For the first time since preseason training, all 15 players on the Heat’s roster practiced together on Friday at AmericanAirlines Arena in preparation for Sunday’s playoff opener against the Charlotte Bobcats.
“It was like old times,” forward Chris Bosh said. “It was awesome.”
Preserving the health of its players was the top priority for the Heat this season. Shooting guard Dwyane Wade entered the 2013 playoffs with a knee injury, but prescribed rest this season and a procedure last summer has helped control his chronic tendonitis. Wade missed 28 games this season, including nine in a row in April.
“It was definitely worth it,” Heat center Udonis Haslem said. “Obviously we understand the impact that he brings to the game when he’s healthy, so you want a healthy Dwyane Wade in the playoffs when it counts the most.”
Said Wade: “That’s why they pay us the big buck — for this time of year.”
The Heat is 15-0 against the Bobcats since the 2010-11 season, but Wade is expecting a difficult first-round test.
“This is not the Charlotte Bobcats that everyone thinks of when you hear the name,” he said.
Comments