Postgame Breakdown: Heat 96, Nuggets 88

This time, stingy  defense trumped prolific offense. This time, the Heat dominated with defense on a night when D. Wade struggled to get his scoring in gear.

Denver came in with the league's highest-scoring offense. But the Nuggets departed AmericanAirlines Arena with their first loss of the season after a 96-88 setback to Miami on Friday. It was a historical win for the Heat (5-1), which matched the franchise's best start through six games and also defeated Denver for the first time since 2004.

The Heat built as large as a 28-point lead and then had to sweat out a furious run by the Nuggets in the fourth quarter. But after giving away a double-digit lead to Phoenix on Tuesday night, the Heat held on to knock off the league's highest-scoring team. The Suns held that distinction when they faced the Heat earlier this week. The Nuggets averaged a league-best 115 points entering Friday.

"For the most part, it was a solid win," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "Defensively, for most of the game I thought we were very active."

And effective.

Jermaine O'Neal, Quentin Richardson, Mario Chalmers and Udonis Haslem, who had his fourth double-double of the season, provided the balance to complement Wade. But defense was the key for the Heat.

"That's been our calling card," O'Neal said of the Heat's defensive swagger. "That's what we are. We feel like we will do some special things this year."

D. WADE'S DOINGS: Wade had one field goal through the first half and finished 6 of 17 from the field to close with 22 points. He also had five assists and two steals. Wade knows he'll again be among the league's top scorers this season. But this was the type of performance - minus the off night from the field - that he hopes to have more often this season. He wants balance, and that's what his supporting cast provided on both ends of the court.

TURNING POINT: The Heat was in control from the early stages of the first quarter. But Miami used a 24-5 run that started in the second and continued through the third to take a 19-point lead. The blowout was on from there, and the Heat entered the fourth ahead by 22 points. Miami would lead by as many as 28 points before Denver chipped away. The remarkable thing about that spurt was that Wade had only one field goal during that stretch. It was clearly a night for the Heat's supporting cast.

WINNING EDGE: Miami's defense was so dominant during one stretch that it held the Nuggets to a combined 35 points over the second and third quarters. By the time the Nuggets found a rhythm, it was too late. Miami held an opponent to fewer than 90 points for the fourth time in six games.

HEAD-SCRATCHER: Two things come to mind. First, Michael Beasley's vanishing act in the second halves of games continued Friday. If there was ever an opportunity to give Beasley some decent "development" time on the court, it was in the second half as the Heat maintained a comfortable lead. Instead, he played sparingly. So those who have been super sensitive about SuperCoolBeas' playing time this season have more wood for the fire this ordeal has become. Another head-scratcher involved George Karl's decision to defend Richardson with Chauncey Billups.

KEY CONTRIBUTION: Chalmers had every aspect of his game working. He was true with his shot from long distance. He was driving to the basket and creating for others. And when he had chances to finish, he took them. Among his highlights was a nifty reverse layup, where he floated along the baseline, faked out Carmelo Anthony and scooped in a shot on the opposite side of the basket. Chalmers made 6 of his first 7 shots, including all four of his threes. He did have a mental lapse with that 8-second violation in the fourth quarter. But overall, a solid performance during what has been an up-and-down season for Rio. 

NEXT UP: Wizards at Heat, Tuesday 7:30 - AmericanAirlines Arena

(For live news, notes and updates on the Heat, follow me on Twitter @ twitter.com/wallacesports. To post a question or join our live Heat chat each Thursday from 1-2 p.m., click here.)

Comments

[305 Representer]

Good win. Of it wasn't for Spo mishap with Pheonix we would be a well-deserving perfect team. The Indiana game let me know we were a good team because the Pacers rocked us last year. Also I love it because Wade doesn't have to put the team on his back (I don't count the Wizard game because Wade did what he was suppose to do as our star player). Now about Beasley I'm starting to get the feeling the Heat are showcasing Haslem for a decent trade. I feel that way because Beasley isn't doing anything wrong even on defense so I don't see why Haslem is getting more time other than that!!! The Heat are usually good at playing young players, so I see the master plan.

[tradeBeasley]

Great win. Glad Haslem got his showcasing minutes. Beasley has to play harder though. He's got to get tougher and hit his open shots.

[cp12]

You pretty much nailed this one Wallace.

I gotta say that Wade looks alot more relaxed this year on the court, which is not a bad thing.

[Jigga]

The Heat got a good thing going, no need to trade anyone.

[thejuandiggler]

I'm starting to think that CP3 wants out of NO.
For all the Beasley fans out there( and i'm one of them ), do you think NO can get a better deal than Beasley and next yrs two first rd picks ?
Do you do that deal and then wait to sign , lets say Bosh and Rudy Gay next yr?
I love the Beas's upside, but I am starting to doubt if he is gonna ever bee better than a Glenn Robinson (who had some decent seasons but a difference maker?????).
I think if you have a chance of let's say a CP3 you do it without hesitation and bank on our big money next yr and keeping D Wade obviously.

[pugtv]

Fire Spo ... he's dead weight.

[j]

pugtv you're an idiot. what league are you watching? fire the coach of the biggest turnaround ever? fire the coach of a team tied for the best record in the league? how about i fire you? dumbass.

[305 Representer]

I think the problem with trading Beasley is that he won't command much in return I don't think. Beasley is worth more than some draft picks especially with this draft class coming up. I think the NO and Houston would be more than interested but what the hell would they give us? (don't say CP3, NO suck this year but their management are still college educated indivuals) Now depending how TMac looks coming back and he's in his final year that would be worth exploring with Beasley. Also if Pheonix start struggling look for Amare name to pop up before the deadline. With JO and Amare that would increase interior defense, offensive rebounds, a more consistent ppg, and most important easy baskets. Think aboutit everybody want Beasleys to do everything Amare is now hmmm.

[Mac]

Beas does not play with consistant control. He needs to get his mental game together. He also needs plays designed for him because he does not always no what to do when he has the ball in his hand.

[rockstarjc]

good win!!! good team work!!!

BEASLEY would not be traded... instead we do need to trade JAMES JONES, DIAWARA, QUINN, MAGLOIRE + 1ST ROUND PICK (last) 2010 TO:

(memphis) *RUDY GAY & MARC GASOL...

[hotleo20]

Most of you guys lack the ability to think critically. Number 1 rule what is the problem, since the game vs. the Knicks Beasley production has been down. Looking at last year Beasley never had a problem offensively it was defense and rebounding. The problem I notice it’s hard for him to find a comfort zone in the offense. His role is undefined; can someone tell me his role on offense? The coaching staff calls ymca plays for him, at the end of the day there is something fishy going on and the 7 minute spurts he gets plus being the fourth option on offense as a starter his offensive production is going to suffer, if the Suns would ever get their hand on Beasley Steve Nash would be a happy man.

[redman]

Coach Spo rules!!! That defensive disposition paid off...

[redman]

Where are the haters??? Haslem is a double double machine off the bench and that blocked shot was a thing of beauty...chalmers finally had himself a game...

[black the trucker]

well, i didn't see the game, it's was blacked out on sun sports last, damn, but i'm glad we won.. next game, wizards again, defense, defense, defense... that team has three players that would fit right in on this team, i just hope pat makes the call... beasley, jones, wright, quinn and trade exception for butler, blatche, foye... although they make out better in the deal, we still will be ok...

[hotleo20]

black trucker your not going to win a title with butler, blatche, and foye lol, great players but riley's ultimate plan is to build a dynasty which with wade, beasley, chalmers, and cook. all the other ingredients are up for debate.

[hotleo20]

the reason i stated chalmers, cook, and beasley is because all three all are in rookie contracts, so all three are exceeding their value for dollar which opens the door for riley to fill the rest of the roster with quality players he wants. rookie contract are important in building a team and some of you guys lack that understanding.

[black the trucker]

well, i am all for rookie contracts, but more for vet's who know how to compete and play as a team in big games.. and with those players and everyone healthy, skies the limit..

[black the trucker]

infact, once you make that deal, throw a draft pick and dozier at memphis for gasol...

[dmt]

But Beasley only got 31 minutes!!! Booo Hooooo hoooo! I don't care that we are tied for the best record in the league, I want Beasley to get more minutes. If he had gotten 40 minutes, he could have EASILY gotten 10 points! Not only that, he could have EASILY gotten his rebound total up to 4. EASILY. He just needs MORE MINUTES. That mean old Haslem is ruining this season. Him, and that IDIOT Spo. All they care about is stupid WINS! Wins, wins, wins -- I'm SICK of wins! I want more minutes for BEASLEY!!!!

[black the trucker]

and another thing, sign charlmers to a new deal.

[heatstroked]

Most of you guys lack the ability to think critically. Number 1 rule what is the problem, since the game vs. the Knicks Beasley production has been down. "Looking at last year Beasley never had a problem offensively it was defense and rebounding. The problem I notice it’s hard for him to find a comfort zone in the offense. His role is undefined..."

__

Critically speaking, most might say the credibility to criticize others presumes an ability to THINK -- not just criticize -- critically, which is NOWHERE EVIDENT ABOVE.

6 games in, Beasley is averaging MORE minutes at LESS efficiency, LESS productivity, LESS touches - 29mpg/2009 vs. 24mpg/2008, 44%/FG%/2009 vs. 47%/FG%/2008, 22%/3PT%/2009 vs. 41%/3PT%/2008, 11.6%/TRB%/2009 vs. 13.1%/TRB%/2008, 3.8%/AST%/2009 vs. 7.7%/AST%/2008, 13.6%/TOV%/2009 vs. 10.2%/TOV%/2008, 21.6/USG%/2009 vs. 27.7%/USG%/2008, 13.6/PER/2009 vs. 17.2/PER/2008.

Is this a "problem"? Is it really REALLY a problem?

Record: 5-1.

Role: Starter.

Rinse and repeatt.

RECORD 5-1. ROLE STARTER.

S-T-A-R-T-E-R.

Hint: Beasley is NO LONGER playing against lower rotation opponents or scrubs. Beasley is actually STARTING AGAINST STARTERS -- as Beasleyphiles DEMANDED all along.

Hunch: Beasley isn't scoring as easily against opposing STARTERS because STARTERS usually play better defense than opposing scrubs. Beasley the STARTER is also and now sharing touches with STARTING teammates who need, get, convert touches of their own.

Problem? NO PROBLEM.

Unless Beasley's current rate of efficiency declines precipitously, a slight drop is perfectly NORMAL for "MOST players" making the transition from RESERVE to STARTER.

This is NO DIFFERENT from normative declines in regular season efficiency vs. postseason efficiency when, during the latter, teams take defense to another level. As a result, declines in efficiency and/or scoring are the rule, not the exception, for "MOST players."

The REAL question with answer pending: Is Beasley going to have a career like "most players," or will Beasley work/study/improve enough to become EXCEPTIONAL, i.e., truly great?

As Spo observed, Beasley's defense has NOTICEABLY improved, which tracks the team as a whole, evidence a current DRtg of 97/2009 vs. 108/2008.

So Beasley is doing everything that his TEAM & coach need to WIN -- playing better d, sharing the rock, making the most of less scoring opportunities -- and has done it exceedingly well despite an expected, predictable, normal, UNDERSTANDABLE "initial" drop in numbers.

5-1 a "problem"?

ONLY if you're Beasley's Dildo.

[heatstroked]

As a result, declines in [postseason] efficiency and/or scoring are the rule, not the exception, for "MOST players."

[pugtv]

j l,

How brave of you to call other people idiots and dumbasses hiding behind the anonimity of the blog. Don't you feel it's cowardly?

Do you really think our record is representative of the coach's work? Our team is a 41-41 team at the end of the year. Keep your panties on.

I'm not going to get into why the team should fire Spo. There are more than enough people who have made a strong case. Read their argument and you'll get a better understanding of our view.

Fire "Dead Weight" Spo.

[SATANLOVES]

Fire Spo or lose in the 1st round, again.

[redman]

I, for one, am not one of those people pugtv...I think Spo is the perfect man for the job and he's doing excellent work...guy lives and breaths basketball and will get better with his substitutions as the season goes on...KEEP it up Spo!!!

[Jesse]

I agree our coach is dead weight! Beasley getting double teams and Haslem being left wide open. I guess he really believes in Haslem and I don't lol

[tradeBeasley]

Anybody questioning Beasley and claiming his productivity is down, which it is, isn't watching this team.

The statistical facts are there for all to see.
We are a better defensive and offensive team with Beasley at PF instead of Haslem.

Just check the stats.

http://www.82games.com/0910/0910MIA2.HTM
http://www.82games.com/0910/0910MIA1.HTM

Beasley is being used as s decoy to keep opponents defense respecting us. Nobody fears Haslem either on offense or defense. They however have to respect Beasley and it opens the game up for the rest of our players.

Beasley also sucks at SF. That isn't a surprise.

When we start running plays for him at PF we are going to be really unstoppable.

[rockstarjc]

this proposal would really help our team...

let's offer a trade to (memphis)... that would send:

JAMES JONES, MAGLOIRE, DIAWARA + 1ST ROUND PICK (last) 2010... to:

*rudy gay *marc gasol

guess (mem) would take this either... since rudy gay & oj mayo tandem would not work!!!

QUINN + TRADE EXEMPTION WE HAD FROM (toronto) to: (portland) ^bayless

its a fair trade to (portland) it could have made a cap space for them...

thougths???

if this happen... we are be a contender again + if we could land either AMARE/BOSH FROM 2010 FREE AGENCY BONANZA = championship...

[jpejeff]

Right now I'm speechless on the fire Spro campain.I will pleasantly eat my words for now
with the option of throwing them back up at any
time.Just because I'm thinking twice about my position of him being fired,doesn't mean I agre
e with his handling of Beasley. I still think its a blunder of great magnitude.I believe we would be unbeaten with Beasley finishing and know we would have lost more than 1 with
Haslem starting. The kid looks real solid starting out at PF.Instead of building from there,we got to watch him come back in as a SF
and look absolutely lost and out of position.
He's beginning to look more and more like damaged goods and taking steps backward.When Spro starts playing this kid during garbage time while Haslem sits with the starters,this kid will be done. Great wins and good coaching
otherwise.Hope we can keep it up when the scedule turns difficult.JO and Richardson has been a big difference maker.Haslem has been outstanding and Wade;enough said.Chalmers needs to play like this every game.He has the
ability.I agree Bees has open up the offense starting out. Teams got to have a defensive strategy for him and it opens it up for other
people.With Haslem,they tried to shut everyone else down while living with his open looks.Wright and Anthony has brought a lot of
energy off the bench and when Cook gets healthy,we will have a deep bench.I must say
the 2 wins against Indy and Denver has been a
pleasant suprise.I'm in Denver now wearing my
Heat gear and loving it.Miami has a bright future and Im ready for the ride.

[Joel Delgado]

Here i go talking crap about chalmers after the wizards game then he has a killer game against a very good nuggets team..shame on me.I don't know what to think about this whole beasley/haslem deal,I mean i think beasley is getting screwed big time because theres no way a second pick has been misused or handled so bad before yet i love haslems work ethics and his profesionalism.What do u think about trading chalmers,haslem expiring contract dorrel wright and a first round pick for chris paul?Im probably just dreaming,anyways hope the heat smack washington again and like always LETS GO HEAT!!!!!