Heat 99, Nets 94 (Beyond the Box Score)

The numbers say it all.

Dwyane Wade's 19-point fourth quarter.

The Heat's crucial 8-0 run down the stretch, one that helped erase a 10-point deficit with less than six minutes left.

Michael Beasley's huge 15-point first half. Chris Quinn's six consecutive free throws to clinch it.

Just about everywhere you look, its easy to find a key contributing factor in the Heat's 99-94 come-from-behind victory over the New Jersey Nets at AmericanAirlines Arena.

They all led to another set of impressive numbers for the Heat. How about 3-0 at home for the first time since the 1999-2000 season? How about the overall 4-3 record, the first time the Heat has been above the .500 mark since April 18, 2007.

We go beyond the box score.

Player of the Game: Jolinda Wade - Give Dwyane Wade's mom credit for delivering the player who has delivered for the Heat in so many big moments. With his mom in town to celebrate her birthday - and sitting courtside on the baseline - Wade scored 19 of his game-high 33 points in the fourth quarter. Wade made a career-high four three-pointers, including three in the quarter. It's his third consecutive 30-point game, one that came after he shook off a rough first half from the field.

Surprise, Surprise: Daequan Cook - Came off the bench to score a season-high 15 points, including the three-pointer that started the Heat rally from a 10-point deficit in the fourth. But Cook's biggest play came on defense, when he forced Vince Carter into a turnover in the final seconds as the Nets trailing by three. Honorable mention here goes to Joel Anthony, who moved ahead of Mark Blount as the first center off the bench. Anthony provided solid defense inside early and was active around the basket. He finished with a block, a dunk and four boards.

Tough night: Yakhouba Diawara - Got the start at small forward in place of Shawn Marion, who sat out with a groin injury. But Diawara was just 1 of 4 from the field in 21 minutes. Diawara, however, wasn't brought in for his offense. His struggles from the field opened the way for Cook to get extended minutes on the perimeter alongside Wade and Quinn down the stretch.

Shut 'em down: Vince Carter - Scored 22 points, but never really found a rhythm against the Heat's help defense. Miami clearly had to give up something in order to contain Carter, and that meant watching Yi JianLian go off for a big night. Yi had 24 points, including 12 in the third quarter when the Nets built a 12-point lead. Carter was hounded into four turnovers and missed 9 of 16 shots from the field.

That says it all: "It's significant with what we're trying to build at home. We're trying to make this a tough place to play, and we're trying to win our fans back." - Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on the Heat's 3-0 start at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Next up: Heat vs. Portland, 8 p.m. Wednesday at AmericanAirlines Arena

Comments

[d1s2k1z2]

This game is an instant classic.

Beasley's early emergence.

Quinn, Cook and Wade 3 point barrage.

Wade owning Carter with a bankshot revival and fadeaway floater over 2 Nets (including Carter).

[FU(cK D.rose]

Awesome game! Very fun to watch! D.Wade nice way to step up brotha and Beasley you got game kid just dunk that $hhit already lolll and one more thing sir Charles "Vince Carter in rolling over his grave" lol!! Time to join an elite team Vince your resume is spectacular you just need a trip to the ship.

[O.J Mayo]

YOU GUYS GUESS WHAT?!?!?! I JUST HEARD FROM MY LEFT NUT THAT THE HEAT ARE GONNA TRADE BLOUNT AND BANKS TO THE CAVALIERS FOR LEBRON JAMES LMAOOOOO MY LEFT NUT NEVER LIES HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Patricio]

To all you doubters!!! Wade's back!!! Don't jump on the band wagon now (D.Rose). LETS GO HEAT!!!

[Dom]

Man, I got that feeling of game 3 in the finals in 06, vintage Dwade. We were missing the matrix last night, but we are a solid team guys. If Alonzo can give us 20-25 mpg, Man, we can be tough. Start Haslem at C, and zo is the 1st off the bench, and zo can also finish. If we can somehow win 15 on the road, and win 30 at home, we can have a great season. Things are looking good. Beasley is just going to get better. Plus, we are adding some bulk and 3ptt shooting with Jones and Magloire.

[FU(cK D.rose]

I been a Heat fan why do you think I come this wack ass website? lolll

[FU(cK D.rose]

You are just mad because you know that CP3 just as good as D.wade. And your comeback was that the Mavericks defense was just as good as the Spurs defense when they are all healthy lol Just look at stats THE STATS NEVER LIE!

[FRANK]

YO FU(CK D. ROSE...
WHY TRY TO ARGUE WITH THIS DUMB@$$,
MY LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE IS WAY ABOVE OF THIS LIL PUNK CUBAN PATRICIO...

[Patricio]

Frank you should just bend over and let D. Rose take it to you. While your at it you should ask Chris Paul to join you groupies!!! You have more knowledge than me? Never!!! your an idiot. The Spurs your talking about(that Chris Paul lost to) were years older and slower than the Spurs the Mavs beat in the semi finals!!! They were on the down hill losers!!! Those Mavs were the best team in the NBA and Wade destroyed them. Your Daddy Paul was no where to be found when his teammates needed him the most!!! And i'm not cuban you ignorant retard. You here a hispanic name and you think im cuban. Figures because your an illiterate. D.Rose your the biggest retard I have ever debated with. I don't even know y i waste my time on such a moron that obviously has nothing worth even glancing at in this blog. Frank and D.Rose are worse than Black the Trucker. LOL!!! You guys are IDIOTS!!!! LETS GO HEAT!!!

[black the trucker]

hey, whats up guys. that was a great game. but why are you all talking about the spurs and mavs. d-wade was amazing. cook played well, quin did well too. beasley has a very good offensive game. but i still think if we could make one or two moves that would put us in playoff talk not the good game talk. i mean harrington wants out , curry wants out, they would love to play with wade. ny trying to dump salary, golden state could use another 7 footer to stay with the lakers. why not trade blount, banks, draft picks. this would make us better and they get rid of problems. and dont forget marbury, when he gets released sign him to. keep in touch

[Patricio]

LoL!!! I enjoy debating over this stuff. Honestly I do think Paul will be there but i don't want to give it to him until I see him accomplish something in the playoffs!!! He is sick and the best point guard in the NBA by far but Wade has won a championship and has something Kobe and Lebron don't have and that is an NBA Finals MVP trophy!!! So I may talk sh/t but I do agree Chris Paul is top 5!!!

[Patricio]

Poor Black the Trucker!!! Everyone wrties about his stupid comments and he doesn't say anything he just keep on trucking!!! Looking forward to the game tonight! If Oden plays and we get this win tonight it will be huge. We will then be real contenders for the playoffs!!! LETS GO HEAT!!!