You knew everything was going to be OK when Dwyane Wade bounded past Landry Fields in the first half and threw down a monstrous fast-break dunk.
After two week's of rest, Wade returned from his sprained ankle on Friday against the Knicks and scored 28 points in the Heat's 99-89 victory. It wasn't a fair fight, what with the Knicks playing without Carmelo Anthony and relying on the three-point shot to make up the difference. The Knicks attempted 43 three-pointers, a record for opponents in Heat franchise history.
Thoughts:
--First, let's talk about how bad the Knicks. Man, they're bad. OK, I think that pretty much covers it.
--Wade played nearly 32 minutes and led the Heat with 19 shots. While his offensive game was impressive, his defensive work was the most encouraging sign that he is once again healthy. Wade had five steals to go along with two blocks.
--Wade and LeBron James combined for 10 dunks, the most since James joined the Heat.
--Hard to say which dunk was best, but I cast my vote for the alley-oop from Norris Cole to LeBron in the second quarter. Sick.
--Joel Anthony was a beast. He recorded five blocks and anchored the Heat's defense near the basket. The Heat outscored the Knicks 42-14 in points in the paint.
--A few thoughts on the cause and effect of Wade's return:
--The Heat was 2 of 10 from three-point range. In game's without Wade, the Heat's three-point shooters seem to be more effective.
--Chris Bosh clearly was off his game. After carrying the team in Wade's absence, Bosh was 4 of 18 shooting for 13 points.
--The Heat went small inside against the Knicks. Eddy Curry did not play in his first game against his old team and neither did Dexter Pittman. Udonis Haslem played more than 25 minutes and recorded six rebounds and four points.
--Mario Chalmers found himself in early foul trouble and had his worst game awhile, scoring two points on 1 of 6 shooting. Norris Cole picked up the slack despite needing to leave the game at one point to receive four stitches above his left eye. Cole had eight points in nearly 30 minutes.
DUNK OF THE NIGHT
-joe
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