[Miami, FL] On Sunday, the Miami Heat wanted to pick up a win at home against the Houston Rockets. Making that task much more difficult: Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh would be sitting this one out to rest their injuries.

No worries as LeBron James and the bench came to play.

The Rockets were on fire early on in the first. Houston started the game off on a 13-4 run, allowing them to build a 23-10 lead. Chandler Parsons scored 7 points and had an assist for Houston. But, Miami did manage to rally, ending the quarter on a 12-4 run.

At the end of the 1^st quarter, the Rockets were up 27-22.

Joel Anthony and Norris Cole combined to score 13 points in the second, which helped get Miami back in the game. Miami actually outscored Houston 23-17 in the quarter. At halftime, the Heat were up 45-44.

The Rockets went right back at Miami to start the second half. Parsons scored 12 points in the third quarter alone, helping Houston to build as much as a 9-point lead. But, in the final 2 minutes of the quarter, the Heat went on a 9-0 run to cut the lead to 2.

At the end of the third quarter, the Rockets were up 69-66.

Copyright NBAE 2012 (Photo: Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

The fourth quarter turned into and battle of wills as King James imposed his, scoring 11 points and making clutch plays down the stretch. The game was tied at 83, with 2 minutes left, when James stepped up and hit a 3 pointer.

On the next possession for Miami, Mike Miller sunk a three to put Miami up by 6. Momentum and the crowd were also on their side at this point. The final score was Heat 97, Rockets 88.

LeBron James scored 32 points and had 8 rebounds. Norris Cole scored 16 points and had 4 rebounds (he looks playoff ready). Mike Miller and Joel Anthony had 11 points each.

LeBron James has been having a great season, maybe one of his best. When he  was asked about the MVP race between him and the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s Kevin Durant, he was a bit coy.

“I don’t talk about whether I’m the MVP or not,” said James. “The voters will vote. Just to be in the race, to hear my name in the race with (Durant) and some of the other great athletes … we have in the league, is very humbling.”

With this win the Miami Heat are 46-18 with two games remaining in the regular season (Boston Celtics on Tuesday, Washington Wizards on Thursday).

Copyright NBAE 2012 (Photo: Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

So, What Happened Against The Wizards?

On Saturday, the Miami Heat were visited by the underwhelming Washington Wizards. With the win, the Heat would be that much closer to securing the No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs (a “W” against the Wizards would have them tied up with the Chicago Bulls).

But they would have win without Chris Bosh, LeBron James and – eventually – Dwyane Wade.

Everything was going bad in the first quarter for Miami. Then, at the 9-minute mark, Dwyane Wade’s left index finger got caught in Jordan Crawford‘s jersey. He dislocated it and did not return to the game. The Heat would have to finish this one without the Big Three on the court.

Kevin Seraphin scored 8 points for Washington. At the end of one, the Wizards were up 23-15.

The Wizards kept at Miami in the second. John Wall scored 7 points and 2 assists. Mario Chalmers scored 6 points and Joel Anthony scored 5 points. Neither team was able to get anything going, really. At halftime, the Wizards were up 45-37.

Miami showed some life in the 3^rd quarter. James Jones scored 9 points off of a trio of 3 pointers, which helped bring Miami back from a 12-point deficit to a 3-point deficit. But, Washington held strong and did not let Miami take the lead.

At the end of three, the Wizards were up 63-62.

Copyright NBAE 2012 (Photo: Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

It was a wild fourth quarter in Miami. Both teams went at it hard, the lead changing hands many times. With 2:39 to go, the crowd went wild when Mario Chalmers drove in the lane, made the lay-up and got fouled, which tied the game.

With 1 minute left, the game was tied at 82. Washington’s Wall drove in and passed it to Nene, who slammed it home to take a 2-point lead.

Then, with 11 seconds left, Shane Battier stole the ball, gave an outlet pass to Mario Chalmers who drove in the lane, missed the layup, but Udonis Haslem came right from behind and cleaned up the play with a dunk.

The game was tied at 84, and with 0.5 seconds left, Wall once again drove into the lane and it gave it to Nene, who laid it in to take the lead. On Miami’s next play, Mike Miller tried to shoot a 3 pointer, but time had expired before he could get the shot off.

The final score was Wizards 86, Heat 84.

John Wall dominated for Washington, scoring 13 points and handing out 13 assists. For Miami, Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem combined for 25 rebounds. Miller also scored 16 points and Mario Chalmers – who had a solid performance – also scored 16.

Wade didn’t seem too worried about the injury to his finger (the x-rays were negative).

“They told me the worst-case scenario was surgery,” he said. “I’ll be prepared and ready for the playoffs … . It’ll be an adjustment, but I’m blessed that it’s nothing worse.”

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Lead image: Copyright NBAE 2012 (Photo: Mike Ehrmann/NBAE/Getty Images)

Miami Heat

[Miami, FL] With an eye aimed at the playoffs, the Miami Heat chose to rest Chris Bosh for Thursday night’s home contest and potential Eastern Conference Finals preview against the tough Chicago Bulls.

That’s OK, because Derrick Rose has been struggling with a foot injury for the past couple of weeks and was also missing in this epic battle to see who truly was the elite team in the East. The game definitely had a playoff feel, for sure.

LeBron James and the Heat came out on fire in the first quarter, as King James scored 15 points and grabbed 3 rebounds in 12 minutes of play. And for the Bulls, Joakim Noah kept it close by scoring 7 points and playing great defense in the paint.

At the end of the first, the Heat were up 27-23.

Both teams got rowdy in the second. With 6 minutes left, James Jones hacked Noah, and was charged with a “flagrant 2″ foul, which meant he was ejected from the game. Both teams also struggled making their shots in the quarter, with the Bulls only outscoring the Heat, 17-15.

At halftime, the Heat were up 42-40.

Miami felt cool, calm, and collected as they started the third quarter on a 6-0 run. But that second-quarter rowdiness flared back up. With 9 minutes left, Dwyane Wade committed a “flagrant 1″ foul on Richard Hamilton during a little scuffle. Both Wade and Hamilton were charged with technical fouls.

James scored 7 points and notched 2 assists the Heat ended the third up 66-61.

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

Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade committed a “flagrant 1″ foul in the third quarter

The Heat simply took over in the fourth. Wade scored 6 points in the first 4 minutes alone. But with good help on the defensive side, Miami was able to keep the Bulls at bay. The final score was Heat 83, Bulls 72.

LeBron James scored 27 points and had 11 rebounds while Dwyane Wade tallied 18 points and 5 assists. Mario Chalmers has been struggling a bit since the All-Star break, but finally got back into his groove, scoring 16 points and making 2 steals.

“A physical Eastern Conference game,” Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said at the end of the third quarter. “It’s an emotional game, a passionate game.”

Miami (45-17) next faces the Washington Wizards on Saturday, April 21.

Wednesday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors was also close coming out of the first half, perhaps due to both Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade being kept in street clothes with an eye toward preserving their playoff health.

But there was plenty of action in the first, as Toronto’s Alan Anderson dominated, scoring 10 points and dishing out 2 assists. LeBron James scored 7 points, Udonis Haslem scored 6 points and Mario Chalmers managed 4 points. At the end of the one, the Heat were up 25-24.

Toronto kept going at Miami in the second. James Johnson scored 14 points in the quarter to keep the Raptors in the lead for a good portion of the quarter. But LeBron James’ 9 points helped the Heat take a 51-49 lead into the locker room.

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

Mike Miller filled in for Dwyane Wade on Wednesday night as the Miami Heat battled Toronto

LeBron & Co. took over in the second half, with James himself scoring 12 points and handing out two assists. Juwan Howard also played well off the bench, scoring 5 points in 9 minutes. The Heat outscored the Raptors 23-11 in the quarter.

At the end of three, the Miami Heat were up 74-60.

Mike Miller and the role players put the final nail in Toronto’s coffin in the fourth. Miller scored 10 points as the Heat outscored Toronto 22-12. The final score was Heat 96, Raptors 72.

“It was good to see our guys finish the game out,” said James, who finished with 28 points and 5 rebounds.

“When we have two guys out like tonight, he understands when he has to be aggressive,” Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra said of James. “Even as he was scoring at such an efficient rate, we still felt the ball was moving.”

Mike Miller (filling in for Wade) scored 13 points and Udonis Haslem (filling in for Bosh) scored 10 points.

With this victory, the Heat have clinched the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. With only 4 games remaining in the season, the Heat also have the opportunity to clinch the No. 1 seed in the East.

As it stands, a No. 2 seed means the Miami Heat faces the New York Knicks or the Philadelphia 76ers in round one of the playoffs.

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

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

Miami Heat

[Newark, NJ] After beating the Charlotte Bobcats of Friday (see re-cap below) and clinching the Southeast Division title against the New York Knicks on Sunday 93-85, the visiting Miami Heat wanted to extend their winning streak to three against the New Jersey Nets.

The Heat sent a message in the potential playoff preview – just because the Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony scored 42 points against them on Sunday, the boys from South Florida can still play great defense and offense in the clutch.

And Miami did it without Dwyane Wade, who did not play on Monday night (Terrel Harris started for Wade).

The Heat were struggling early in this one. The Nets’ Kris Humphries dominated the first quarter, scoring 14 points. For Miami, LeBron James scored 8 points and dished out 6 assists. At the end of one, the Nets were up 34-29.

Chris Bosh and the Heat turned it up a notch or two in the second. Bosh scored 8 points and had 5 rebounds, but the Nets continued to battle. New Jersey’s Sundiata Gaines scored 6 points and contributed with a couple key assists. At halftime, the Nets were up 55-52.

Humphries and Gerald Green kept at it for New Jersey in the third. Humphries scored half-a-dozen while Green poured in 11. The Heat couldn’t pull-off the expected comeback, as they were outscored by New Jersey 24-18. At the end of three, the Nets were up 79-70.

Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Miami Heat star LeBron James got home crowd treatment in New Jersey

LeBron went off in the fourth. In fact, King James held court for the final 6 minutes, erasing an 8-point lead that NJ held for most of the fourth quarter. James scored all 15 points during the Heat’s 15-9 run to end the game. It was epic.

In the final minutes, the New Jersey crowd was chanting “Lets Go Heat.” Amazingly, the Heat took their first lead on a LeBron jumper with only 13 seconds left. Then on the next possession for New Jersey, DeShawn Stevenson turned the ball over.

That led to LeBron making (!) a pair of free throws to seal the game. It probably helped that all you heard were “MVP” chants from the New Jersey crowd. The final score was Heat 100, Nets 99.

LeBron James was spectacular, scoring 37 points, handing out 7 assists and grabbing 6 rebounds. Chris Bosh also came up big, scoring 22 points and chalking up 15 rebounds.

“This is as big as he’s been for us in two years,” Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra said. “I love the look he’s playing with right now.”

The Miami Heat are now 43-17 on the season. They play the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.

Copyright 2012 NBAE (photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images)

The Miami Heat clenched their division with a win over the Knicks on Sunday

On Sunday, the Miami Heat beat the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, 93-85. Spoelstra wasn’t that impressed.

“I don’t think it means anything for the postseason,” Spoelstra said. “What it means is something about us and how we’ve been playing on the road as of late. We want to do a better job of it and the only way out is to get up, show up and collectively do better.”

Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images)

Carmelo versus LeBron was a key match-up

And now bonus coverage of Friday’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats who offered little resistance …

After coming off that painful loss against the Chicago Bulls, the Heat traveled back home to face the NBA’s worst team, the Charlotte Bobcats. Both Dwyane Wade and Mike Miller sat out due to injuries.

“They’re both a little bit sore coming off last night,” Erik Spoelstra said. “It’s too quick of a turnaround for them.”

Udonis Haslem also sat out due to an illness.

The Heat came out on fire against the Bobcats in the first quarter and never really looked back. They ended the quarter strong, going on a 14-4 run to put them up 33-19. Chris Bosh scored 10 points in the quarter.

In the second quarter, the bench for Miami combined to score 19 points and played great defense against the Bobcats’ starters. By halftime, the Heat were up 58-39.

The Bobcats played the Heat evenly in the third, but they had already dug themselves too big of a hole. At the end of the third quarter, the Heat were up 81-59.

The Miami bench was brought in to finish this one off and they did not disappoint. Dexter Pittman was a highlight, scoring 10 points and ending the game with a career high of 16. The final score was Heat 105, Bobcats 82.

“We need to play well,” LeBron James said. “We want to play better than we have on the road.”

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Lead image: Copyright 2012 NBAE (photo: Chris Chambers/NBAE/Getty Images)

Miami Heat

[Chicago, IL] With a bad loss to the Boston Celtics still fresh on their minds, a traveling Miami Heat really wanted to bounce back against the Eastern Conference leading Chicago Bulls.

Games in Chicago are special for Miami’s Dwyane Wade because he can visit his family. This time out, even more so. His nephew was shot a couple of weeks ago and was still in the hospital and Wade was able to visit him. The nephew will likely to pull through.

Can’t say as much for the Heat.

In the first quarter, Miami started off strong on a 10-2 run which kept the crowd silent. LeBron James scored 6 points and Udonis Haslem came off the bench and scored 4 points. But, Chicago did fight back and went on a run of their own to end the quarter on a high note.

At the end of one, the Heat were up 22-19.

Miami barely got any bench production in this one, and it showed big time in the second quarter. Chicago came alive and went on a 9-2 run to take the lead. Kyle Korver made two 3-pointers during that run, which gave the Bulls a boost. But once the Big Three for Miami came back into the game, they got right back in it.

Miami ended the second quarter on a 12-0 run to go into halftime with a 41-36 lead.

The teams pretty much played to a draw in the third. Luol Deng was a stand-out for Chicago, scoring 8 points and grabbing a pair of rebounds. For Miami, LeBron scored 7 points and had 3 assists. At the end of three, the Miami Heat were barely holding on to the lead, only up 62-60.

Copyright 2012 NBAE (photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)

Big Three or bust: The rest of the Miami Heat team continues to struggle with scoring

The fourth quarter was crazy! It all built up to the point where there was only a minute left, and Chicago was up by one. But on Miami’s next possession, Chris Bosh drove into the lane, passed the ball back to LeBron, who made a three-pointer.

Then, with 11 seconds left, LeBron James was fouled and had an opportunity to put the game away by hitting both free throws. Unfortunately, he only hit one. With 2.2 seconds remaining, C.J. Watson hit a three-pointer for Chicago to send the game into overtime, with the score tied at 84.

The Miami Heat could not hit a shot at all in overtime, while it seemed like Chicago made almost every shot they put up. The Heat went 0-5 from the field, only making two free throws. Meanwhile, Chicago made 5-out-of-8 from the field. The final score was Bulls 96, Heat 86.

LeBron James scored 30 points and had 5 assists. Dwyane Wade scored 21 points in his homecoming. Chris Bosh scored 20 points. Other than the Big Three combining to score 71 points, the rest of the Heat team only managed 15 points.

“It hurts,” James said. “As a team, we felt like we played well. We gave ourselves a chance to win … but they pretty much dominated the overtime.”

The Miami Heat are now 40-17 and next face the Charlotte Bobcats tonight.

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Images: Andrew D. Bernstein /NBAE/Getty Images

Miami Heat

[Orlando, FL] The shiny luster of the Amway Center was dulled just a bit as the Orlando Magic – fresh off of the dramatic securitization of center Dwight Howard through the end of next season – were blown out by the Chicago Bulls 85-59.

Yes, 59.

This one was U-G-L-Y. How ugly? Howard was the only player in an “El Magic” uniform to score more than 10 points. And the Bulls were without MVP Derrick Rose in their arsenal.

“Tonight you saw a team playing without their star player and they did what they needed to do to win, and they beat us with no problem,” said Glen “Big Baby” Davis after the home-court drubbing. “I wish they would have had Derrick Rose, in a sense.”

The Bulls credit the win to tough defense, while the Magic credit the loss to 35% shooting from the floor, 20% “shooting” from behind the 3-point line and a pathetic 39% average from the charity stripe.

“They’ve played without the league MVP and they’ve beaten Philly and Miami and blown us out. Give them credit for what they’re doing and what kind of team they have,” offered Orlando Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy after the loss, the worst (29 points) since he’s helmed the team.

Up next for the 29-18 Magic: Phoenix on Wednesday and Cleveland on Friday.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: Orlando Magic

Related reading:

Bulls win easily… (KTVB) The Chicago Bulls have opened a three-game lead over Miami in the NBA’s Eastern Conference by silencing the Orlando Magic 85-59. Carlos Boozer had 24 points and 13 rebounds as the Bulls won for the fifth time in six games to improve …

Rose-less Bulls zap Magic, 85-59 (Philippine Star) With the reigning MVP out nursing a sore groin for the fourth straight game, Rose’s teammates used a smothering defense and capitalized on a plethora of Orlando Magic turnovers in an 85-59 victory Monday night. Carlos Boozer picked up the scoring slack …

Orlando Magic

Here’s a double-dose of Miami Heat action from over the weekend …

[Philadelphia, PA] Coming off of very tough back-to-back loses against the Orlando Magic and the Chicago Bulls, the Miami Heat were looking toward getting back on the path to victory on a Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

In the last game, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James combined to score more points than the rest of their team. But tonight, it was an all-around effort from the whole South Florida squad.

In the first quarter, the Heat came out on fire, starting the game out on a 19-5 run. LeBron was said to be not exactly 100% coming into the game. He sure seemed 100%, scoring 14 points in the first. D-Wade only scored 2 points, but distributed 5 assists. At the end of one, the Heat were up 31-18.

It got much better for the Heat and, consequently, much worse for the Sixers in the second. Miami started off on a 22-9 run, to take a 24-point lead. The Sixers battled back, but at the buzzer, Mario Chalmers hit a 3-pointer to allow the Miami Heat to take a 17-point lead into the locker room. At halftime, the Heat were up 57-30.

Both teams stayed even for most of the third quarter. The Heat came out with a big lead, with most of the points coming from Wade. But, Philadelphia came back and were able to cut the distance down to 13. At the end of three, the Heat were up 69-56.

Photo: Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers gave the Heat a run for their money in the fourth. Around halfway through, the Sixers went on a 12-2 run to cut the lead to 5. But, the Heat pulled away from Philly, thanks to several clutch shots from Udonis Haslem. The final score was Heat 84, Sixers 78.

LeBron James scored 29 points and dished out 8 assists. Dwyane Wade scored 12 points and had 11 rebounds.

The Heat seem to have been struggling these past few games. Even Udonis Haslem took notice of it, saying, “We’ve got to do better. Talk about winning a championship, and that second-half effort wasn’t good enough.”

Dwyane Wade & The Miami Heat Blow By The Orlando Magic

[Miami, FL] With that close call against the Sixers still fresh in their minds, the Heat were ready to give it their all against their in-state rivals, the Orlando Magic, on Sunday.

The biggest headline in the NBA last week was whether Dwight Howard would leave or stay with Orlando. Eventually, he decided to stay with the Magic. It was great news for the Magic, but bad news for Miami, as the Heat’s front line had to go up against the unstoppable force that is Howard.

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

The Miami Heat apply “small ball rebounding” against the Orlando Magic

In the first, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat dominated, with Bosh pouring in 12 points and claiming 3 rebounds. The Heat’s 23-12 run put Orlando on their heels, despite great play by Howard, who scored 8. At the end of the first quarter, the Heat were up 31-20.

It was raining 3-pointers for Orlando in the second as the Magic made 4-out-of-4 three-pointers attempted, bringing them back from down by 11 points to only be down by 3. Dwyane Wade scored 8 points in the quarter while Bosh scored 6 points. At halftime, the Heat were up 50-47.

Both teams stayed pretty even throughout the third. The most Miami or Orlando led by was 5. At the end of the thirdquarter, the Heat were up 67-63.

Wade and the Heat dominated in the fourth, with Wade scoring 14 of his 31 points in the quarter. The veteran hit jump shot after jump shot which eventually led to the Heat winning by the final score, 91-81.

Dwyane Wade scored 31 points and pulled down 6 rebounds in this one. Chris Bosh also played great, scoring 23 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. This was the Heat’s thirteenthstraight home win.

“Dwyane certainly made some big plays down the stretch,” Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Defensively he was terrific in terms of his toughness.”

By: Michael Tristani III/Sunshine Slate

Lead image: Copyright NBAE 2012 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Miami Heat

One great game, two losses … as we double-dip due to a time-crunched publishing schedule …

[Orlando, FL] Coming off of one the closest, yet best games (as a fan) to watch – an overtime, buzzer-beater victory over the Indiana Pacers – the Miami Heat were ready to storm into Orlando and leave with a win on Tuesday.

A lot of rumors circulated during the day about Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. The biggest one was that if he was to stay with the Magic, that he could decide the fate of Head Coach Stan Van Gundy and General Manager Otis Smith.

Rumors have actually been going around since early in the year about him wanting out of Orlando, but this one came on the eve of “D-Day” – decision day for the team.

“If anybody thinks I care about that, I really don’t give a damn about being fired,” Van Gundy said. “That doesn’t concern me in the least. … If they want to fire me to please somebody, fire me.”

And with that in mind, we tip off …

In the first quarter, the Magic came out on fire, with Howard scoring 12 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Glen “Big Baby” Davis also contributed in style, coming off the bench to score 6 points. For the Heat, Dwyane Wade was the man, tallying up 10 points. At the end of one, the Magic were up 30-27.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard – is he headed out the door?

While the Magic controlled the first six minutes, it was the Heat who ended up dominating the second quarter. The Heat went on a 21-4 run to close out the half and took a double-digit lead into the locker room. At the end of two, the Heat were up 56-45.

However, Orlando stormed back after the break behind the play of PG Jameer Nelson, who scored 8 points. Howard didn’t do much in the third quarter, only scoring 3 points. Still, the Magic managed to cut the lead down to 1. After three, the Heat were up 73-72.

The fourth quarter went back and forth, with many lead changes and ties. With under a minute left, the game was tied. But, with 50 seconds left, Nelson hit a three-pointer and put the Magic up 94-91.

But, after many missed three-pointers from the entire Miami Heat team throughout, D-Wade rose to the occasion, stepping back to hit a three-pointer. The Heat ended up with the final possession and a chance to win, and the ball was in Wade’s hands once again.

Wade went to the same spot where he sunk the Pacers the night before, and the ball went in … but came back out. Every Magic fan breathed a sigh of relief. At the end of regulation, the game was tied at 94.

The Miami Heat missed out on many opportunities throughout the overtime period. Consequently, with under a minute left, the Heat were down, 102-98. After a turnover by the Magic, the Heat had a chance for a two-for-one. But, instead LeBron James took an unnecessary three-pointer and the Magic ended up with the ball.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson scored 25 against the Miami Heat

But, Howard missed both of his free throws and the Heat had another two-for-one opportunity with under 26 seconds left. However, on the next possession, Wade missed a three-pointer. The Magic hit a couple more free throws and ended up winning the game 104-98.

Dwight Howard played a great game, scoring 24 points and reeling in a whopping 25 rebounds. Jameer Nelson also had a monster night, scoring 25. Sharpshooter Ryan Anderson also contributed to the big win by scoring 16 points and reeling in 12 rebounds.

Miami Heat Lose To The Chicago Bulls – For The Second Time

[Chicago, IL] Coming off of a tough overtime loss against the Orlando Magic, the Miami Heat were ready to avenge that defeat against the best team in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls.

Although he was a game-time decision, MVP point guard Derrick Rose sat this one out against the Heat with a groin injury (although the Bulls were just fine without him). For the Heat, sub Mike Miller was still out of commission.

The Bulls started the first quarter with a vengeance. They took an early lead, putting Miami on its heels early. But, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade came back, combining to score 23 points. And, yes, that means Wade and James were the only ones to score for the Heat in the quarter.

Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Miami Heat forward LeBron James goes to the basket against Chicago

At the end of quarter number one, the Heat were up 23-19.

The Bulls bounced back in the second by going on a 23-7 run, giving them a big lead. Derrick Rose’s back-up, John Lucas, was in the headlines last time against the Heat because he was dunked on by LeBron. But, on Wednesday night, Lucas made headlines for his play, scoring 8 straight points to increase the lead back to double-digits.

At the end of the first half, the Bulls were up 53-42.

Both teams stayed even throughout the third. It was James who did most of the scoring for Miami (13 points, 2 assists). But the Heat never got a run together and they ended the quarter as they began. At the end of three, the Bulls led 81-70.

Lucas took over for the Bulls in the fourth, scoring 10 points – and that was with a foot-taller LeBron guarding him. Although the Heat tried to rally, it wasn’t enough to beat the talented Chicago Bulls. The final score was Bulls 106, Heat 102.

An all-around team effort from the Bulls with their bench players scoring a whopping 56 points. And super stand-in John Lucas? He scored 24 points and had 3 rebounds.

This was the second straight game the Heat have lost. They just seemed out of it in this one, as they were out-rebounded by 16 and out-hustled throughout the night. Most of the Heat’s scoring came from Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, who combined to score 71 of the team’s 102 points.

“This game was won in the trenches,” Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra said. “They absolutely annihilated us on the glass. We need to get into that fight under the glass.”

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Miami Heat

[Charlotte, NC] After long review on what to say after Tuesday’s game between the Orlando Magic (25-15) and the Charlotte Bobcats (5-31), I have decided to skip the usual recap. Instead, I’m going to preach.

With less than 10 days until the trade deadline, it is officially time to blow this team up, New York Knicks-style.

Magic fans are fooling themselves if they think we have a chance at the title. What a joke. NO CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM COULD LOSE TO A TEAM AS BAD AS CHARLOTTE. Period.

And, not only did they lose to the bottom-dwelling Bobcats, but they lost by an extra-pathetic 16 points to what is by far the worst team in the league. That, plus the nail biter against a similarly horrible Toronto Raptors team the night before says this team is not ready for prime time.

Corey “Spaghetti” Maggette put up an astounding 29 points in 29 minutes. How does that happen to what is supposed to be one of the toughest defenses in the league? I could only imagine what would happen if the Orlando Magic played this way against a real team.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Ryan Anderson continues to be a bright spot for the Orlando Magic

You know, a real team like the Chicago Bulls. Whom they play tonight. Now, I’m not big on the Bulls – personally they remind me of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the LeBron James era – but at least they know how to win.

I hope the Magic can get their act together soon, otherwise it is gonna be an ugly future for the Magic. The only starters putting up consistent numbers are Ryan Anderson and Dwight Howard, both of whom recorded double doubles against the Bobcats (Anderson had 14 and 11, Howard 15 and 17).

Everyone else – except for maybe J.J. Redick (grit, FT%) and Von Wafer (shooting 47.5%) – should be traded to another team or possibly dropped to the D-League. Grow a pair, Magic GM Otis Smith … do something soon! Especially if you want to convince Mighty Dwighty to stay.

Mike’s Pick

The Orlando Magic play their next game in Chicago against the tough-as-nails Bulls. Star Derrick Rose is beat up, but I still expect Da Bulls to win.

My Prediction: Bulls 98, Magic 85

Position Advantage:

PG: Bulls

SG: Magic

SF: Bulls

PF: Even

C: Magic

Bench: Bulls

By: Mike Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Images: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic

[Orlando, FL] After more negative comments came out of the mouth of Orlando Magic superstar center Dwight Howard following the team‘s victory – yes, he still whined after they won – on Saturday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, I’m going to warn all Magic fans to pray that management can find a way to unload him before the trade deadline March 15^th.

Already having thrown teammates under the brightly colored – and sometimes smelly – Lynx bus earlier this season, he is at it again, except this time he’s going after the coaches.

“I do want the ball more in the fourth,” Howard stated. “I want to become a closer. The only way you get there is by getting the ball and have coaches have the confidence in giving me the ball.”

Yes, Dwight, that is true, but this is something you should have been working on the past seven-and-a-half seasons instead of only wanting it now. Maybe you should have paid a little more attention to all-time great free thrower Mark Price instead of running to the nearest microphone.

Being a transplant from Cleveland, trust me when I say this: Magic fans, you do not want to have to deal with the ramifications of “The Decision: Part 2.” In case you aren’t aware, LeBron James leaving basketball-mad Cleveland for the the sun and fun of Miami to play for the Heat was “Part 1.”

But James fled after the trade deadline was long gone and the season was over – the Cavs were left with nothing except warehouses full of LeBron jerseys. Note: NBA replica apparel doesn’t burn very well.

Photo: Julien Haler

Dwight Howard having a good time, handing out high-fives to the fans

Well, we all know sequels are never better than the originals! So wouldn’t it be better for the Magic to get something out of Dwight instead of complaints and grievances? That’s right – ship him out before he ships all over Orlando.

So lets take a look at the top three destinations for Dwight Howard that I believe will keep us in contention for years to come (and yes, these are all teams on Dwight’s so-called “wish list”):

1. Trade Dwight Howard and PG Jameer Nelson to the Chicago Bulls for Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, C.J. Watson and two first round picks (2012 Charlotte and 2012 Chicago).

Why this works: This would be the best option for the Orlando Magic. Keep in mind no matter where you send him, you’re still losing D12.  But this at least gets an NBA All-Star back in return (Deng), a high-energy center-scrapper in Noah, a solid back-up PF in Gibson and a solid PG in Watson.

Not to mention the Charlotte pick, which is protected until 2016. But I don’t see the Bobcats getting any better anytime soon, so that could end up being a top 5 pick down the road.

2. Trade Dwight Howard to the New Jersey Nets for Brook Lopez (who is coming off his injury soon), MarShon Brooks, Sundiata Gaines, Mehmet Okur (expiring contract) and the Nets’ first round pick for 2012 (unprotected).

Why this works: The Magic get three really solid young players, an expiring contract, and a guaranteed top 5 pick in this year’s draft. Let’s not forget what Lopez did last season (20.4 points and 6 rebounds a game) and what Brooks is doing as a rookie (14 points and 4.3 rebounds per game).

On top of those, you get a solid back up point guard in Gaines and an all but guaranteed top 5 pick in this deep, deep draft this season. Long-term this could work out better for the Magic than the Bulls trade but that would have to be seen.

Photo: New Jersey Nets

Will Orlando trade Brook Lopez for Dwight Howard?

3. Trade Dwight Howard to the L.A. Lakers for Andrew Bynum, Darius Morris, Andrew Goudelock, the Lakers’ 2012 first round pick and the Mavericks‘ 2012 first round pick.

Why this works: Out of the three trades, this one scares me the most. I’m not 100% sold on Bynum, but he is an NBA All-Star this season. You also get two solid young guards, but definitely not as good as Brooks and Gaines. You also get a few late first round picks.

Do I love this trade? NO!!!! But it’s better than what the other 2 remaining teams on his list could have offered (Celtics and the Mavericks).

Listen Magic fans, I know it will be hard to let go of such a good player, but believe me, the sooner we do this the faster things will get better! Just hope you don’t hold onto him then have a stellar season like the Cleveland Cavaliers did last season (19-63).

And if it weren’t for the L.A. Clippers being so careless with their draft picks, the Cavs would’ve never gotten future star Kyrie Irving. So Magic GM Otis Smith, go get a deal done and bring this city what they deserve, A CHAMPIONSHIP!

By: Mike Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Lead image: NBA

Dwight Howard

[Miami, FL] In the last outing for the Miami Heat against the New York Knicks, Dwyane Wade scored 28 points in what was his first game back from an ankle injury. Today, the Heat were up against a much tougher challenge. They were facing the best team in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls.

How would Wade & Co. fare against Da Bulls?

It was a dunk-a-thon in the first quarter as LeBron James and D-Wade kept driving and dunking or connecting on alley-oops. The Heat played both great defense and offense in the beginning. They also went on a 12-2 run to put them up by 11.

But, the Bulls came right back to cut the lead back down to 2. At the end of the first quarter, the Miami Heat were up 24-22.

The Heat controlled almost the entire second quarter. They once again had a big lead, coming from the play of Wade and Chris Bosh, this time going up by 12 about mid-way through. But, Derrick Rose and the feisty Bulls came back and cut the lead down.

At halftime, the Miami Heat were up 56-51.

The only players that scored for Miami in the third quarter, was James, Wade, and Bosh. All three combined to score 20 points, as did the Chicago Bulls. Rose scored more than half of the team’s total in the quarter (12 points). At the end of three, the Heat were up 76-71.

The Heat started off quarter number four by hitting back-to-back three pointers, putting them up by 11. But the Bulls came back and tied the game with about five minutes left. With about two minutes left, it looked like the Heat had the game in the bag, up 94-86.

But Rose and Carlos Boozer cut the lead to 94-93 with under a minute left.

Things got bizarre at the free throw line from there. With 22 seconds left, Rose went to the free throw line for the Bulls. He missed both free throws and LeBron got the rebound and was fouled with 17 seconds left. Surprisingly, he also missed both free throws.

But when the Bulls tried to rebound the ball, the referees had confusion on who blew the whistle, so LeBron and Taj Gibson had to jump the ball up at half-court.  The Heat gained possession, and Mario Chalmers went to the free throw line, but only made one free throw.

The Bulls had the ball, down by 2, with less than 10 seconds. Rose missed the floater, and the Heat won 97-93.

LeBron James scored 35 points and collected 11 rebounds. Chris Bosh scored 24 points and had 12 rebounds. Dwyane Wade wasn’t as effective, only scoring 15 points, but contributed to the W with 7 assists.

“It was a highly contested basketball game,” Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said after the game. “We did a lot of good things throughout the course of the game.  You have to give those guys (Bulls) a lot of credit. At the end, they stepped up their defense.”

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Image: Miami Heat/Issac Baldizon/NBAE/Getty Images

Miami Heat

[Orlando, FL] It is eerily quiet on the Dwight Howard trading front. And Orlando Magic fans are breathing a sigh of relief after rap mogul Jermaine Dupri’s “breaking news” Howard-to-be-traded-in-48 hours tweet deal deadline came and went without so much as a remix.

The biggest team news over the past couple of days wasn’t the team’s 104-97 victory on Sunday over their hosts the Sacramento Kings or their pathetic showing against the Chicago Bulls the game before that, which caused the coaching staff to re-evaluate the game plan going forward.

The biggest news actually came from the mouth of Magic GM Otis Smith, the least liked person in Orlando. Smith thought it wise to do a backstage interview with the hometown paper. It will probably be his last such interview.

The embattled Smith said nothing that would help his case, even coming across at times as paranoid and delusional.

Let’s see, we learned that his family has been threatened, but he’s not concerned about it enough to call the police or to give specifics (read: internet threats).

Smith also gives the team a so-so rating so far this season, telling the Orlando Sentinel reporter that, “I think there’s times we look good, and there’s times we don’t look so good, probably like three-quarters of the teams in this league right now.”

And what about his track record of incredibly bad trades and the mishandling of superstar Dwight Howard?

“If trying is a sin, then I have sinned a lot, because I’m never going to stop trying,” he told the Sentinel.

If the Magic really want to keep Dwight, this guy has to go try somewhere else. Like this week.

Photo: Lance Turner/latuphoto.com/Sunshine Slate Images

Glen “Big Baby” Davis is a welcome addition to the Orlando Magic

Meanwhile …

The Orlando Magic have amassed a 6-3 record so far this season which, under the circumstances, is pretty good. When they are clicking they remind me of the team that made it to the 2008-2009 NBA Finals. And it should – three out of the five Magic starters were on that squad.

These guys have the experience and seem to be rejuvenated in the hustle department. Almost as if they sense this is their chance to get back to the Finals before D-12 makes his exit and the team is back being the East Coast Clippers (can’t really make that joke anymore, can you?).

Breakout players for the Orlando Magic this year:

Ryan Anderson is averaging 18 points a game. He is having the kind of year that can take you deep into the playoffs (remember Rashard Lewis when he was scoring this much?). He’s also great trade bait, but the Magic would be foolish to lose this three-bombing cat who is playing the best basketball of his life.

The trade with Boston for Glen Davis was a wise move for Otis Smith (he still makes those once in a while). Davis is a true impact player, on the scoreboard (averaging 8.4 points a game this season) and on an emotional level. He is also one helluva backup for Dwight.

Plus everyone just loves his “Big Baby” nickname, except for him of course. Wahhhhh.

J.J. Redick is simply knocking it out of the park this year. He is averaging almost 12 points per game, an almost 4 point improvement over last season. And he is as feisty as ever.

Hedo Turkoglu is back, baby! Last season’s slumping sloth is this season’s victory wizard. His ppg is trending northward and his three-point percentages are also up, way up. Plus, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy‘s plan to use Hedo more as a point forward has a historical success rate (Finals, anyone?).

Photo: Lance Turner/latuphoto.com/Sunshine Slate Images

NBA All-Star 2012 Tip Off: Howard making his entrance (Jan. 4, 2012)

All-Star Game & Balloting Tip Off

On Jan. 4, the Orlando Magic played host to the NBA, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Sprint representatives as well as TV’s Craig Sager (you know, the guy who wears crazy jackets and does sideline interviews on cable) as part of the “2012 NBA All-Star Balloting presented by Sprint” official tip-off event.

The event also served to remind the world that the Amway Center in Orlando will be hosting the NBA All-Star festivities this year – the game is Feb. 26.

On hand from the team: Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu as well as CEO Alex Martins and assistant coach Patrick Ewing. There may or may not have been some Magic Dancers as well.

NBA All-Star Balloting presented by Sprint allows fans to select their favorite players as starters for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game by voting on NBA.com and via mobile devices.  The NBA All-Star ballot lists 120 players – 60 each from the Eastern and Western conferences – with 24 guards, 24 forwards, and 12 centers from each conference comprising the list.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Images: Lance Turner/latuphoto.com/Sunshine Slate Images

Orlando Magic

[Orlando, FL] The ugly, disappointing NBA lockout continues, despite word of a possible compromise this week. All games scheduled on or before Nov. 30, 2011 have been cancelled.

This is not good news for Florida’s professional basketball fans. The Orlando Magic were hoping to get at least one more good season out of superstar center Dwight Howard before he bolts for a bigger market. And for Heat fans, the sting of last season’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks can only be eclipsed by an exciting run this season.

Both teams are eager to let the fans know that they are doing everything they can to make 2011-2012 happen.

“We share your frustration that an agreement has not been reached,” said Orlando Magic president Alex Martins in a prepared statement, careful not to throw any jabs mid-negotiation. “Unfortunately, after making some progress last week, we have not been able to bridge the gap that separates us from the players’ union.”

OK, that was a little bit of a jab.

On the Heat side of things, ESPN reports that owner Micky Arison has been fined a half a million dollars by the NBA for using his Twitter account “as a sounding board about the lockout.” Owners are under strict orders to not discuss the NBA lockout. Arison tweeted nonetheless, hence the hefty fine.

Ouch.

With no actual basketball to talk up, the Magic staff has resorted to sending out press releases for anything, especially those community happenings that make the organization look good in the face of a public relations nightmare that is a NBA lockout.

“Adonal Foyle brings his KLF Athletics & Academics Camps to Walt Disney Clubhouse of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida in Pine Hills”

“Orlando Magic ‘Take Over’ Lake Brantley High School as part of the Magic Volunteer Program”

“Magic Overtime with Dante and Galante returns for its fourth season on Sun Sports.”

“Orlando Magic Coaches and Staff Celebrate Halloween with Central Florida Residents.” (photo above)

All recent press releases from the Orlando Magic during the NBA Lockout.

The team has even resorted to breaking out the time machine, showing “classic” games to fill the broadcast void. Tomorrow night, catch the Orlando Magic vs. the Chicago Bulls on Sun Sports in a game where Jordan scored 52 points.

Classic? Yes. But the numbers will show that fans would rather watch games live then on twenty-plus year tape delay.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

NBA Lockout Forces Michael Jordan to Withdraw from Presidents’ Cup Jordan is the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, and had to back out as the NBA continues its lockout of players. Couples replaced him with John Cook. ‘With the NBA labor situation unsettled, as the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, …

NBA Lockout

It would have to be settled in overtime. And it was the Miami Heat who emerged victorious with a pivotal back-breaking series victory over the Chicago Bulls in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

101-93 was the final score. Miami leads the series 3-1.

“Look, this series is an absolute bloodbath,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was quoted as saying on NBA.com. “That game tonight was a total grind. It is very challenging for either team to get into any offensive flow, unless it’s in the open court. It’s about as competitive and physical as it can be.”

LeBron James led all scorers with 35 points and recent stand-out Chris Bosh had 22.

Defense again was the order of the day for the Heat who held Chicago to a not-gonna-get-it-done 40% shooting at a raucaus American Airlines Arena.

Chicago doesn’t have an answer for the Heat’s Big Three, despite herculean efforts by the Bulls’ Derrick Rose (8-17 for 23 points).
But Rose did have his chance to build on his legend and make a game-winning, series-tying buzzer beater. But he missed, sending the game into OT where the Heat turned on the, well, you know.

“Tonight, definitely it was on me,” Rose was quoted on NBA.com. “I had two opportunities to end the game. Couldn’t do it. If anything, learn from it. Too many turnovers. Really was my fault but I’m going to learn from it.”

Game 5 -a must win home game for Chicago – is on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

- Mark Christopher

Related stories:

Bosh finding his playoff groove in Miami

He’s one win away from playing for a championship and if the Miami Heat ultimately dispatch the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference final, Bosh is in for some serious accolades. He’s already getting them, for his play and his patience. ..

West Englewood holds out hope for Rose, Bulls

By Lolly Bowean, Tribune Reporter On the day after the Chicago Bulls lost their third playoff game against the Miami Heat, Damonte Pierson retreated to Murray Playground Park in West Englewood to work off his frustration. In Wednesday’s drizzling rain, …

It was big. And by “it,” I mean Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh, who scored a game high 34 to lift his Miami Heat to a 96-85 victory over the Chicago Bulls in Sunday night’s Eastern Conference Finals Game 3.

Miami now leads the series 2-1.

While stifling defense was the storyline in the first two match-ups, this time out it was an offensive explosion by the sometimes sleeping giant Bosh that excited the masses. Bosh gets the game ball because he seemingly scored at will with a fire and determination that scouts and basketball brainiacs have been talking about all along.

Bosh did start off slowly, going 1-4 before sinking a pair of free throws and finding his rhythm.

“I got to the free-throw line, I got a little bit of rhythm right there,” Bosh said. “After that I saw the ball go in one time and that was good enough for me.”

Good enough was his 13-point second quarter, in which he racked up frequent-flyer miles on his way to the basket. The only negative was that Bosh’s counterpart – Bulls PF Carlos Boozer – netted a gutsy 26 points by time the final buzzer sounded.

“We know that to win this series, Chris is probably going to be the guy to lead us in scoring,” Wade said.

(Photo credit: Marc Serota)

The Bulls simply have no match for Bosh, or for any of the Heat’s three superstars for that matter. Especially as the team NBA’s most talked-about trio continues to develop as a cohesive unit, something they failed to do consistently throughout the regular season.

“It was encouraging to see that level of trust,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “They wanted the ball to go to him. He’s a critical part of what we do. We run a lot of our offense through him regardless of whether he’s getting shots or not.”

You can see what an uphill climb Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau and his team face. The Bulls, a strong team with only one legit superstar in MVP Derrick Rose, can only wonder – who’s going to step up next for Miami?

Will it be LeBron James? Dwyane Wade? Bosh again? (gasp) Creeky-legged Mike Bibby?

That’s a lot of defense to plan for. That’s a tall order for a young team, even with the league’s MVP and the Coach of the Year on the floor.

Game 4 is Tuesday, May 24, in Miami.

- Mark Christopher

Related stories:

Video: Heat Fans Yell Obscenities at Barkley, He Gives Them the Finger The relationship between Charles Barkley and the Miami Heat fans is about as tumultuous as the one between Barkley and golf. Yesterday, at some point after their team trounced the Chicago Bulls, the always-classy fans decided to chant “f**k you” to …

All of America seeing that LeBron James should have received his third … With the home crowd fans cheering him on chanting “MVP” every chance they got, and Chris Bosh(notes) having his back scoring a blistering 34 points, LeBron James(notes) steamrolled over Kyle Korver(notes) and the Chicago Bulls in the Miami Heat’s 96-85 …

The Heat is, in fact, on.

Last night (Wed., May 18), early-season NBA Finals favorites the Miami Heat evened the score against the re-emerging Chicago Bulls with a 85-75 victory at the United Center in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Heat looked determined, somewhat disciplined and ultimately impressive in the must-win away game, dishing out some tough defense and finally reversing the team’s recent trend of posting rebound deficits against the fledgling Bulls.

It was the Heat’s first win against the Bulls in five games, as Chicago had no answer for the Heat’s scoring prowess on the low post and in the paint. LeBron James & Co. shot a blistering 64.6% from within 10 feet of the basket. However, the Heat’s outside shot is still failing them – they only made 29.4% of their jumpers more than 10 feet from the rim in Game 2. That could be a problem down the road.

Both teams are flailing from outside the three-point line, netting only 18.2% of their triples on Wednesday night (that’s three buckets each, anemic in the modern era).

Wednesday night’s effort was an appropriate answer from Miami, who was  blown-out in Game 1 by the Bulls in shocking fashion. In that match-up, Chicago cooled the Heat and their “two superstars” LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who combined for a paltry 33 points. Chris Bosh tried to carry the team on his back with a 30-plus point effort, but it was for naught.

Possibly persuaded by destiny, the dynamic duo of James and Wade did much better in Game 2, combining for 53 points and 19 rebounds in the win, closing out the final 4:28 of the game on a 12-2 run. During that span, James got nine points while the entire Bulls team went 1-8 from the field.