It wasn't a fair fight.
Udonis Haslem has been asked to handle many tasks during his career as an undersized power forward. But it was simply too much to expect Haslem, now playing as a super-undersized center at 6-8, to contain Yao Ming - even with ample help.
As expected, Yao dominant ed the matchup against the Heat front line, going for 28 points and 11 rebounds in the Rockets' 107-98 victory against the Heat at AmericanAirlines Arena.
The combination of Haslem being unfairly overmatched and Dwyane Wade not having one of his better nights with Ron Artest on the prowl made for a tough night for the Heat, which has alternated wins and losses over the past 10 games. Miami carries a 7-7 record on its five-game Western Conference road trip that begins Wednesday in Portland.
We move beyond the box score.
Player of the Game: Mario Chalmers - The rookie point guard has been on an up-and-down cycle throughout the opening month of the season. There was an upswing Monday night. Chalmers scored a career-high 23 points on 5 of 10 shooting from three-point range. He also six assists, four rebounds and four steals in 37 minutes. But Chalmers seemed to have problems keeping up with Rafer Alston in the fourth quarter. He was beaten badly on one of Alston's late drives that led to a three-point play.
Surprise, Surprise: Yakhouba Diawara - Had a season-high 12 off the bench for the Heat. Diawara, who was signed in the offseason for his defense and three-point shooting, provided a decent spark. But these type of performances have been few and far between so far this season. If he can keep this going - at least until James Jones returns from wrist surgery - it would be a boost for the Heat.
Tough Night: Udonis Haslem - Haslem had a season-low two points to go with seven rebounds in 23 minutes. He was 1 of 5 from the field. But his offense was the least of his problems. Haslem was giving up nearly a foot in size to Yao Ming. It was the league's tallest center going against the smallest. And it was a mismatch from jump ball. Still, Haslem had some fight. He never backed down.
Lit 'em up: Yao Ming - The Ming Dynasty ruled in Miami. He had 28 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. But Yao was just as effective as a facilitator on offense. The Rockets made many of their 10 three-pointers off feeds from Yao as a result of an effective inside-outside game.
Stat of the Night: 52.6 - That's what the Rockets shot from three-point range against the Heat. They were 10 of 19 from beyond the arc.
That Says it All: "He had an awful night. He didn't play like I'm used to seeing him play. I guess it had a lot to do with the back line. I guess I'm one of the better defenders. If I'm on him, I have a better chance than some other guys. It was a great team effort." - Rockets forward Ron Artest on Heat guard Dwyane Wade, who missed 16 of his 23 shots and had 5 turnovers.
Next Up: Heat at Portland Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. Wednesday, Rose Garden
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