Dwyane Wade hadn't been getting chances to close out games for the Heat, and he said he wanted the chance. Erik Spoelstra ran some plays for him, yes. But Wade's defense was just as important in closing out that game.
That clean pick of Kobe that ended with LeBron James' dunk might have been his most impressive defensive play of the season, considering it was Kobe and the moment in came, and that's saying a lot.
But the Heat was a lot more than Wade on Thursday. Mike Miller looked just as involved and active as he has in previous games. The only difference is a few shots went in. And Mike Bibby did more of what he's supposed to do, hitting a couple of threes and not turning the ball over in 22 minutes. Chris Bosh played aggressively, which is something you would think he'd continue after that result against that team.
It's kind of funny, actually, that the Heat had the support on Thursday, while the Lakers bench looked terrible outside of Lamar Odom.
I said way back in the preseason that Steve Blake and Matt Barnes weren't as significant additions as everyone said they were. And I know Barnes just got back recently, but he and Blake combined for five points, all on free throws. And Shannon Brown did nothing.
You'd hope this kind of win, after such a frustrating five-game losing streak, can catapult the Heat again. It's clear now the kind of effort it takes to win against quality teams, and the Grizzlies are playing very well right now heading into Saturday's game here.
Wondering if Spoelstra might consider starting Zydrunas Ilgauskas again. He's more effective on the offensive boards than Erick Dampier and he's not awful defending inside. He held his own against Andrew Bynum. And he gives the Heat an offensive element that Dampier doesn't, which opens things up for the big three. Z definitely was the more effective center on Thursday.
Comments