chances, you know – nighty night. But a late push by the Magic men gave them a chance to win or tie the game with 17.9 seconds left, and that’s just what they did. With 1.7 seconds left Mr. Howard followed up Jameer Nelson‘s missed lay up with a dunk, taking this one into overtime tied 78-78.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic PG Jameer Nelson drives against some tenacious Hawks defense

OVERTIME

With both teams going strong, it had the feeling of a dog fight. Both teams scored a quick five points, putting the score at  83-83. But with 2:22 left, six-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson decided enough was enough.

The veteran tried to put the game away by scoring the next four points, giving the Hawks a 87-83 lead. A late three by Anderson (who else?) brought the Magic to within one point, and with 11.6 seconds left J-Rich was at the line with a chance to tie it up at 88, but he missed his second free throw.

After Zaza Pachulia split a pair of free throws at the other end, the Magic had two shots to win the game but both came up short.

The final score: Atlanta 89, Orlando 87.

Josh Smith was the game’s leading scorer, finishing with 23 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocked shots. Three other Hawks ended in double figures: Joe Johnson (14), Marvin Williams (13) and Jeff Teague (13). Former Orlando player (and fan favorite) Tracy McGrady scored 9 off the bench.

For the Orlando Magic, ace outside shooter Ryan Anderson led the way with 21 points and 9 rebounds while Dwight Howard finished with 18 points and 18 rebounds.

The Magic (now 16-11) play their next game tomorrow night in Milwaukee against the Bucks (12-14), who themselves are coming off an 113-112 overtime nail-biter win to a Kyrie Irving-less Cleveland Cavs squad.

My prediction: Orlando 102, Milwaukee 93.

Game notes: The Bucks will be playing without skilled center Andrew Bogut, so look for Dwight to have a big game. Milwaukee will be starting former Magician Drew Gooden in his place.

Position Advantage:

PG – slight Bucks

SG – slight Magic

SF – Magic

PF –  Magic

C – Magic

Bench – Magic

By: Michael Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Photos: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic

[Miami, FL] As the Miami Heat head into their game tonight against the Atlanta Hawks, they might be without their two best players: Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

Both stars are nursing injuries, injuries that some have postulated that could possibly be the result of the condensed schedule of the lockout-shortened season.

Last night, the team was without Wade – due to a contusion in his left foot – yet the Heat still managed to stomp the 4-1 Indiana Pacers into the hardwood.

Looking to avenge their first loss of the season on Monday against the Hawks, James and D-Wade stand-in James Jones showed the hometown crowd what a rout was all about.

In the first quarter, both Indiana and Miami were playing great – offering plenty of good defense and top-shelf buckets. James and Mario Chalmers scored most of the points in the quarter. At the end of the first, the score was Heat 29, Pacers 27.

To say the Heat ran away with the game in the  second quarter would be an understatement. To start off the big run for Miami, Wade – I mean Jones – hit back-to-back threes to put the Heat up by 7. He then hit another three later on to put Miami up by 10.

The Heat outscored the Pacers 33-12 in the second quarter. At halftime, the board read Heat 62, Pacers 39.

In the third quarter, Indiana could not stop LeBron. James scored 13 points (more than the entire Pacers squad could muster in the second quarter). The Pacers righted the ship enough to keep the gap from growing, but the Heat kept the lead north of 20.

The score at the end of the third quarter was Heat 88, Pacers 66.

With a big lead in the fourth quarter, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra wisely put in the bench players to take over. The fire power coming from the Heat bench shows that the Heat have depth, especially with the likes of Norris Cole and Shane Battier.

The final score was Heat 118, Pacers 83.

As a team, the Heat shot 52% from the field and made 26 out of 28 free throws. LeBron James scored 33 points and had 13 assists. Chris Bosh also did gangbusters, scoring 22 points.

Wade on his bum left foot: “Playing in a back-to-back the other night didn’t help me, so probably right now it’s about as sore as it has been since Charlotte.”

Yikes.

“With so many games in so many days we want to be smart about it and move on from it,” said Spoelstra of Wade’s condition. “We want to make sure we nip this in the bud.”

Indeed.

As for James’ injury – he twisted his left ankle early in the fourth last night. The hometown crowd was surely nervous as he lay on the court for several minutes. But he got up and continued to play.

Tonight, however, he may be plainclothesing it on the bench alongside Wade. Both are questionable against the Hawks.

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Image: Issac Baldizon/Miami Heat

Miami Heat

[Miami, FL] After a blow-out win against the Charlotte Bobcats, the Miami Heat anticipated going 6-0 after their seemingly in-the-bag home stand against the Atlanta Hawks.

In their game against the Bobcats, it was over almost as soon as it started. But it was a whole different story against the feisty Hawks, who hung around.

In the first quarter, it looked like the Heat were going to run away with it like they did yesterday against the Bobcats, going up 18-8. But, Hawks’ point guard Jeff Teague led his team back into the game and helped them go on an 11-5 run to end the quarter on a high note.

At the end of the first quarter, the Heat were up 23-19. This was going to be a battle, for sure.

At the start of the second quarter, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra put in Shane Battier and Norris Cole. Both accounted for most of the points in the quarter. It looked like Battier was officially back, making most of his three’s on the night, while Cole poured in 9 points.

But the Hawks stayed right with the Heat the whole half. At the mid-way buzzer, the score was Heat 50, Hawks 47.

The Heat could not get away from the Hawks in the third quarter. Miami led most of the way, but their highest lead was only 4. Joe Johnson and Al Horford did most of the scoring for Atlanta in the third, which ended with the Heat up 71-67.

But that wasn’t enough. Not against these Hawks tonight, anyway. The Hawks simply took over in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Heat 33-21.

When it seemed like Miami was about to comeback, Atlanta would increase the lead. The Heat struggled all night with their shot, and the defense looked tired (of winning?). The Hawks played a lot of zone, something that affected the Heat.

“It affected us and our concentration from that point on,” Spoelstra said of the Hawks’ strategic switch to zone in the first quarter. “We will get better … This is something that we need to have a breakthrough with.”

Dwyane Wade also struggled all night with his shot. He only made 4 out of 16 shots from the field.

The final score was Atlanta Hawks 100, Miami Heat 92.

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Image: Miami Heat

Miami Heat