Miami Heat regains the Rhythm against Philadelphia 76ers
Finally the NBA feels like heaven for Miami Heat. The Big Three have got their big Break towards an 81-1 season with a 97-87 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Wednesday night was twice as hard for the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade-Chris
Bosh magical trio since it was time to finally prove their worth against the 76ers. Before the season opener against Boston Celtics, every single Basketball critic was of the view that Heat needs time, patience and practice and they need a lot of it. After
the 88-80 defeat, the idea was re-established since Heat seemed be lacking the required momentum.
In Wednesday’s game against the 76ers, Heat seemed to have recovered from the shocking season opener and it was not the Magic Johnson-like-LeBron James who came to rescue, in fact it was the humble Dwyane Wade with his 30 points
to top the 76ers. The convincing win is yet not convincing enough for the fans who are there to see some title winning action, and not a team steadily building up chemistry.
Miami can be the inevitable winners they are supposed to be if the stars of the show learn to share the spotlight and, more importantly, the ball for that very reason. They ought to avoid the “Hero Ball” and need to learn to cooperate
building their defence. James, with his 31 points in the season opener, and Wade, with his 30 in the one against Philly, were convincing enough to show the potential they have got up their sleeves but they also need to learn to bring that potential together.
Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra has made it clear that he wants to work on the defensive talents of the unit he has been provided with and is sure the offence will find its way. Heat seemed in control of that part except in the 4th
quarter when they were on 28 and lazily allowed 76ers to put up 33. Allowing Celtics just 88 points and keeping in the game till the fourth quarter of the season opener, was in itself an example of the effort they are trying to put up individually.
The main highlight of the evening was Wade’s 30 points and he seemed quite sharp against the 76ers. James, with his 16 points, and Bosh with his 15 helped Heat to their 1st win of the tournament; however, it seemed something
was missing since 76ers pushed the game right till the fourth quarter.
Surprisingly, it was not King James, rather it was James Jones who was the find of the night for Heat as he hit a barrage of 3 pointers on kickouts and ball reversals making things a little tough for the 76ers. One performance
like this every 3rd game from a reserve and Heat will not miss Mike Miller for the rest of the season.
Evan Turner was the only sigh of relief for the 76ers with 16 points in his first NBA game, helped by Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young, who had 15 each. The home crowd was another advantage for the 76ers that booed LeBron James
all the way; however, he took it well saying they Boo you because they love the way you play Basketball.
Thus far, it seems the Heat have gotten over their slow start against the Celtics and are taking the pressure of being the hottest team to hit the court, as heartily as possible. Jones was bullseye on target with his four 3’s during
a 16-2 run in the second quarter giving Heat a 49-41 lead at the break. It was the first half where 76ers gave Miami a bit of tough time.
Miami Heat are all set to face Orlando Magic this Friday with its defensive game on the high. Wade said that Heat will be the best defensive team in the League with their defence on top of their offence. For this very reason they
are following what coach Spoelstra calls “shrink the floor” style of defence. With players as high and athletic as James, Wade and Bosh the technique will definitely be effective. The numbers of deflections and steals have already increased with Wade’s six
steals in 2 games. The fans are now expecting to find the same rhythm in Heat’s performance in the games to come.
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