Heat 97, Wizards 77 (Beyond the Box Score)

Perhaps this was the Miami Heat at its best.

And maybe this was the Washington Wizards at their injury-riddled worse.

The result was a blowout as the Heat bounced back from Wednesday's loss to Portland with a 97-77 victory against the Wizards at AmericanAirlines Arena. Those who arrived extremely casually late expecting to see another monster fourth quarter from Dwyane Wade were disappointed.

Wade was on ice by then. He did his damage in the third, when he scored 12 points in 12 minutes, and the Heat used a 20-1 run to put away the Wizards. But this night wasn't about Wade. It was about his supporting cast, one that played to its full potential.

Shawn Marion, back from a two-game absence because of a groin injury, was at his lock-down best defensively. He shut down Caron Butler, who scored only six points. Marion and Udonis Haslem finished with points-rebounds double-doubles. The Heat had four players score in double figures and another three finish with 9 points.

Now if Miami could simply bottle this performance, it could be a serious contender this season. But a bit of perspective is always needed. This was a Wizards team that was beaten up before tip-off. Still, when you're the Heat, and coming off a 15-win season, any win is a much-needed victory.

We move beyond the box score

Player of the Game: Shawn Marion - The Matrix collected 12 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks in 29 minutes. It might have been the most defensively dominant 12-point, 12-rebound game that can be played. Marion, who missed two games with a groin injury, provided the energy and athleticism that was missing in Wednesday's loss to Portland. He held Caron Butler to 3 of 10 shooting and six points. Marion's offense is still not where it's been during his career. But his value to this team should be viewed first and foremost from a defensive perspective.

Surprise, Surprise: Mario Chalmers - After two wayward performances, Chalmers perked up. Perhaps it was that pre-game talk with coach Spoelstra. Or maybe it was the fact that Chris Quinn is coming on so strong. But Chalmers found his offense late and finished with 9 points, 7 assists and 2 steals in 30 minutes. He still hasn't found his shot (3 of 9 from the field, 2 of 7 from 3s), but he's regained some of his defensive swagger that allowed him to lock down the starting job.

Tough night: Daequan Cook - When Cook finishes with 9 points, 6 rebounds and some of the most aggressive defense this side of Shawn Marion and it's still considered a tough night, it goes to show just how good things were going for the Heat. Cook missed seven of his 10 shots and had two turnovers. Not that big of a deal in the grand scheme.

Shut 'em Down: Caron Butler - The two-time All-Star and former Heat lottery pick was held to 3 of 10 shooting from the field and just six points. Credit Shawn Marion with the lockdown. Butler had the look of a man who is facing a long season with so many teammates out injured. You know the look. It's the same one Dwyane Wade had last season.

Stat of the Night: Pick 'em. You can go with the 52-33 edge the smaller Heat team had in rebounding over a Washington team that rotated two 7-footers. Or, you can go with the 77-38 scoring edge the Heat's starters had on the Wizards starters.

That Says it All: "We can't just put it all on Dwyane's shoulders. We have to get other guys comfortable enough to make plays. It's also a game that doesn't have to be a home-run game. When the ball is moving, and we're sharing the ball, we're a much more dangerous team." - Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on the balance his team played with at both ends of the court to complement Wade.

Next Up: Heat at Toronto, 1 p.m. Sunday (Air Canada Centre)

Comments

[frank]

Good win!

[d1s2k1z2]

The team is going in the right direction. Marion is much needed.

[pugtv]

What is up with Beasley's low rebounding totals?

[Jorge]

I saw last night's game and Marion was not covering Butler all night long. I saw wade covering butler a lot and even in the post. Wade was also covering Roy in the fourth quarter against the Blazers.

I think Marion getting the credit for his defense on Butler is an example of the media wanting to play up the fact that he returned.

Wade played tremendous last night and definitely was the catalyst. His defensive energy was great last night and I enjoy how his high-flying d challenges 7 footers just as much as the little guys.

[BillyDAkid WADEforMVP2009]

well i was at the game and Marion covered Butler about 80% of the time and Wade coverd him about 20% of the time.

Wade WAS great on defense TOO though just like Marion was........ whether MArion guarded Butler or the other 20% when Marion guarded Jamison and Wade did guard Butler they both were OUTSTANDING.

Chalmers was also very good on defense, as was Cook and Haslem.

Wade and Marion were best though....... Marion shut Butler down, and Wade shut Stevenson down COMPLETELY....... theyre the best wing-duo on defense in the NBA thus-far this season by far.

Imagine if you replaced Haslem at center with say healthy Brendan Haywood or Jermaine Oneal or even Joel Przybilla? We would have the best defensive team in the league (and rebounding) with a starting 5 of Haywood/Beasley/Marion/Wade/Chalmers by FAR instead of just being a top-10 defense and average-rebounding team.

This team has MAJOR MAJOR HEART led by Wade.

[Katherine Theodore]

Can someone tell me what happen to Livingston? Is he still with the heat?

[black the trucker]

well beasly's shoot first mental game is not what we need from him. he needs to start on the boards and play some defense young fella. we all know you can score but you are smaller than most 4's in the league so your game has to come don't force it. quinn has been stellor. keep up the good stooting, your playing well.