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Dwyane Wade Awarded All NBA First Team
The expectations all pointed upward for Dwyane Wade in a season where he built on his Olympic buzz, winning the gold medal and arguably being the team’s MVP. Wade tore through the season, averaging the most points per player in the league (30.2) and creating a portfolio worthy of MVP status.
Thus was born the monicker, MV3.
Well, Wade would finish 3rd in the MVP balloting, behind Lebron James, but continues to get some accolades. It was announced that Wade would join Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dirk Nowitzki and Dwight Howard on the All NBA first team.
Not bad for a “comeback” season. Something to prove, indeed. Now, what is left for a followup?
This is Wade’s first all-NBA first team award. He has the scoring title and improved his team from 15 wins last season to 43 this season. He was also named to the NBA’s 2nd defensive team, being the only player to get 100 steals and 100 blocks this season.
Beasley Sets Rookie Record; Needs Big Game Sunday
Michael Beasley had his best game Friday night when the Heat needed it. In a game tighter than his cornrows, Beasley dropped 22 points (11-25 shooting) and 15 rebounds on the Hawks. The All-Rookie team member, and #2 pick in the draft, also did something else that night - he broke Magic Johnson’s record as the youngest player to get 20 and 15 in an NBA playoff game. Magic Johnson, however, followed up that game with a 42 point 15 rebound clutch performance in the Finals against Philadelphia.
What will Beasley’s next game look like?
One thing is for certain - he can give Josh Smith fits. Beasley has the range that needs to be respected, but he also has the lateral movement to get around even the athletic Smith. Where Beasley has to improve is defense and rebounding, but in the meantime he can be aggressive offensively and get to the paint and draw fouls. He can mix it up with his lefty J but also put it on the floor.
In order for the Heat to advance, they will need contributions from everyone - most particularly Michael Beasley. Sure, we have mentioned before about the magic number for the Heat seeming to be a 30+ point combination from Beasley, Cook, and Chalmer - the BCC Index - but it is Beasley’s performance that is most crucial. With the athleticism of the Hawks front court, Miami really has to fight for its rebounds and box out. Anything the Beasley can do to keep them honest will help turn the tide. The Heat need another big game from the young forward.
There Will Be a Game 7: Heat Beat Hawks to Force Showdown on Sunday
The Heat defeat the Hawks 98-72 to force Game 7. Series tied 3-3.
Quicklook:
- Wade quietly scored 41 points (11-23 from the field, 16-17 free throws). The Heat just got out in front and never really looked back.
- Beasley came up huge with his 22 points and 15 rebounds. He was a big factor in the success tonight - especially without Jermaine O’neal.
- BBC Index - Beasley, Daequan Cook and Mario Chalmers all needed to combine to get 30 points for the win tonight. They got 36.
Tonight was a night defined by injury and who was not on the floor - but it was the guy stepping into the lineup that made the biggest difference: Joel Anthony.
Those who have been following the Heat all season, and following what we write on MiamiHeatwave, know that Anthony is a defensive juggernaut despite his size. As an undersized center, what he loses in size he tends to make up with his uncanny shot blocking ability - which, in all seriousness, rivals the skill of Alonzo Mourning. Anthony managed to get 3 blocks, but his blocks usually result in possessions for the Heat, much like Zo’s. He also grabbed 8 rebounds and had 6 points - which is not overwhelming to look at. The biggest difference is how Anthony controlled the painted area and set perfect screens that allowed Wade to get space and operate.
With Anthony’s hustle and desire to do the little things, the Heat made the jump they needed on both ends of the court. That is why tonight, I think this guy is the real MVP for the Heat. No doubt Wade did his part and played MVP - more importantly, his back looked fine out there tonight - but Anthony’s contribution paved the way.
There will be a game 7 Sunday. Many questions will surface - will Jermaine O’neal be healthy enough to play? Will Joel Anthony continue to start and get minutes? Can the Heat continue to play strong defense and frustrate Josh Smith - who clearly has a limited game that is based on dunking the basketball? Whatever question that comes up and needs to be answered the ultimate one will be answered - who will advance to play a rested Cavs team in the next round. For Miami to be that team they will have to bring a strong game and not only match but exceed the intensity and energy the Hawks bring. That has been the defining characteristic of the victor in this series.
I Want Revenge: Game 6 in Miami
The Heat is fighting for their playoff lives and frankly, the Hawks tried to embarrass them in Atlanta. Something has to be done.
Dwyane Wade was beaten up, booed, and held down by the officials who made several questionable calls.
But he can’t do it all himself. He needs help. Michael Beasley, Daequan Cook and Mario Chalmers have to step up and score points. Neither Cook nor Chalmers have been able to defend Flip Murray - who is the real MVP of this series right now.
Jermaine O’neal battled and is quickly showing why he was a valuable asset for those tough Pacer teams. Udonis Haslem battles but his hand clearly still bothers him.
None of this matters though as the Heat need a win tomorrow night. Game 6 in Miami has to be a statement game. The Heat need to shake off the embarrassment and come out firing in front of the home crowd. Call it the Black Hole, with every Heat fan decked out in black.
With a win, the Heat can erase the painful memories of two straight losses in this series. With a win, they can erase the achievements the Hawks think they have acquired. With a win, the Heat have an even greater chance for revenge - to close out the series on Atlanta’s home court, where it all began. What greater motivation would they need at this point?
Heat Struggle, Fail to Take Command of Series
The Heat lose to the Hawks in Game 4 81-71 and fail to take advantage of the series by losing at home.
Quicklook:
- The Heat were out-rebounded 40-33 by the Hawks, including 18 from Pachulia
- Dwyane Wade struggled to get his 22 points, shooting 9/26 from the field
- The Heat shot a respectable percentage from the free throw line, .750, but it was their low field goal percentage from the field that did them in: .377 (23/61)
It was a chance to take command in the series and potentially never look back and it seems the Heat just were not up for the challenge. Coming on the heals of an impressive blowout at home, the Heat seem to not be ready for a desperate Hawks team fighting for its playoff life. The Hawks essentially regained home court advantage with the win last night, and now both teams must win 2 of the next possible 3 games. Considering that the Heat now have to take another on the road from the Hawks, the advantage has shifted back to Atlanta.
There is no consistency here. You would think a team like Miami, scoring over 100 points in two straight games, would be able to have that translate into some kind of momentum, but it seems they just weren’t able to keep things going and Atlanta countered. This is anyone’s series.
Up next, Miami will travel to Atlanta for a crucial Game 5 on Wednesday.
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