Erik Spoelstra will say no, and of course one road playoff game isn't enough to judge, but the Heat was essentially limited to six players Sunday, with James Jones, Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony joining the Big Three in significant minutes.
Mike Bibby went 0 of 6 from the floor and struggled defensively, and Zyrdunas Ilgauskas played token starter's minutes and didn't produce. With Mike Miller out of the rotation, for the time being at least, it limited the team's options and forced all member of the Big Three to play more than 40 minutes.
The idea, of course, was that it was OK to wear out those guys as long as it meant a win and a week to recover. Instead, it resulted in a loss and another game Wednesday while the older Celtics get their much needed rest after sweeping the Knicks.
The reason for the loss also had to do with trust, as Chris Bosh will explain.
“Sometimes you get a little tight,” Bosh said in regard to the Heat's lack of offensive execution. “It is tougher to execute down the stretch. When the attention is focused on the last minute of the game, it’s tough to execute your offense. It’s easy to trust when you’re up 2-0, 3-0.
“We’re gonna have to trust each other.”
Chances are that's just a minor slip-up. Chances are that Bibby will shoot his usual percentage and Big Z will hit the offensive boards again and Dwyane Wade and LeBron James won't resort to hero basketball again when games get tight.
But this game was just a reminder that it still can happen to this group, even when it looks like everything was going in its favor.
.... Oh, and feel free to go off about LeBron taking and missing the Heat's final shot. That topic had been dormant for some time now anyway.
Yeah, LeBron is no MVP. MVP's close games. Give to DWade finally!!
Posted by: CelticPride | Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 07:46 PM
@CelticPride - I think Rose is going to get it but I'm all for Wade to be the one, he's worked his butt off for the Heat, not just this season but the previous ones too.
Anyway, Celtics first time to sweep on this series, Orlando may be up for a big surprise and get eliminated in the first round. If Miami is not careful, the Sixers may have enough pride to stage a comeback, underdogs are always dangerous.
Posted by: kakadura | Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 08:50 PM
Yeah, but Miami's too good to blow three in a row at this point. Scrappy teams always find a way to win one, maybe two.
Posted by: CelticPride | Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 09:07 PM
CelticPride - agree, we'll see what happens next. Celtics will be well rested waiting for Miami. Boston is not the Sixers, I think that's going to be the best series of the playoffs (before the finals of course). I think Boston/Miami will go to at least six games and can go either way. I think.
Posted by: kakadura | Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 09:09 PM
This is good now LBJ will have to change his approach when he's in that situation again. Next time read the defense better and see that they're going to collapse on you, so pull up for the jumper. I don't believe Wade should be the only person who gets the ball in his hand in these possesions. LBJ has to get over this hump and produce. I still believe the game was lost on Wade's last possessions defense not the last shot.
Posted by: 305 Representer | Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 09:12 PM
@Kakadura your back!!! I been meeting to tell you to tell your brother Arroyo that he got nice suits selections while he's been sitting on the bench lmao.
Posted by: 305 Representer | Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 09:15 PM
Haha come on guys jump off LeBron back is good he keeps getting opportunities he has the ability to be the best closer in the Nba he just had to get his mindset right all mental at that point. Don't be fools he will win us a game, coach just has to coach him during those tight situations to force a call or score move in other words "bully basketball". Dwade an awesome closer but lets be honest he was struggling at the end of the game. He was probably already thinking about resting to chase Ray Ray lol
Posted by: JDogTheDog | Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 09:37 PM
Awesome job by this group, and by the fans who make their presence known (especially late in the game).
Got their W over the Heat to truly show how much they have improved and showing how they are on the right track.
ZERO pressure on this team, maybe you can hit the Heat in the mouth early. You never know folks.
Posted by: Atlanta Roofing | Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Kakadura long time bro welcome back....the Heat loose one close game and Espn local radio and tv freaking out, wednesday it's over... It might be a blessing in disguise because....just my opinion it will keep Miami in a rhythm and focus, Celtics waiting and not in game time rhythm in a roll but have a slow start to in the series, plus the Heat are a great defensive team when they want to be, I believe the Heat are going to give it their best because it's Boston...and you know the Heat play down to their competition! The Heat will take this series and this is the hardest series.
Posted by: ray | Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Um... Ray... THIS is the hardest series? Wow.
Posted by: CelticPride | Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Lebron missed the last shot but it wasn't why they lost. It was a good move. Elton Brand just made a great defensive play on the closeout to get a piece of the shot. Lebron carried them most of that game. The reason they lost was no bench production and Bosh not stepping up. Lebron made several clutch plays in that game. Dwade giving up that 3 playing to far off on defense killed them. Erase that play and the heat win. Also for all those jumping on Lebron closing Dwade is 0-5 in 5 seconds and less and Lebron is 1-16. They both need to do better there but they both make clutch plays in the last few minutes. The last shot is the problem.
Posted by: jusitn | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 12:27 AM
I meant 1-6 for Lebron
Posted by: jusitn | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 12:28 AM
Without Bron, Miami looks ahead and gets blown out in this game. Good job by Collins for not calling a time out. Young guys never make game winning shots when they got to think about it. We gave one away but we are coming home. Let's beat these guys and take care of business. I like the fact that Shaq's 1st game back will be against us. Either his fat asz will be rusty or he will get hurt for trying too hard. Far as the trust issue goes. I trust that Bosh will get more than 12 pts and 5 rebounds in the next game. We lose when we get out rebounded. Everyone but Chalmers who played 15 minutes or more outrebounded Bosh. His bad shooting contributed to a lot of boards by Philly.Opposin
g front lines only get tougher from here out.
Posted by: jpejeff | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 02:12 AM
Lebron is 2-10 (20%) in the final seconds and wade is 1-8 (16%)! So who's the better closer? This year neither!! And if we go by the stats then its Lebron! Numbers don't lie! People do!!
Posted by: fingerman | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 02:26 AM
Would Chalmers even be in the league if not playing with this team ? Wouldn't one think many decent point guards available this offseason would beg for the chance to sign with Heat ? Why Chalmers was in the game down the stretch is a total mystery. Makes an occassional steal or shot...but has to be leading the league in stupidity with turnovers, missing clutch shots, and making stupid passes and plays. Whenever he's in the game...he's a good sixth man for the other team.
Posted by: RP | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 08:35 AM
I wonder: Where's the DWade of old and where has he been all year? Yeah, he's scored 30 in consecutive games but then there were too many 14 pg and 16 pg...those were rare for him before and would be called an off night. Now-a-days, its being accepted.
The good -
Bosh is playing like Bosh and
Lebron is playing like Lebron.
The bad -
Wade isn't playing like DWade on offense or defense. Why does spo keep allowing Wade to cheat over so much and leave guys with open 3's? Even with Wade running at them, that's a small distraction and the guy is still wide open.
The ugly -
Chalmers is still playing like chalmers. For all the good he does, he cancels it out plus 10. Making dumb fouls putting miami's opponents in bonus quicker than usual, missing open shots at critical moments, not passing to open guy in transition, etc., This guy has to go or we need him at 2nd string and a guy who can play at least 30 minutes with skills at as the starter. As little of chalmers as possible.
Posted by: energy_bust | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 08:36 AM
^^^use some perspective dude...sucks to lose and we have issues but we're up 3-1 against a scrappy team who hit some clutch jumpers at the end...that's it.
If you've watched Dwade's carreer, you know he bounces back from bad games better than anyone...he'll have 30+ points on Wed and sit the 4th quarter in a blowout win.
Posted by: Heatup | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Why is no one jumping on Wade for missing the turn around jumper that would have put the Heat up by 3 with 20 seconds to go? This loss was more on Wade than it was on LeBron. Secondly we are up 3 to 1. Why is there so much panic? The 76ers winning one close game is not the end of the world. Look at the Lakers and the Spurs, not those fans have something to panic about.
Posted by: Dave | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:44 AM
"The bad -
Wade isn't playing like DWade on offense or defense."
Dwade's stat line: 22 Pts
8 Rbs
4 Asst
5 Blks
Maybe that's not the Dwade we know but that's pretty freakin good from a 6'4" shooting guard. Not to mention he had 12 out of a 20-2 run that got us back in the game.
Posted by: Heatup | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 11:09 AM
So the Celtics are comfortably cozy at home, relaxing, watching tape, preparing for the Heat. going golfing, shopping, nice family meals, going to the movies, boating, fishing..
Meanwhile, the Heat are stressed up, still worked up, preparing for the lousy Sixers again, practicing their errant shots, see if that horrible bench can throw a stone in the ocean (and hit it) on Wednesday.
And Shaq is getting all the rest he wants, and the other ‘Neil, and all of the veterans from Boston basking in the sun.
While UD and Miller can’t catch a break.
Losing that 4th game against Phily was a HUGE mistake by the Heat. They just did not show up with any energy. Over-confident, too complacent. The Heat’s Divas thought they were way superior, thought they had it all wrapped up. Same mistake the LA Lakers Divas are making as we speak.
More humble teams like Boston and Chicago are playing with the right sense of urgency and getting the job done.
Still, I like the Heat over Boston. Simply because both teams defend, but the Celtics can’t rebound. Or so it seems. They’ll need everyone on the boards, including both O’Neils if the hope to beat Miami
Posted by: Sledge | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 11:34 AM
“Offense was not the problem. Defense was.”
As usual, it’s a combination of factors.
Offense wasn’t good enough, defense was also deficient at crucial times.
Especially guarding the 3pt line. They shot 44%, vs 21% from the Heat.
1/ They got out-hustled, period. Not enough energy. Out-rebounded.
2/ The Heat insists on shooting 3’s, when they should attack the rim. Especially Divas Lebron and Wade, who shot a combined 1/7 from downtown. Will they ever learn?
3/ The Heat’s horrible bench didn’t contribute squat. That was to be expected, with UD and Miller out.
4/ The Heat’s point guards and centers plainly suck
Add that up, and you get the result.
Posted by: Sledge | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 11:37 AM
The Heat got bored playing these fools. I personally didn't even watch the game yesterday, its no competition. Watching it Wednesday cause we're gonna beat them down like in game 2! Believe that!
Posted by: g007 | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Any of you commenters actually watched the end of this game????
It was clear the starting rotation was TIRED!
They looked sluggish. Wade had no speed to the basket. Except for the burst of blocked shots by Miami in the last 5mins, their offensive sets, rotations and drives were weak.
That's what happens when your bench doesn't give you some supporting points to rest up the starters.
The bench was supposed to step up and help finish this series so the STARS can take it easy heading into THE REAL PLAYOFF GAME: BOSTON.
They didn't do that. Miami will finish them the next game.
But the lack of Bench performance doesn't look good for Miami to take out Boston.
My call: Boston wins 4-2
Posted by: WestCoastCane | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Sledge your lack of knowledge, or all the Hate u got towards a player or team makes u sound ST^PID..
Chicago and Celts playing great and humble? are u ret^rded? Chicago could easily be down 1-3 against a much worst team than the Sixers, Celts beat a 1 man show that only played well in that 3rd game..
Bottomline The heat lost to a very scrappy, sluggish, loose team that had nothing to lose, excuse? NO, but this type of things happen in the NBA (yea NBA not streetball or the crap you are use to watching)
You really are st^pid get the stepping old man that lives with mom
Posted by: Frank | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 01:03 PM
The reason it was important for Miami to sweep Philly and not have any lapses is because they need their confidence at an all time high when going against Boston. Also with Boston sweeping NY, Boston may very well take game one because they are more rested. It's not panic time. We will beat Philly, but a great opportunity was lost.
Why did I ask where is the DWade of old? Because the DWade of old could carry this team alone. To be quite honest, with the DWade we have this year, I wouldn't be confortable that we could win with him alone. I would be more comfortable that we could win with Lebron alone. And Bosh hasn't had such opportunities so I can't say either way with him.
Posted by: energy_bust | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 01:44 PM
Celticpride I meant the Celtics would be the hardest series! Having to wait for your next series and I know they are resting but at the same time their momentum is broken because they not playing for a week, and they heat will still be hot and a good momentum going into the series they are active! It's like when you older it takes longer to heal and longer to get going! And I think the Heat will take the first two at home and take on at Boston! I would think it's going to be a dog fight to the end or the Heat can blow them away if they want to play tough defense and be aggressive in the painted area and don't take it easy on them when up by 20, keep the pressure on!
Posted by: ray | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 01:51 PM
Frank,
Yeah by your logic Miami could be tied 2-2 in this series too. other than the game 2 blowout, Heat has not exactly set the world on fire.
you guys got the win in game #1 because of a young Philly team that could not execute when Heat went to a zone defense. I see them get better and better as the playoffs progressed.
I would not be surprised if it became a close game again in game 5.
since you guys lost, suddenly we are supposed to put Philly in a pedestal. bottom line Philly does not have talent and they are young with 2 rookies. this is their first taste of playoff basketball.
gimme a break.
Posted by: MS | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 03:09 PM
MS, they have more talent than Chicago and the Broken knicks...let's be honest. Miami is being tested most and for the most part are passing with flying colors. What exactly did the Knicks have? Injured Amare and Billips and a bench full of nobodies, yet for 2 games the Celts struggled. Is Indiana even about .500 yet the Bulls have struggle much more than the Heat and could have easily lost 2 more of those games if not for Indiana shooting themselves in the foot in the last 2 minutes.
Posted by: energy_bust | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 03:22 PM
CORRECTED:
MS, they have more talent than Chicago's Indiana Opponent and the Broken knicks (due to injuries)...let's be honest. Miami is being tested most and for the most part are passing with flying colors. What exactly did the Knicks have? Injured Amare and Billips and a bench full of nobodies, yet for 2 games the Celts struggled. Is Indiana even about .500 yet the Bulls have struggle much more than the Heat and could have easily lost 2 more of those games if not for Indiana shooting themselves in the foot in the last 2 minutes.
Posted by: energy_bust | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 03:24 PM
Here's a legit question for anyone paying attention
Posted by: keithsfla2lv | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 04:12 PM
Sorry Ray. Got it.
Posted by: CelticPride | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 04:56 PM
You guys need to understand one thing. D.Wade got us a ring in 06 which by all means i love my HEAT and i was ecstatic about that. No disrespect to D.Wade because him along with Kobe and Lebron are the only players that can hit another level that nobody else in the league can(no not even Rose or Durant, YET!) That being said, MIAMI FANS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE HAVE ARGUABLY THE BEST PLAYER IN THE NBA IN LEBRON JAMES. The best player needs the ball in his hands at the end of the game, PERIOD. Guys neither Lebron nor Wade have been successful in closing it out in the end. In the last ten seconds to win or tie Lebron is 1-7 and D.Wade is 0-5. As a team we are 1-18. This whole thing about Wade being the better closer is straight BS and by me saying that I dont mean that Lebron is any better. They are both the same in that aspect. Whoever takes the last shot, I dont care as long as it goes in but i don't wanna hear all this shit talking about Lebron. APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT THE BEST PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE(LEBRON JAMES) IS ON OUR TEAM!!! What Wade did in 06 was great but that was 06!!! We are in 2011 and what happened then has nothing to do with now! PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT GUYS! Lebron James and Dwyane Wade are my two favorite players but the crap Lebron has had to deal with this year, AND SOME EVEN COMING FROM MIAMI FANS, is just pure non sense. Now, people need to stop panicking, YOU'RE NOT HELPING ISRAEL, and understand that there's not ONE TEAM in the NBA that can beat us in a 7 game series. I'll see you guys in our championship parade for the next not 2, not 3,not 4, not 5, not 6, not 7 years!
Posted by: Enrique O. | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 06:48 PM
The only down side that I can see with not sweeping is the potential for a injury in a game 5. Other than that, I don't have a problem with Mickey putting some extra cash in his pocket because he deserves it. We gonna have 3 days to prepare for Boston instead of 6. Not a big deal because if we don't have a game plan on how to play them by now, we are in trouble anyways.Boston still has to come to Miami and long layoffs tend to hurt teams more than they help them. Beating a team 4-0 or 4-1 only means you still need 12 more wins to win a title.
Posted by: jpejeff | Monday, April 25, 2011 at 07:50 PM
The heat's issues have NOT been solved after 87 games (should have been solved during the 1ST PART of the season). Their coach has a ridiculous rotation pattern (the shooters don't get consistent minutes which is important for shooters), they have NO killer instinct (which is why teams start fast and hang around) and they STILL don't know their rolls. Lastly, their bball IQs in crunch time is pathetic for the pedigree they're supposed to have. Boston will finish them in 5 games. Maybe 6. There is NO EXCUSE for them losing game 5. NONE. Now they have less rest and they are risking injury (DWade is notorious for getting hurt this time of year.) Just plain ridiculous.
Posted by: vaustn | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Haaa @vaustn @Enrique O....it's like bizzaro Heat fans.
It's simple to me...can the big 3 overcome the shortcomings at PG, C, and their bench?? or not. I like our chances cause there's no real dominant team/s in the NBA.
Posted by: Heatup | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Although the Heat finished with the third best record in the league, they haven't solved all their problems. Apparently, there are 27 other teams with bigger issues, ie Boston, LA, OKC, Orlando, Dallas.
Coming from someone who has probably never ever coached basketball at any level, (vaustn), you are calling out coach for his substitution pattern? Carrying the big sack today, are we?
No killer instinct? We only lost like 25 games this year, and probably 16 of those have been close enough to have people whine about WHO the closer is (as if there has to be somebody with that title -- I know, it helps ESPN fill in the blanks of who to market on which team. They get confused when they actually have to watch a game and not read from their scripts). Damn sure the Heat KILLED some teams in the last 5 months.
By the way, ESPN hasn't told me who I'm supposed to admire most on the Celtics team. Who is the closer up there? I've seen KG, Pierce, and Ray-Ray ALL take the last shot. Where's the confusion on that team. Oh, OK, the OPEN MAN takes the shot, good call. Heck, we've even seen Baby Davis hit some end of the game jumpers.
Where do they grow these people?
Posted by: Greg Gembe | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 11:17 AM
wtf...we lost 1 freakin game...wats d big deal? heat is still up 3-1.
Posted by: urnotx | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Any of the big 4 in Boston can hit the game winning shot, especially Ray Allen. Even bench players have. That's their strength: A Balanced team. You have to pick your poison. They share the ball. Unselfishly. No huge Egos involved. Versatile, unpredictable, all capable of making those final shots.
Statistically the Celtics are THE best closing team this season in the NBA. The Heat are last in that department. Perhaps one of the reasons is every opponent knows where the ball is going: Lebron or Wade. Too predictable.
Posted by: Sledge | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 12:21 PM
With Sledge, I do have to agree on one thing: Predictability is not what we need right now. Spo can't tighten up from nervousness during this part of the season. In fact, this is the time where we loosen up and widen our games.
With that, it was one loss, but it was a loss that made Miami, who was playing the best ball up to the point, not look so invincible to other teams. I always say - Destroy your enemy - not only are you dispatching them, but it sets an example, makes others fear you (causing nervousness and them to be off their games).
Posted by: energy_bust | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 12:49 PM
....Sounds like the Celtics have trouble putting teams away, that's why they play so many close games.
....And let's figure it out once and for all -- is it a 'problem' that a team has more than one option in the waning moments of a game (with no real defined closer), or is it a problem that a team has a defined 'closer' that almost always gets the last shot?
You can't really have it both ways.
And what is Boston's problem that they are always playing games with close endings? Is that a sign of weakness or strenght?
Seems to me you play 82 games and the cream rises to the top. How did the Heat do this year? Two teams barely achieved better win/lose records than Miami. Not too shabby!
Posted by: Greg Gembe | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 12:56 PM
While the Heat is preparing for the Sixers tomorrow, here's some of the talk in Boston:
"All I know is that the Celtics will be using the time to their full advantage. Old bones will get a chance to rest and recover (which in Ray Allen's case probably means taking just 1,000 jump shots instead of 1,200). Little bumps and bruises will heal and big 280 lb. centers might get healthy enough to toss around some rag doll Heat centers. But most of all, I'm downright giddy at the thought of Doc Rivers and his staff breaking down game film and figuring out 101 ways to frustrate LeBron, Dwyane, and company."
http://www.celticsblog.com/2011/4/26/2133216/how-sweep-it-is#storyjump
Posted by: Sledge | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Honestly Im waiting on Spo to draw up a game winning shot for Chris Bosh he can shoot the mid range and drive to the rim. Give Bosh the ball, solves our problem!
Posted by: Dman | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 01:32 PM
eddie house what are the heat waiting for
Posted by: bobby jones | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 01:33 PM
house score 30 plus in the last game hit the winning shot at okc what is spol waiting for put the man in the game
Posted by: bobby jones | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 01:37 PM
The game is not in doubt when you win by 6 pts or more. Miami has won 54 of 86 by 6 pts or more. That's 63% of there games that are never in doubt. 63% of a 7 game series is a little over 4 games. If we lose the other 3 games in the last 10 seconds, so be it. A league leading 36 of the 54 wins have been by double digits. Boston on the other hand has won 39 of there 86 by 6 pts or more. 30 of those has been double digit wins. It would be crazy of me o think we will win it all because of these stats. Just as crazy to believe we can't because we having hit many game winners. 17 of the 33 playoff games have been decided by 6 pts or more. These dam numbers mean nothing. Let's just play ball and let the best team win.
Posted by: jpejeff | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 02:20 PM
To think & haven't instead of having
Posted by: jpejeff | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 02:26 PM
House is a streaky, unreliable shooter. And he couldn't defend his own shadow if his life depended on it. You can say the same exact think for Bibby.
Posted by: Sledge | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 02:32 PM
^^^^
The glass is always half empty with you and the Heat, isnt' it Sludge?
Posted by: Greg Gembe | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 02:35 PM
^^^ When the other half is full of Bulls HIT, half MT is good.
Posted by: jpejeff | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 03:15 PM
The bench for the heat is horrible! Pat Riley
has a lot of work to do in the off season
Posted by: Susan | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 03:46 PM
Dirk is the NBA's best closer - it is a treat to watch. This series is an all-time classic. Miami is the team of the future and will learn from the Mavericks in this series about the intricacies of teamwork and intuitive ball movement once they move beyond the trappings of ego. Dirk wants the ball in the closing minutes, even if it is to pull the defense and allow Jet to pop the net. Expect the Heat to loose this series yet when they take the trophy next year, whether they admit it or not, they will point to these finals as the "awakening."
Posted by: Coke Buchanan | Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 04:34 PM