NBA: The Heat Chamber

2008-11-26T12:02:00.001-05:00

Dorrell Wright's surgery was a success--I think we're all thankful for that news! Here's the full release.

2008-10-30T13:50:00.001-04:00

Heat up the election booths next Tuesday, November 4th! Vote!

2008-10-16T17:17:00.001-04:00

In case you haven't checked out the Heat's new advertising campaign, click here. It's pretty sweet!

Go Marlins!

2008-07-26T12:12:00.004-04:00

I won Marlins MLB tickets for all three games in the Mets series this week. It was some fundraiser raffle thing. But the amazing thing is that my friend will be visiting that week - from New York! And he's a mets fan. Man, I sure hope the Marlins win.

Cheese SI: Miami

2008-07-13T11:42:00.001-04:00

I tried watching CSI: Miami for a while, because it's always cool to see your city on TV. But I just couldn't stomach it. Here's why:

NASCAR: Sponsored by...Everyone

2008-07-04T11:57:00.001-04:00

My buddy's a big NASCAR fan. I'm pretty indifferent about cars, but I never mind hanging out at sporting events. So I went to buy Nascar tickets online for the race at Daytona tomorrow. The trouble is, I couldn't figure out what it's called. They change sponsors all the time, and it's impossible to keep up. On top of that, so many venues change their names that it gets even more confusing.

Luckily, Daytona stays pretty consistent, so this year I could search by that to find the "Coke Zero 400." Who knew? I swear they've got to come up with a better system for naming these things.

Olympic Dreams

2008-06-26T11:40:00.003-04:00

Dwyane Wade has finally made it to the big time. Before this, he must have brought such shame to his family, being nothing more than a lowly NBA player. But now he's a success because he's made it to the Olympics. Whew! I was worried about him until now.

Just kidding! I do think it's fantastic that he's on Team USA, of course. But I suppose his NBA accomplishments are pretty cool, too. ;)

Is the Heat too old?

2007-10-25T15:23:00.000-04:00

I looked at the expert predictions for the Miami Heat on ESPN - how depressing! They called them "team geriatric". On the plus side, Penny Hardaway is back with Shaq, so as long Shaq can avoid injury (which at 35, might be impossible) the Heat should be just fine. And yeah, I know Dwayne Wade is out for the first month for knee rehabilitation, but he's only 25, he should be in fine form in time to get the Heat to the playoffs. I just wish more had been done in the off season to give the team a shot of youth.

Still stinging from the Chicago Bulls' trouncing

2007-06-11T15:33:00.000-04:00

I feel like I should have written a lot more about the Miami Heat's post-season games, considering they were certainly something to get the blood pumping. But considering it consisted of a four-game sweep -- in which we were NOT the winners -- there just wasn't much I wanted to say.

There's always next year...

The Hawks feel the Heat

2007-03-22T23:55:00.000-04:00

91 to 83 ... Williams was scorching the net. Victory is sweet. Watch out Pacers.

2007-01-16T13:48:00.000-05:00

So close to continuing the winning streak! Haslem tried, but the Heat just couldn't make it happen.

Heat Look to Win Back-to-Back

2006-12-18T15:30:00.000-05:00

The Miami Heat will be hosting the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets tonight at the American Airlines Arena. The Heat have been having a hard time stringing wins together this season, and this looks like a good opportunity for them to get back into the winning form that they had last season. The Hornets are on a two game losing streak and are beginning a two game road trip, and then the Heat will travel to Milwaukee to face a struggling Bucks team. The Heat are notorious for their slow starts so they should be getting it together pretty soon.

Another one in the "L" Column

2006-12-01T15:50:00.000-05:00

The Miami Heat threw up another loss last night against the Detroit Pistons, 87-85. With the way the Eastern Conference is stacking up this year it looks like anyone could win any of the divisions. It doesn't depend on who wants to win the most, just on who wants to lose the least. If I remember correctly the Heat started off slowly last season, so I'm not abandoning ship yet, but they're beginning a 4 game road trip tomorrow and this could be the beginning of a long skid.

Brrr! Where's the Heat?

2006-11-22T10:52:00.000-05:00

I've been hoping for some sizzling hot plays to blog about...right now I'd settle for any warmed-over win. Last night's loss to the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets -- 101 to 86 -- that could chill your blood!

Of course, with Shaq out (also James Posey), opponents have been picking on Dwyane Wade. But that ought to mean they're slacking a bit on everybody else. For whatever reason, our shooting has not been successful, especially in the fourth quarters. Which takes the fun out of things for players as well as fans, I understand. Still, in last night's game, we didn't need to see Alonzo Mourning (and the Hornets' center, Marc Jackson) ejected on technicals. Instead the Heat needs to focus on Wade's remedy: "Make shots."

If you were preaching at the Heat...

2006-11-04T19:37:00.000-05:00

We all hard plenty of that "Pride goeth before the fall" stuff after our opening night debacle at the hands of the Chicago Bulls. But the Bulls needed to listen to it, too. Seems they got taken down a peg by the Sacramento Kings. True, they didn't get obliterated, just blew a decent lead and ended up on the short end of 89-88. Just the same, I sure would like to have had tickets to that one!

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

2006-11-01T11:45:00.000-05:00

Guys, guys, please take the twelve pounds of jewelry off before you start the next game!

Wade’s at the top of another list

2006-10-31T13:56:00.000-05:00

Sports Illustrated’s SI.com has a new ranking for NBA players. They’re calling it “Player Power.” Kelly Dwyer, who put it together, warns that it’s not the same as a fantasy list, because those have to go with the boxscores, not “the intangibles.” (Funny that the fantasy stats have to be closer to reality.)

So anyway, to Miami Heat fans, this is a no-brainer. #1 on the list is Dwyane Wade. Shaq’s on the list, too, at #18. I picture him being readjusted upward as the season goes on.

NEW HOST FOR HEATV

2006-10-30T14:26:00.000-05:00

Lesley Swanson has been hired as the new HEATV host for the Miami Heat. She'll interview Heat fans and celebrities at the American Airlines Arena, as well as participate in arena commentary. Apparently, she's had experience in non-sporting events too. Like the AV Squad, an underground music/video magazine show that broadcast on the National Lampoon Network. That's a pretty cool resume! Best of luck, Lesley!

MIAMI HEAT SIGNS ANTONIO BURKS

2006-10-26T18:33:00.000-04:00

The Miami Heat signed free agent guard Antonio Burks earlier this month. Does anyone know how long he played for the Memphis Grizzlies? I know Burks was originally signed by the Orlando Magic, but then he was traded to the Grizzlies.

Sizzling Miami Heat Dancers

2006-10-11T16:22:00.000-04:00

Has anyone seen the Miami Heat Dancers Webpage. Oh my God, they are so hot. If I had a ticket to the game, I'd be flirting with Susie instead of watching Dwyane Wade. Ahhh...she's an Aries, just like me. And she loves Thanksgiving. Susie, would you mind coming to my house this year? I'll introduce you to my parents. XOXO

White Hot HEAT Week

2006-10-02T13:28:00.000-04:00

This week (October 1-6) is officially "White Hot HEAT Week" at Sun Sports, regional TV broadcaster for the Miami HEAT. As you know, the HEAT achieved their first NBA Championship last season. During White Hot HEAT Week, interviews with players and coaches will be aired, in addition to games 1-6 of the Finals.

In other news, some concern has been expressed by Riley that Jason Williams may not be ready to start the season on October 31st after having had arthroscopic knee surgery in July. For now, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed for him. In the meantime, Riley is looking for someone to fill the point guard position - yes, there's Payton, but face it, he's 38 and maybe not the best backup plan.

Gotta holler for the Heat!

2006-06-22T16:31:00.000-04:00

Maybe blogger.com didn't want me jinxing our guys, but for some reason the draft I wrote with my predictions about Game 6 (the same as Pat Riley's, it turns out--coincidence???) wouldn't load onto my page. I sure hope this works, because a basketball fan isn't likely to find anything better to write about than our team winning the NBA Championship! Loved the whole thing--and while I'm in total agreement that Dwyane Wade was MVP, I'm really proud of Shaq, Alonzo, James Posey, Jason Williams...the whole crew!

The only thing that could top this: a Heat Repeat!

Too Hot For Dallas

2006-06-20T18:31:00.001-04:00

Will it be tonight in Game 6 or Thursday in Game 7? And will it be a blow-out like Game 4 -- which we won -- or a cliffhanger like Game 5 -- which we also won? Who cares, just so we do it!

BTW, we might be the Heat, but I've never seen any athlete keep as cool as Dwyane Wade, 9 for 9 from the freethrow line, and the last one with 1.9 seconds left in OT! Incredible!

Too Hot For Dallas

2006-06-20T18:31:00.000-04:00

The Heat have the Right Stuff

2006-06-10T23:31:00.000-04:00

The Miami Heat suffered a low scoring loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the first game of the NBA Finals Thursday night. We played our game at our pace and held the Dallas Mavericks to 90 points when they had been averaging over 100 in most of their games in previous rounds.

Defensively we played strong. Our offense just wasn’t there. We have had a chance to get used to their playing style and to test coverage options. Tomorrow night’s game is crucial. We must use a strategy we are confident in and that allows us to match the Mavericks whether they play big or small, frenzied or calculated. They are a second half team so we have to reserve our energy for the third and fourth or we will never manage to hold any kind of lead. We can go all the way, we just have to want it more. Go Heat!

Heat Victory Over Nets!

2006-05-24T17:23:00.000-04:00

The Miami Heat proved victorious over the New Jersey Nets and they only needed five games to do it. Not a lot of NBA teams can say they practically swept a team in the second round. It happens in the first round all the time, but it is a rare thing past that point, I think. At least that is what the guy on ESPN radio said. I feel better being able to throw somebody else under the bus when it comes to quoting stats. I love the game but ADD is my middle name when it comes to things like stats.

Anyway, we are facing the Detroit Pistons now and they don’t stand a chance. Shaq will see to that!

This is going to be a good series!

2006-05-08T20:06:00.000-04:00

The Miami Heat fought hard to win their series against the Chicago Bulls. We advanced to the second round of the Playoffs after six grueling games to meet the New Jersey Nets tonight. We are going to be victorious! Go Shaq! Go Heat!

The Playoffs are coming! The Playoffs are coming!

2006-04-16T23:06:00.000-04:00

All I can think about lately is the playoffs. We are so close that I am able to blow off these last minute losses like the one to the Magic a lot easier than I usually would. This 117-93 Heat loss to the Bulls at home barely fazed me. Honestly I didn’t even finish watching the game. I want the Miami Heat to focus on the future and nothing else.

Can you predict the future?

2006-03-19T19:54:00.000-05:00

The Miami Heat won their last 4 games and are now at 44 and 21 for the season. I am really excited to see where this season leads. Who will we meet in the playoffs and do we have the stuff to go all the way? All these questions are making me hungry. Are there any early predictions out there?

Heat: 31-20 with the stuff to beat a number 1!

2006-02-14T12:56:00.000-05:00

The Miami Heat are on fire after beating the Detroit Pistons 100-98. It was an intense game that had Shaquille O’Neal scoring 31 and Dwyane Wade scoring 37. Wade alone was responsible for the last 17 points of the game, putting up his last basket with 2.3 seconds left.

Carlito’s Fierce Fight with Shaq

2006-01-30T20:49:00.000-05:00

If you go on the Miami Heat official website you can see a funny video in which WWE star Carlito gets up in Shaq’s face over the Heat’s loss to the Suns. It’s funny but the loss wasn’t. Fortunately the Heat made up for it by winning both games on their recent road trip.

Talent in Spades

2005-10-29T14:01:00.000-04:00

The votes are in, the Heat definitely has the talent to win it all this year, but the question remains, do they have too much talent? With an offense that revolves around Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade, it’s difficult to incorporate good players such as Gary Payton, Jason Williams, and Antoine Walker into the mix without changing the chemistry. All three of these new additions are used to being the one that the offense revolves around, but in Miami they are going to have to accept a role as the compliment to the preexisting superstars. If the team can come to together the way coach Stan Van Gundy wants, then the Heat may have the right ingredients for a championship season.

New Season, New Team

2005-10-02T15:16:00.000-04:00

With training camp beginning on Tuesday, the Heat are looking to start over. This off-season, the Heat lost two starters Eddie Jones, traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, and Damon Jones, signed to the Cleveland Cavaliers as a free agent. But hopes are high in Miami, they resigned Shaquille O’Neal to a five year deal, and they have a budding superstar in Dwyane Wade. “We know we can win,” Wade said. “That's what we're all here for. ... This is my third year here and it's like it's my third different team, but we can win.” Despite all of these changes, expectations could not be higher for the Heat.

The Glove Looking for the Title

2005-09-22T10:03:00.000-04:00

Gary Payton is reportedly very close to signing a one year deal with the Heat, and the announcement could come as soon as Thursday. Payton is reaching the end of his career and he wants a championship, and Miami looks like the right fit with Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal and Payton played with each other with the Los Angeles Lakers two seasons ago, and lost in the Finals against the Detroit Pistons. O’Neal has been asking for the Heat to sign Payton, and it looks like he will get his wish. As you all know, what Shaq wants, Shaq gets.

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Super Shaq

2005-09-14T21:25:00.000-04:00

Well it looks like the tattoo of the Superman logo on Shaquille O’Neal is more than just some artwork. Much like Superman, Shaq is out helping people and ridding the city of Miami of crime. O’Neal was driving on South Beach early Sunday morning when he saw a man assault a gay couple. O’Neal followed the man in his car, while flagging down a police officer to make the arrest. This doesn’t look like it will be the last bit of crime fighting for Shaq, he’s actually in the process of becoming a Miami reserve officer.

Answer This

2005-06-09T20:10:00.000-04:00

Who is better Shaquille O’Neal or Wilt Chamberlin? Now before anyone decides to answer this question, one should take time to think about it. To think about all the factors that comes into play.

For one I am not a big fan of Shaq but the man is very good at what he does and will some day join Wilt in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

But consider it was two different eras and two different styles. It is almost like comparing Joe Montana to Brett Favre, both great players but two different eras. So what do you all think?

Series at 2-2

2005-06-02T14:38:00.000-04:00

I heard that Dwyane Wade is getting compared to Michael Jordon. That just needs to stop. There will never be another Michael Jordan. There is only one MJ and he doesn’t play any more. If Wade was anything like MJ then he could have guided his team to victory number 3, while Shaq was on the bench because of the foul trouble he was in. Apparently we need Shaq on the court at all times if want to get through the Pistons.

2-1

2005-05-30T12:46:00.000-04:00

Muscle over matter, which was the case in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Heat bullied the Pistons for the most part. Shaquille O’Neal put up 24 points, took down 6 rebounds and had five assists. While Shaq was busy being ‘Diesel’, Dwyane Wade was busy being the ‘Flash’ as he posted up 36 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in a 113-104 finish. The Heat now lead the series 2-1.

Not Shaq Like

2005-05-26T20:40:00.000-04:00

The Miami Heat came through last night beating the Detroit Pistons 92 -86. The series is now tied at 1 a piece. In the win Shaquille O’Neal posted up 17 points and brought down 10 boards. In my opinion Shaq could do a better job, but apparently he didn’t need to last night to get the win.

Dropping Game One

2005-05-25T17:23:00.000-04:00

Poor Dwyane Wade, so much was expected from the rookie who was playing like a playoff legend in the Heats previous to series. But Wade got a taste of that dangerous Detroit defense as he just shot 7-of-25. With Shaq back it still wasn’t enough to beat the Pistons as the Miami Heat fell 81-90. The Eastern Conference Championship series is now 1-0 in the Pistons favor.

Shaq still Hurting

2005-05-23T14:29:00.000-04:00

Shaquille O'Neal has had blood drained from his injured thigh and is questionable for today's game against the Pistons. However the Pistons are not buying it. They think Shaq is not really injured even though he was very limited at practice yesterday. If Shaq really can't play I see the Heat struggling with the Pistons maybe eve losing. Lets see if Wade has more magical play in store for us.

'Feeling Better'

2005-05-17T19:05:00.000-04:00

from Foxsports.com

With the Eastern Conference finals not scheduled to start until at least Monday, the Miami Heat don't appear overly bothered by Shaquille O'Neal's still-uncertain health.

O'Neal, plagued for a month by a thigh bruise, missed the final two games of the East semifinal sweep of Washington. He did some cardio work Tuesday with the team, which plans to resume full-fledged practices Wednesday. It's unknown if O'Neal will be ready.

"He's feeling better," coach Stan Van Gundy said. "It's not worth having a goal. It's a matter of when he's ready to go. ... Whenever we get him back, we get him back."
Teammates still insist they are confident O'Neal will be ready for Game 1 against either Indiana or Detroit in the East finals.

"Without a doubt," Heat forward Eddie Jones said. "His mood is getting better. Physically, he's getting better. I think this time is great for him."

O'Neal did not speak to reporters Tuesday. The two games he missed against the Wizards were the first playoff games he sat out in his career.

"Having a Shaq that's 75 percent is better than not having him at all," said Miami guard Dwyane Wade, who averaged 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists against the Wizards. "That's what we're trying to get him to."

Back-to-back sweeps in the opening two playoff rounds have given the Heat no shortage of down time this postseason. Miami closed out Washington on Saturday night, meaning it'll have either nine or 11 days between that game and the opener of its series with the Pistons or Pacers.

That, coupled with the seven off days Miami had between the first and second rounds, means the Heat should have plenty of energy for the next series.

"We're going to reap the benefits of this one and really get our rest," Wade said.

"We came in today and got some good work in and come in tomorrow and do the same. Take this rest for what it's worth because the next series is going to be hard and we understand that."

One of the top concerns - other than O'Neal's leg - going into the Washington series was how Miami would stay sharp during its down time.

The Heat quickly put those questions to rest, taking command of the series with a 19-point win in Game 1 and then pulling out three significantly closer games to close out the sweep.

And they expect the break not to be a deterrent to sharpness this time around, either.

"I don't think it makes any difference," Heat reserve center Michael Doleac said. "Practice hard, play hard and we'll see what happens."

Pretty Boy

2005-05-12T13:01:00.000-04:00

Dwyane Wade is not only a good and soon to be great basketball player. Wade was in People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People edition when the magazine hit the news stands a couple of weeks ago on Friday, April 29.

Wade is the only NBA star who was featured in this special edition of People Magazine. Dwyane Wade is keeping a Miami Heat tradition alive. Back in the mid 90’s, Heat’s Alonzo Mourning was featured in the special edition of the 50 Most Beautiful People.

The Next Legend

2005-05-09T13:39:00.000-04:00

Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Bob Cousy, Oscar Robertson, and Larry Bird. What comes to mind when you hear these names? I heard some people call them legends and I have heard other people say they are best of the best and for what it is worth they are right.

So does anyone know what these great names of the game have in common with second year Dwyane Wade?

The share something that is quite notable, all these players including Wade have at least averaged 25.0 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and at the same time shooting at least 50 percent in a playoff series.

Well Wade brought that same level of play to round 2 of the playoffs. While Shaq was on the bench in foul trouble Wade stepped up once more to help lead his team to a 105 – 86 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Bringing the Heat

2005-04-27T15:49:00.000-04:00

It was a good outing for your Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade who posted up seventeen buckets, six rebounds, ten assists, and to top it off two steals along with two blocks. This was all in game 2 of the first round playoff against the sinking New Jersey Nets.

It wasn’t like Wade had to play one of his best games last night, but it didn’t hurt. The Heat brought the heat with well balanced attack and the Nets just seemed to be taking their lumps dropping this contest in a 104 – 87 decision.

That puts the Nets in the hole at 0-2, the series now goes to over to New Jersey.

Shaq Hurt before Halftime

2005-04-18T14:52:00.000-04:00

by the Associated Press, from ESPN.com

Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal bruised his right thigh Sunday shortly before halftime against the Indiana Pacers and missed the rest of the game.

Heat coach Stan Van Gundy said O'Neal is day to day, but cautioned that he wouldn't play the 12-time All-Star again until he's physically ready. Miami has two regular-season games remaining.

O'Neal appeared to limp slightly as he walked to the locker room with 43.7 seconds remaining in the first half. He had 11 points and three rebounds in 17 minutes, and did not speak with reporters before leaving the arena.

O'Neal was hurt while defending Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal, who was driving to the basket. As O'Neal rose for a layup, his knee slammed into the quad of the Miami center.

With O'Neal out, the Heat watched a 10-point lead slip away in the second half before holding on for an 84-80 victory to snap a four-game losing streak.

"We knew we had to step it up," Heat forward Eddie Jones said. "We knew we didn't have that guy we could throw it inside to and have him create everything for everybody."

The quad injury is the latest malady for O'Neal, who missed three games earlier this month with a stomach virus. He returned for Miami's games in Philadelphia and Boston last week.

"Going into the playoffs, you don't want to go out there and tough it out," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. "That just shows the confidence he has in this team. A big game that we needed, he could have tried to come back and go through the game hurting. But he told us to go out there and get the win."

O'Neal is averaging 22.9 points and 10.4 rebounds this season for Miami.

A game time Desicion

2005-04-11T14:14:00.000-04:00

Shaquille O'Neal will likely be a game-time decision for Thursday's game against the Sixers. "He's still pretty weak," coach Stan Van Gundy said. "He has lost weight, about 12 to 15 pounds. Our doctors saw him over the weekend and yesterday. He hasn't had any practice. He's starting to eat. He's up and around. His energy level is coming back. We would love to have had him in a game like this [Detroit], but you don't want it to linger or get worse."

Heat 103, Raptors 91

2005-03-30T14:28:00.000-05:00

Tim Reynolds / Associated Press, from Foxsports.com

A distinct chill was coming from the sheet of ice that will host a traveling skating show this week. And when the Toronto Raptors lost their cool, they were finished.

Shaquille O'Neal had 28 points and Dwyane Wade added 27, leading the Miami Heat to a 103-91 win Tuesday in a game marred by the fourth-quarter ejections of Raptors forward Morris Peterson and coach Sam Mitchell.

Damon Jones added 14 for Miami, which outscored Toronto 24-10 over the final 8:01, extended its franchise-best home winning streak to 17 games and moved 10 games ahead of Detroit in the Eastern Conference standings. The Heat could clinch home-court advantage for the first three playoff rounds by Saturday.

"Sometimes we come out fast, sometimes we don't," Wade said. "But as long as we end strong, that's all we really care about."

Rafer Alston had 19 points and Chris Bosh had a 16-point, 13-rebound game for the Raptors, who also got 15 points from Peterson.

Miami led by six points with 3:46 left when Wade drove the lane and was fouled by Peterson. The two got tangled up, exchanged words and were separated - but Peterson kept shouting as O'Neal tried to intervene.

"He fouled me pretty hard and after the play, he fouled me again," Wade said. "I let him know, pretty much, that you can't do that."

Wade was called for one technical; Peterson was called for two, drawing the second after his shouting fit.

"We were playing hard and for the most part I thought we had a chance to win the game," Peterson said. "So when something like that happens, (it's) your emotions that take charge. I got the short end of the stick."

Mitchell was thrown out with 1:47 remaining after arguing a foul called against Jalen Rose, who clearly tried to trip Eddie Jones under the basket after the two battled for a rebound.

"There's nothing I can say that wouldn't get me fined," Mitchell said. "When you have three or four players cursing at each other, how do you determine which one said the worst of the profanity?"

The Heat didn't escape the game unscathed. Eddie Jones, who had 11 rebounds for just the 14th double-double of his career, injured his right ankle with 1:11 left and was helped off the floor. He appeared to roll the ankle while leaping into the first row of stands for a loose ball, but X-rays were negative.

Jones, who received treatment after the game and said the ankle "wasn't all that bad," and he's hopeful of playing in Indiana on Thursday. He said he slipped on a spilled drink and was afraid the injury was very serious.

"I'm not going to coach worried about that stuff. I mean, if I didn't want to get guys hurt, I wouldn't play any of them," Heat coach Stan Van Gundy said. "And nobody would get hurt. We wouldn't win, but we'd keep everybody very healthy."

Miami led for only 1:44 of the first half, missed nine of its first 10 shots and allowed Toronto to shoot 50 percent in the opening two quarters - yet still managed to go into halftime tied at 51.

O'Neal had 18 points in the half; he, Wade and Damon Jones combined to score 42 of the Heat's points before halftime. While the Heat was relying on only a trio, Toronto was getting contributions from its entire roster - each of the 10 Raptors who logged time in the half scored at least two points.

The same threesome scored Miami's first 12 points in the third quarter, and when Eddie Jones, who missed eight of his first nine shots, hit a 3-pointer from the right corner with 7:33 left, Miami went up 66-59.

Toronto answered with a 13-5 run, with Bosh getting consecutive baskets to put the Raptors up 72-71 with 2:37 left in the third period. But Keyon Dooling and Shandon Anderson scored the game's next eight points for Miami and helped the Heat end the third with a 79-76 lead.

"We had to conjure up some energy for this team," O'Neal said. "It's hard to conjure up energy for a team like that. A team like that is always going to have a little more energy, get up a little bit more." minutes, 3-for-3 from the floor, seven points, four fouls. ... The halftime tie was Miami's first of the season. ... Dolphins coach Nick Saban and actor David Hasselhoff were among those at the game. ... The 6-foot-2 Alston won a jump ball against 6-8 Udonis Haslem midway through the fourth quarter.

Late Night for Shaq

2005-03-07T14:47:00.000-05:00

It was a nice birthday treat for Shaquille O’Neal, who turned 33 yesterday, as the Miami Heat pounced on the slumping Cleveland Cavaliers 102 – 82. Although, much of the game for Shaq was spent in foul trouble. Shaq ended with 4 fouls on the day with 13 points, five boards, and six assists in just a total of 27 minutes, but sat out much of the game.

With the supporting cast of Eddie Jones who scored 19 points, Dwyane Wade with 18 points, and Udonis Haslem added 18 points himself, the Heat were able to win their fifth straight.

Pacers 93, Heat 91, OT

2005-02-24T19:34:00.000-05:00

Steve Herman / Associated Press

Jermaine was the dominant O'Neal on Wednesday night.

With injured Shaquille O'Neal watching from Miami's bench, Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal scored all three Pacers baskets in overtime, including a turnaround jumper from the baseline with 11 seconds remaining, in a 93-91 victory over the Heat.

"They may be a little more fluid without him in there," Jermaine O'Neal said. "When he's there, it's a big challenge for the big guys. Without him, they do a lot of things they don't usually do. But I knew I could get a shot over whichever guys they had."

O'Neal finished with 29 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots as the Pacers won their fourth straight and their 11th in a row over the Heat.

Shaquille O'Neal, who injured his knee in an overtime loss at Chicago on Tuesday night, is scheduled for an MRI in Miami on Thursday. He was on the sideline Wednesday as the Eastern Conference-leading Heat rallied from a 14-point deficit in the second quarter.

Miami pulled to 66-63 after three quarters and caught the Pacers in the closing minutes of regulation.

"Tonight was a game I felt was going to be equally tough with or without Shaq," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.

"We were fortunate that Shaq was out, but you never want to see a guy that means this much to our league not playing," Carlisle said. "I know a lot of our fans were disappointed not to get a chance to see him, but these things happen. You hope you can pull it together and win. We did, and we're very pleased about that."

Dwyane Wade had 38 points, one point short of his career high set in November against Utah, and scored nine in the final eight minutes of the fourth quarter.

"We have two tough losses the last two nights, but if one play goes the other way, we're winning those games," Wade said. "We have a lot of confidence in ourselves, and we know when Shaq comes back, we are a better team."

Two free throws by Jermaine O'Neal put Indiana ahead 87-85 with 32 seconds left, but Damon Jones scored on a goaltending call against O'Neal with 18 seconds to go, sending the game to overtime.

After O'Neal's first basket in the extra period, Miami took the lead 91-89 on a rebound tip by Udonis Haslem and two free throws by Wade. O'Neal then tied the game at 91 and rebounded a miss by Wade to set up the winning basket.

"It was drawn up for me to go strong-side and then go weak-side and post up over Haslem," O'Neal said. "I had a couple of inches on him. From that side, it was just me and the backboard. I took the shot and made it."

A desperation shot by Wade went off the rim at the buzzer.

"It felt good," Wade said. "I bobbled the ball a little bit and tried to get it off in time. ... It came up a little short."

Reggie Miller added 23 points for Indiana and Stephen Jackson finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Jones had 17 points for the Heat, while Haslem added 11 points and a career-high 18 rebounds.

Miami coach Stan Van Gundy said Wade "was phenomenal."

"He was great, attacking, making plays, making jump shots. He was by far the best player on the floor."

Wade, scoring in double figures for a career-high 31st straight game, was the focus of the Heat's offense with Shaq on the sideline. He had six early points as Miami jumped ahead 11-4 and five more the rest of the first quarter before the Pacers took control.

A 3-pointer and two free throws by Miller tied the game, then O'Neal gave Indiana its first lead less than a minute later. There was one more lead change and one more tie before a pair of free throws by Jackson put the Pacers in front.

Jackson added a 3-pointer and O'Neal scored on a dunk as the Pacers finished the quarter with a 10-3 run and a 27-21 lead.

Indiana built the lead to 14 points midway through the second period before three baskets by Michael Doleac, who started in place of Shaq, keyed a 13-3 run that brought the Heat within four. A basket by O'Neal with a second remaining gave Indiana a 47-41 lead at halftime.

There were five lead changes and eight more ties before O'Neal's winning basket. season against Chicago three weeks ago. ... The Pacers beat the Heat 106-100 in overtime in Miami. They have two more regular-season matchups. ... Miami was 10-0 this season on Wednesday nights before this game. ... Indiana center Jeff Foster left the game late in the first quarter with back spasms and did not return. ... Indiana's four straight wins matches its longest winning streaks of the season and puts the Pacers (27-26) above .500 for the first time in a month.

Preview: Heat vs. Knicks

2005-02-09T14:37:00.000-05:00

from Foxsports.com

STANDINGS:
Heat - 1st place, Southeast Division.
Knicks - 5th place, 4{ GB, Atlantic Division.

PROBABLE STARTERS:
Heat - F Eddie Jones, F Udonis Haslem, C O'Neal, G Damon Jones, G Wade.
Knicks - F Tim Thomas, F K. Thomas, C Nazr Mohammed, G Marbury, G Ariza.

TEAM LEADERS:
Heat - Wade, 23.5 ppg and 7.2 apg; O'Neal, 10.7 rpg.
Knicks - Marbury, 20.9 ppg and 8.2 apg; K. Thomas, 10.0 rpg.

SEASON SERIES:
Heat, 1-0.

LAST MEETING:
Jan. 5; Heat, 102-94. At Miami, O'Neal made 14 of 21 shots from the floor for the Heat, who showed no ill effects from a loss to Seattle two nights earlier that snapped a franchise-record 14-game winning streak.

ROAD/HOME RECORDS:
Heat - 16-9 on the road
Knicks - 12-11 at home.

INJURIES:
Heat - F Malik Allen (back); F-C Christian Laettner (foot); G-F Qyntel Woods (knee).
Knicks - G Allan Houston (knee); G Moochie Norris (Achilles').

Sibling Fight

2005-02-01T15:47:00.000-05:00

"On nights that he loses, you feel bad. I'd rather not have to do it, but we have to. It's not as much fun as the other times." - Stan Van Gundy

Coach Stan Van Gundy was referring to his brother Jeff Van Gundy. Stan Van Gundy and his Miami Heat won there third strait and defeating his bother Jeff and the Rockets Sunday night 104-95.

This improves Stan record over his brother Jeff 2-1, and it sounds like neither brother wants to win at the expense of the other sibling. I know I wouldnt.

Good job to both Van Gundys!

Streak Ends

2005-01-16T19:57:00.000-05:00

Shaq can't win them all for Miami. A good number yes, but not all of them. What would happen if Shaq got hurt? Shaq didn't seem to contain Maggette in over time as the fell to the Clippers 114-112.

Heat Wave

2005-01-09T15:09:00.000-05:00

So of course the Heat won again. It is probably because of the guy Shaq(sarcasm). Seriously though, it was more likely the fact that the Portland Trailblazers have a very depleted roster right now.

But Shaq will tell you other wise...
"We haven't won in this building in two or three years, and we wanted to come and get a win and start our five-game road trip off on a positive note," O'Neal said.

All I have to say that is... Who is we? Shaq you haven't been with the team for 2 or 3 years. What a dork.

14 Straight

2005-01-02T15:07:00.000-05:00

That would be fourteen Straight wins in a row for the "hot, hot Heat". With an 113 - 90 win over the expansion team, the Charlotte Bobcats.

Maimi seems to be on a role. At this rate I'm sure L.A. is start to miss Shaq. With the exception of Koby of course.

Keep up the good work guys.

Jones’ Trey Stings Former Team

2004-12-24T15:57:00.000-05:00

from NBA.com

Damon Jones will go down as a minor footnote in Sacramento Kings history for his short stint with the team three seasons ago. Shaquille O'Neal will always be remembered for his major role in damaging the Kings' championship hopes in years past.

On Thursday, the two teamed up to deliver more misery to Sacramento.

Jones finished a hot-shooting fourth quarter with a decisive 3-pointer in the final minute and O'Neal made a critical block to preserve the edge as the Miami Heat rallied for their 10th straight win, a 109-107 victory over the Kings.

With the victory, Miami has matched Phoenix for the league's longest winning streak this season and is just one win shy of matching the franchise record of 11 set during the 1996-97 season.

Jones played in 49 games for the 2001-02 Sacramento team that lost to O'Neal's Los Angeles Lakers team in a thrilling seven-game Western Conference Finals. With O'Neal filling the middle in Miami this season, Jones has emerged as a dangerous outside threat.

Leading the league in made 3-pointers with 84, Jones drained one of his biggest to cap a fourth-quarter comeback. After Peja Stojakovic, who ranks second with 70 3-pointers, hit from the arc to give the Kings a 107-106 lead with 35.3 seconds left, Jones answered quickly with his fourth 3-pointer with 23.4 seconds remaining for the final margin.

Jones' shot finished a 20-6 closing run and helped Miami deliver Sacramento its first loss in eight games this season against an Eastern Conference opponent. Jones had eight points in the burst.

O'Neal, who had 25 points and 10 rebounds, atoned for two missed free throws with 10.9 seconds left with a block of Mike Bibby's runner in the final seconds. Bibby missed a long 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

Already without guard Bobby Jackson, who will miss three months because of wrist surgery, the Kings lost center Brad Miller to a shin laceration in the second quarter and guard Doug Christie to an ejection in the third. Miller returned but scored just 10 points in 20 minutes and missed a potential game-tying jumper with 11 seconds left.

Chris Webber scored 26 points and Bibby added 21 for Sacramento, which fell to 2-2 on its current five-game homestand.

The Heat have outshot their opponents in 16 straight games, matching the 1992 Boston Celtics' run. They shot 49 percent compared to the Kings' 42.

Preview: Heat vs. Magic

2004-12-19T16:25:00.000-05:00

from FoxSports.com

STANDINGS: Magic - 2nd place, 3 GB, Southeast Division. Heat - 1st place, Southeast Division.

PROBABLE STARTERS: Magic - F Hill, F Howard, C Tony Battie, G Mobley, G Steve Francis. Heat - F Eddie Jones, F Udonis Haslem, C O'Neal, G Wade, G Damon Jones.

TEAM LEADERS: Magic - Francis, 21.1 ppg and 7.1 apg; Howard, 10.3 rpg. Heat - Wade, 23 ppg and 7.2 apg; O'Neal, 11.2 rpg.

2003-04 SEASON SERIES: Heat, 4-0.

LAST MEETING: Mar. 24; Heat, 105-90. At Orlando, Jones scored 17 of his 28 points in the third quarter, and Lamar Odom had 20 points and 14 rebounds for his 33rd double-double as the Heat posted a season-high sixth straight win.

ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Magic - 6-7 on the road; Heat - 9-3 at home.

INJURIES: Magic - F Brandon Hunter (elbow); C Kelvin Cato (shoulder); C Andrew DeClercq (knee). Heat - F Malik Allen (back); F Jerome Beasley (back); G Dorell Wright (abdominal strain).

Heat Win Seventh Straight

2004-12-19T16:18:00.000-05:00

from NBA.com

Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal strengthened the Miami Heat's hold on the Eastern Conference.

Wade scored 25 points and O'Neal added 20 and a season-high seven assists as the Heat began a three-game homestand with their seventh straight win, a 107-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

The Heat (18-7) moved three games ahead of Cleveland for the best record in the East and have home games vs. Orlando and Boston before heading out west to face Sacramento and the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was a reversal of the first meeting between the clubs on December 4, a 104-95 home victory by Denver in which it held a 54-34 advantage in points in the paint. O'Neal dominated inside with 9-of-14 shooting and passed out of double-teams to set up easy shots for his teammates.

O'Neal added 11 rebounds and three blocks as Miami outscored Denver, 58-40, in the paint.

Coming off Wednesday's win against Washington in which he had 29 points and nine assists, Wade made 9-of-17 shots. His pull-up jumper from the left corner with 43 seconds left stopped a 12-1 run by the Nuggets and gave the Heat a 105-97 lead.

Denver lost more than a game as star forward Carmelo Anthony had to be helped from the court after spraining his left ankle on a drive with just over four minutes left in the third period. X-rays were negative, but Anthony - who scored 14 points to end his run of 20-point games at seven - is questionable for Saturday's game at Orlando.

Andre Miller had 24 points, seven assists and six steals and Kenyon Martin added 21 and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets, who fell to 3-3 on their seven-game road trip.

After Byron Russell hit a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 90-80, Christian Laettner sank two free throws and Wade and Laettner each hit jumpers to push the lead to 96-80 with just over six minutes left. The Nuggets used a 12-1 run capped by Miller's three-point play to close to 103-97 with 63 seconds remaining before Wade hit his tough jumper.

Miami shot 57 percent in the first half and got 12 of its 32 points in the paint from O'Neal to open a 57-46 lead. Wade scored eight points and O'Neal added seven in the third period, stretching the advantage to 86-72.

Shaq Pulls Down 10,000th Rebound

2004-12-07T16:45:00.000-05:00

Doug Alden / Associated Press, from Foxsports.com

Dwyane Wade added 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Heat, who swept the season series against the Jazz for the first time and got their first win at Utah in four years.

O'Neal needed eight rebounds entering the game to become the 31st player with 10,000 career boards. He finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, reaching the milestone in the third quarter when he pulled down a miss by Utah's Gordan Giricek during a 19-2 run for Miami.

O'Neal also had five assists.

Matt Harpring scored 12 and Carlos Boozer finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Jazz, who have lost five in a row and seven of eight.

The Heat were coming off a 104-95 loss at Denver on Saturday night and blew a 14-point lead early in the third quarter, then turned the game into a rout in the second half.

The Jazz briefly took a 51-49 lead early in the third quarter on a three-point play by Mehmet Okur, but Wade quickly tied it up and the Heat took off later in the period.

Okur got Utah to 58-57 with a shot that bounced twice off the rim before rolling in, then the Heat exploded on a 19-2 run. Damon Jones hit back-to-back 3-pointers to put the Heat up 72-59, and Wade blew through the lane for a one-handed dunk over Kris Humphries after O'Neal pulled down his 10,000th rebound at the other end.

By the time the run was over, Miami led 77-59 and coasted through the final period, leaving the Heat starters in until the final minutes.

Okur scored 11 and rookie Kirk Snyder had 12 points for Utah. Raul Lopez earlier in the day, but he did not dress. Lopez has been on the injured list all season after surgery on his right knee. Utah's Raja Bell and Miami coach Stan Van Gundy exchanged a few words before Bell laughed and turned away in the first half.

Hamilton’s Late Layup Lifts Pistons

2004-11-28T20:29:00.000-05:00

from NBA.com

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 26 (Ticker) -- Richard Hamilton worked his way open to close the Miami Heat's run of success against the Eastern Conference.

Hamilton shook free of Eddie Jones along the baseline and scored inside with 1.3 seconds remaining as the Detroit Pistons posted a 78-77 victory over the Heat, who lost their first conference game of the season.

"That's the kind of basketball we used to play," said Pistons coach Larry Brown, who returned to the bench after missing two games earlier this week while he continues to recover from hip surgery. "Neither team shot the ball well, but we played good defense and then we made a great play at the end to win it."

Expected to be one of the challengers to the Pistons in the weak Eastern Conference, the Heat hung tough with the defending champions for the entire night but were unable to close things out.

"It was a frustrating night both ways," Miami coach Stan Van Gundy said. "I don't have a lot of gripes with our guys. We fought hard and we had chances. That's all you can ask for."

After Rasual Butler drained a jumper with seven seconds remaining to give the Heat a 77-76 lead, the Pistons called timeout. They retained possession after a loose ball went out of bounds off a Miami player.

Following another timeout, Tayshaun Prince inbounded from along the left baseline and found Hamilton, who scored 24 points, underneath for the go-ahead basket.

"We didn't have any timeouts left, so I wanted to get the ball to the first player who got open," Prince said. "Rip made a great play."

Hamilton banked his shot off the glass to beat Shaquille O'Neal.

"I told Tay that it wasn't going to be open early, it would only be open late," Hamilton said. "I knew I could get the shot over Eddie, but I knew Shaq would be coming, so I played it off the board. That way, if he blocked it, it was goaltending."

Butler's long jumper from the left side as time expired barely grazed the rim. Rasheed Wallace grabbed the ball as it fell off the rim, prompting an argument from the Heat, who thought goaltending should have been called.

O'Neal collected 24 points and 17 rebounds for the Heat, who had been 8-0 against teams from the East.

Perhaps showing his frustration from having to deal with a bevy of defenders, O'Neal was upset at the officiating.

"There was a lot of questionable calls," said O'Neal, who was called for traveling with 2:13 left. "I never travel."

Without suspended All-Star center Ben Wallace, the Pistons used Antonio McDyess, Rasheed Wallace, Elden Campbell, Derrick Coleman and even Darko Milicic on O'Neal at times. They combined for 13 fouls and O'Neal made half his 16 free throws.

Chauncey Billups scored 15 points with seven assists for Detroit (6-6), which returned to the .500 mark. The Pistons are 2-4 without Ben Wallace, including 2-2 during the first four games of his six-game suspension.

Dwyane Wade added 17 points before fouling out late in the fourth quarter and Udonis Haslem added 15 and eight rebounds for the Heat, who managed just one basket over the final 4:40.

"The way we played tonight is how we need to play," Prince said. "Our defense kept us in the game."

Washington at Maimi

2004-11-09T16:29:00.000-05:00

from ESPN.com

MIAMI -- The Miami Heat and the Washington Wizards meet Tuesday at AmericanAirlines Arena in the second half of a home-and-home series.

Behind a monstrous performance from point guard Dwyane Wade, the Heat defeated the Wizards on Saturday, 118-106, to remain perfect on the season at 3-0.

Wade, who was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday, scored a career-high 37 points and dished out a career-high 12 assists in the win, strengthening his hold on a team that has received less from Shaquille O'Neal than anticipated.

Wade ranks second in the NBA in scoring (28.7) and seventh in assists (7.7) while shooting 56 percent (28-of-50) from the field in a magnificent start. On the other hand, O'Neal, who is hobbled by a strained left hamstring, is playing in less than 27 minutes per game, and posting numbers far below his career marks.

But the balance is working as Miami is off to its best start since 1995. The club was able to hand Washington its first loss of the season Saturday, pulling away with 36 points in the fourth quarter.

The Wizards' high-scoring trio of Antawn Jamison, Gilbert Arenas and Larry Hughes combined for 77 points in the loss. Jamison has been a fine addition to Washington, scoring 27.3 points and pulling down 8.0 rebounds per game in the early going.

Center Brendan Haywood will make his debut Tuesday after finishing up a three-game suspension for a fight in preseason.

The Heat have won five straight vs. the Wizards

Orbiting the Center of the Universe

2004-10-25T13:49:00.000-04:00

By Chad Ford,ESPN Insider

MIAMI – There isn't a hotter team in the league right now than the Miami Heat.

"Incendiary" is the word.

"The summer has been outrageous," team president Pat Riley gushes. "It's been great for the franchise. We want to thank Shaq for that. He's the most sought out player in the league. His impact on the box office has been as dramatic as I've ever seen."

Riley isn't exaggerating. There is no hotter ticket in the NBA right now than the Heat. Season tickets are sold out for the season. Only a handful of nosebleed seats are available for selected games the rest of the year.

Black Heat jerseys with a red "32" on the back are flying off the shelves. Before Shaq's first exhibition game in Miami on Monday, Heat fans were worked up into such a froth that you'd swear the team was gearing up for a Game 7 in the playoffs. And when Shaq was introduced, American Airlines Arena earned its name. It sounded like a 747 was taking off inside.

Shaq gave one of those cock-eyed grins he's famous for, grabbed the microphone at center court and told the adoring throng that he's coming to deliver a championship.

The crowd ooooh-ed and aaaah-ed every time he touched the ball. Shaq destroyed Hawks center Jason Collier with his patented smash and dunk inside power play. Six minutes into the game, Shaq had 11 of the Heat's 13 points -- despite the fact that he was playing for the first time in a week because of sore hamstring.

When Shaq took a seat with a few minutes to go in the first quarter, the grin got even wider. For the first time in years, everything in Shaq's world was good again.

The Heat are the perfect team for Shaq. He is the sun in the center of the NBA solar system. He shines brighter than any star in the league when everything revolves around him.

Maybe we should start calling Shaq the Big Copernicus.

"I'm not really happy," Shaq said after the game. "It's not really time to be happy. But I like all my players. I like the organization. I like the city. So, I'm at peace."

He should be. After undergoing the messiest divorce that the NBA has seen in some time, it looks like Shaq has found himself a home big enough to accommodate his huge game and ego.

"I'm very happy to be here," Shaq said. "I chose these guys as much as they chose me. It's a professional marriage. Hopefully I can end my career here."

That will depend on how his teammates react to playing with the Diesel.
Miami and Shaq (with watergun) are enjoying the honeymoon.

Shaq enjoyed long honeymoons in Orlando and Los Angeles, too, before a young guard with superstar aspirations started chipping away at his touches and his popularity.

Shaq's feuds with Penny Hardaway and Kobe Bryant are just as much a part of his legacy as his dominating play in the paint. When things went south in Orlando and LA, Shaq did the only logical thing -- he fled.

So it's interesting that he "chose" to play for team that has, you guessed it, a young guard with superstar aspirations in Dwyane Wade.

Some claim that Shaq is setting himself up for another nasty divorce two or three years from now. With the way Shaq clogs the lane, the conventional wisdom is that a slasher like Wade will struggle to adjust his game.

But the people making those accusations don't know Wade.

Wade is the anti-Kobe.

The only thing more striking than his talent is how tiny his ego is. While Team USA head coach Larry Brown pulled out his hair and ultimately benched two of last year's rookie superstars in the Olympics – LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony – because of their on- and off-the-court antics, he praised and played Wade throughout the entire tournament.

That doesn't surprise Heat head coach Stan Van Gundy.

"He's going to play the game well not matter what," Van Gundy said. "He's a known quantity. We know what we're going to get from him every night."

Wade did struggle to find his rhythm in his first preseason game with Shaq on the floor. But by Monday's game against the Hawks, the two seemed to quickly developing a nice chemistry both on and off the court.

At the start of Monday's game, Wade was forcing the action a bit, trying too hard to get to the basket. It led to several turnovers before Shaq stepped in and calmed the second-year point guard.

"I told him to let the game come to him and just relax," Shaq said after the game. "Instead of trying to score every time, get everyone else involved and then the opportunities will come."

Wade took the criticism, settled down and ended up leading the team in both scoring and assists. In the process he hooked up with Shaq on several spectacular plays.

"I just listened to my teammates," Wade said. "They won't steer me wrong. Shaq's got my back. He's going to give me more opportunities than I've ever had playing basketball.

"We've never had no problem clicking. I know what he likes and he knows what I like after just a couple of weeks together. I know he's very unselfish and he's a big target. It's a lot of fun playing with him.

"He's clicking with a lot of guys early because he came in and told guys 'this is how I am,' and he said 'do this' and 'do that' and everyone listened. It's going to be easy to gel with Shaq ... He's here to help us and we're here to help him."

After trying to tutor Hardaway and Kobe to no avail, the receptiveness from Wade (and the rest of the team for that matter) is a fresh change of pace for Shaq.

"The good thing about D. Wade is that he's a guy who knows he doesn't know it all and I can give him tips and he listens," Shaq said. "He turned it around and had a fabulous game.

"I'm going to make him better. I'm going to show the world what kind of passer he is and show the world what kind of finisher he is. Whenever he throws it to me and slashes I'm going to find him.

They better because the expectations for this team couldn't be higher.

After stunning the league last season and taking the Pacers to six games in the second round of the playoffs, the Heat's bar had already been raised.

But when Riley decided to trade away two of the Heat's young, upcoming stars -- Lamar Odom and Caron Butler -- for Shaq, he could have just as easily put up a banner on American Airlines Arena that read "NBA Championship or Bust."

"My major motivation in trading for Shaq was a chance to win a championship," Riley said. "This is about now. I felt we had a very good young team. I love Lamar. I love Caron. I also felt we were a long way away from winning the championship.

"I saw an opportunity here to win now. This is about now. The league is about now. I just think it was a deal we had to make."

So does that mean that this season is a failure for the Heat if they don't win a championship?

"Look, only one team can win the title each year. A lot of things have to happen for a team to win a championship. When I say this is about now, it's about now as our franchise," Riley said. "It's about a sense of hope and a chance. We'll be a competitive and a legitimate contender.

"Where that takes us is the anticipation and excitement of that run. Any team with three solid players and right group will have a chance to win it all. I just felt we were too far away with the other team. This team has a real shot.

"Having the most dominant player in the league will help us."

Hello Heat Fans!

2004-08-12T16:53:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! This is my first attempt at blogging, so I decided to dedicate this blog to the Miami Heat. It made sense since I'm a rabid fan of the Heat and the NBA. As more and more begins to happen with the 2004-05 NBA season, I'll be posting regularly with info and opinions. Hope you get a chance to come back and check it out!

GO HEAT!!!