Yet, to be fair, the Heat looked like the same, listless team that played in Game 1 on Monday night against the Chicago Bulls. The Heat offense was predictable, lacked energy. The Bulls defense extra tough, their threes were falling – anything the Heat did in the second half of that game was a disaster.

That is why heading into tonight’s game, you just knew things should have been different. There is no way, I thought, that Dwyane Wade and Lebron James would combine for 33 points again in this series. There is no way this Heat defense would continue to allow the Bulls second and third chance opportunities off of wild tips that fell into Bulls’ hands. But that is the way it was looking after the first quarter.

Then, things changed. Udonis Haslem entered the game. His energy made an impact right away. He only played 23 minutes, but he was 5-10 for 13 points and 5 rebounds. He had a couple of dunks in transition which gave the Heat a lift and the confidence it needed to push for the win on the road.

What is also crucial about Haslem’s contributions is that he provides an experienced, low post presence while also adding depth to the bench. Let’s face it, the Heat’s bench this series thus far has been light. Mike Miller and James Jones have yet to provide any significant scoring of any kind. Mike Bibby was 1-5 from three point range. In fairness, the Bulls have played excellent defense and closing out even the tiniest of spaces, crowding Heat shooters who just can’t get good looks. In fact, the defenses on both sides are so good that one has to feel that whomever emerges from this series, the winner is going to have a pretty good chance of taking the title because of their defensive strengths.

Lebron James came alive at the end of this game and much like he did to close out the Celtics, he hit big shot after big shot to take home the win. It was Haslem’s energy that lifted this team and gave them the zip they needed to get out of the doldrum they were in during the 1st quarter.

And so I ventured back to Twitter, Facebook, the forum, saying yes, I did doubt the team tonight but they gave me reason to doubt. Watching how the Heat managed to win this game despite going scoreless for about 4+ minutes in the fourth, was very encouraging. It wasn’t until Lebron hit a three to break the 73-73 deadlock that the Heat scored – and that was precisely the punch they needed to get going.

Right now, the Heat head back to Miami having beaten the Bulls for the first time this season. It couldn’t have come at a better time. Not to mention, this is the first time the Heat have beaten the Bulls in the playoffs since May 4, 2006 – the first time the Heat ever won a title. If the Celtics series was about beating up on the neighborhood bully, then beating the Bulls is about chasing away the ghosts of the past. And don’t think those ghosts weren’t felt – Scottie Pippen had a seat right by the Heat’s bench.

Now, they’ll all come back to Miami to try and pin up two more wins with the possibility of heading back to Chicago to close it all down.

Heat fans, respect what Paul Pierce has done while in Boston. Respect the fact that he has made the most out of riding coattails with Antoine Walker in his heyday and now with the other 2 pieces in the big three. The Celtics are like the big brothers to the Heat, trying to rough them up and intimidate them even though young bucks are quicker, younger, and not scared. Guess the Celtics have yet to figure that out.

But there is another side to Paul Pierce that just rubs you the wrong way. It isn’t his soft game that he seems to think is so great but the way he tries to act tough while on the court. This is the reason why Udonis Haslem, a man who grew up forged in the fires of Liberty City here in the 305, called Pierce a “studio gangster”.

Let’s review:

It all started after the Celtics beat the Heat 112-107 in Miami for the second time in a row in just about two weeks. Pierce quipped, via his Twitter account, “It’s been a pleasure to bring my talents to south beach now on to Memphis”. UD didn’t like that. His response, “Man, ain’t nobody paying them dudes no attention, man. You know what studio gangster is? Look up that, look up the definition of studio gangster. I’m here to play basketball. First of all, I don’t tweet. So I wouldn’t know what he tweeted if you guys didn’t tell me.”

True, Udonis isn’t into tweeting. Not really his style. But that is the point – Pierce is the kind of guy who talks tough when he has his boys around. But on his own? His game has to be told, because it can’t be sold on its own. Again, look at what he did before KG and Ray Allen showed up. Nothing.

So most think that Pierce’s ejection was unwarranted on Sunday. They’d be wrong. The evidence is in the tape – the Celtics were far more aggressive physically against the Heat than the Heatles were with the Green. James Jones foul? Hardly anything out of line there. On a subsequent play, Wade tosses an ally to James for a dunk – and guess who was there? Paul Pierce. Watch the replay as James stares down Pierce afterwards.

What happens next? Pierce sets a cheap, hard screen on Wade as he cuts down the baseline trying to chase after Ray Allen (whose entire offensive game consists of shooting threes off of screens). Pierce lays into Wade, tries to flex his feeble arms like he was going to do something and balls up his fists, then apparently says something to Wade that would not be suitable for a family show like this (something along the lines of making a reference to Wade’s mom and Lebron James’ mom with Delonte West). Tech #2, gone.

Pierce is soft and is a dog whose bark is only loud when he has backup. He is what Udonis Haslem described. Now, the Heat just have to finish off the Celtics and end this budding rivalry.

Follow Paul Pierce’s Twitter feed and see what he posts now.

Tonight, James was honored in the Home Strong program by the very same franchise that drafted him for his service in Iraq.

Tim James, however, was also the definition of Miami basketball. He was an exciting player; he could score, block shots, grab rebounds. He was a leader; quiet, stoic, and humble but his game was loud. James was recognized as a blue chip prospect in basketball, coming out of Miami he helped put the city’s young talents on the map. Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Steven Blake, and many other young players filled with basketball hopes would find more opportunities to play ball in other colleges around the country because, in part, of James’ recognition coming out of high school.

When Tim James was drafted by his hometown Heat, a lot was expected of him locally – maybe, unfairly. The kid showed solid promise for the next level. He could shoot the ball, was athletic, and showed that he could defend well enough to earn his keep. The Heat gave him some good looks, but ultimately, Tim James bowed out of the NBA soon after his name was called for the draft – in 2001. He would go on to score 11 points for the Heat in 4 games, then would be traded and finish out his NBA days for Charlotte and Philadelphia, ultimately playing overseas in professional leagues and retiring in 2007.

Yet it is James’ legacy that cannot be overlooked. James Jones attended “the U” because of Tim James. The Hurricanes started winning games and become something of an exciting team to go out and root for. Being built by then-coach Leonard Hamilton, the Canes had a strong defensive identity that eventually got Hamilton to be Michael Jordan’s hand picked coach for his Washington Wizards. Miami basketball was coming up. Then there is Udonis Haslem, another local kid who played against James, who would go on to win titles at the collegiate level for the Florida Gators and has also helped bring home an NBA championship to his hometown Heat. Haslem wears #40 to this day, in part, because Tim James wore that number.

Tim James will be honored for his military service – and that is commendable, to say the least. He signed up on September 12, 2008 to honor his country – the stuff of legend for a kid who rose out of the troubled neighborhoods of Liberty City. But there is an untold story about how much James affected Miami basketball, and helping to create more opportunities for young players to get out of troubled neighborhoods and onto college campuses.

Tim James may not be remembered for his professional basketball career, and will surely be honored for his dedication and sacrifice to the principles that are inherent in our society as Americans, but his leadership should not be overlooked in all aspects of his life. He has inspired other kids from South Florida to think big and find other opportunities to play basketball and get access to better lives. He also has chosen to put himself in harm’s way, despite all the money he has made as a professional basketball player, his selflessness and dedication to protect the way of life that he has enjoyed makes him a hero. With the Heat honoring Tim James tonight, they not only honor the soldier serving his country, but the local kid who helped to create more opportunities for other kids like him coming out of tough neighborhoods.

Read More:

Dan Le Batard’s story of how Tim James ended up in Iraq

Haslem’s attorney attests that his client will be vindicated and was wrongly arrested. The Miami Herald reports that it was a passenger in Haslem’s car that actually possessed the drugs. He fessed up to it, too, by all reports.

There is not an official comment from the Heat yet, and as charges are pending there is no issuance of a penalty coming from the NBA – yet. If the charges stand, it would be a black eye on what was an historic offseason for the Heat. If Haslem is acquitted, it may serve as not just a relief for the Heat but perhaps a wake up call that should permeate a little more deeply into the Heat’s clubhouse. Some have suggested that Haslem has had a hard time coping with the recent death of his mother, but nothing to indicate whether or not this incident would have been effected by his loss.

The past two offseasons the Heat have been faced with a drug scandal. Last year it was Michael Beasley, which ended up getting some confused reporting about how serious it was and whether or not Beasley enrolled himself into rehab. In 2008, it was Mario Chalmers who was under the gun as there was suspicion over marijuana use while at a rookie introduction program for the NBA.

Then the Heat, wishing to retain the other remaining member from the 2006 season, re-signed Udonis Haslem. In fact, UD took much less to stay in Miami – a four year deal that is worth $20M (Haslem made $7.1M last season). Most likely, it will be the last contract of his career and will keep him in Miami with the possibility of adding hardware.

“That’s my college roommate,” Haslem said. “He’s like Dwyane is to me, just a different color.” In signing both Miller and Haslem, the Heat not only gain two quality players to bolster this roster but they also keep building a locker room culture that is very palatable – it is quickly becoming a dynasty that is being built among friends. Haslem turned down bigger offers from the Jazz, Mavericks, and Nuggets to play with Miller who he calls “my boy from day one.”

Haslem will look to wrap up his NBA career in his hometown, averaging 10 points per game and 8.1 rebounds. He came to Miami as an undrafted free agent that lost a ton of weight after his college days. Meanwhile, Mike Miller has earned a reputation for being a very good scorer and shooter, averaging 13.7 points per game throughout his career. Both will reunite in Miami, recalling their Gator Final Four appearance back in 2000 while contending for championships in the NBA.

Discuss this latest move with us on the MiamiHeatwave forum!

So, officially, this is not Dade County but Wade County until July 8th – when the free agents are officially allowed to put their signatures on contracts. The Heat have not been shy in trying to show their appreciation for Dwyane Wade in the hopes of keeping him in Miami. There is the WeWantWade.com website which is the official hub for the Heat’s pursuit of keeping Wade. Then there is also this promotion:

The Heat certiainly aren’t showing that a re-signing of Dwyane Wade is something to take for granted, and that is a good thing. Udonis Haslem seems to think Wade will stay in Miami even though he admits anything can happen. Fans of the NBA know this – see Carlos Boozer and his Cavs contract and also the Juwan Howard “signing” back in ’96 for the Heat.

The key thing here is to gauge Pat Riley – he seems to be extremely confident in the process right now. The Plain Dealer in Cleveland has noted that Riley has even already met with James’ agent last night in anticipation of today’s official meeting. Riley didn’t show his hand with any comments to the media, but with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade having dinner in Chicago last night together at the end of the day, there has to be something brewing.

If the Heat are able to land all three marquee free agents, a coup the likes of which the NBA has never seen, there will still be the issue of how to round out the roster. Riley must be on top of his game to convince Lebron James to come out of Cleveland, where he is very comfortable, and come to Miami to win titles and establish a dynasty. The issue of who will make the lion’s share of salary must be tread carefully, too. There is talk that the three will actually take a slight pay cut to make this work – highly doubtful despite the good feeling that it would invoke. The Heat would be left with a mid-level exception ($5.8M last season) which can be used on one or split among several free agents and an minimum salary exceptions (“veteran” exceptions at about $1.5M each and max up to two years).

An interesting sidebar to this is that Haslem shares the same agent as Wade and Bosh. If indeed both sign with Miami, then where does this leave Haslem? Would he be willing to come back at a paycut just to have a chance to get another title with the home town team? Another key possibility is putting Haslem at center to spell whomever takes over that position because if Bosh is going to play in Miami, most definitely it will not be at the center position.

But let’s not get ahead of things. Riley still has to meet today with Lebron and the Heat still have to ink Wade to a deal. Getting Bosh to commit to a sign-and-trade will be crucial for bridging these two possible events together. If that is the case, will the Heat do all signings at once or spread them out?

Stay tuned: jonnylons@twitter and miamiheatwave@twitter

It seemed that Riley is staunchly fixed on waiting for this offseason to re-sign Dwyane Wade and add someone else to the mix. This has forced the Heat to be very crafty in regards to its financial picture, which the Heat have been able to do. They have tons of money coming off the books as only Michael Beasley and Daequan Cook are guaranteed to be on the books after this season.

So it’s audition time for this team – and the entire franchise is trying to show Wade that this is his current and future home. What to expect?

First of all, who’s in and who’s out. In: Carlos Arroyo, Quentin Richardson and Shavlik Randolph. Out: Mark Blount, and Jamario Moon. The Heat finished 43-39 last season, and lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs.

What about who’s playing when and where? Expect to see the shift is on as Michael Beasley is going to start at PF while fan favorite Udonis Haslem shifts to the bench. Also, it has been rumored that Q-Rich has jostled his way into the starting lineup at SF, where Beasley was playing last season. Rounding things out will be Jermaine O’neal at C, Mario Chalmers at PG and Dwyane Wade, as always, at SG.

The bench looks intriguing. Questions abound over the role that Carlos Arroyo, Daequan Cook and even Dorell Wright will play. What kind of minutes will they get? When Chris Quinn returns, what is the point guard situation going to look like? Haslem will try his hand at coming off the bench, but it will only be successful if Beasley can show that he can rebound and defend better. Beasley, coming off a tumultous offseason, has seemingly gotten things on track in his personal life and is looking to take the next step in his professional career. Again, the growth potential of this young team is what will be assessed, and the result will be how far they can reach into the playoffs.

This is an audition of sorts. Dwyane Wade wants to be in Miami but only if it is in his best interests – he wants to win, not just make money. If this team can show growth, perhaps get into the 2nd round or deeper, then Wade should be a lock to stay. Who will remain with him, however, will remain to be seen.

Expectations: This team has enough youth to create a higher ceiling. Cook, Beasley, Chalmers – all can take drastic steps forward. The bench is stronger as there are more options to play with – let’s not forget James Jones’ ability to contribute to this team. There doesn’t, however, feel like there is too much of a difference between last year and this year so it is reasonable to expect a 40+ win season and a berth to the playoffs. The difference might be once the Heat reach the playoffs – I’m expecting at least a 2nd round appearance. Can Wade play another MVP-like season? We’ll soon find out.

Let’s look at the Heat’s situation – they just failed in their attempt at signing Odom to the mid-level exception. It was a gamble, sure, but it didn’t work out. Heat fans might feel reminded of the Mo Williams sweepstakes just over a few seasons ago. The Heat also let Jamario Moon walk without getting any compensation. Perhaps it was overlooked by the Heat’s attempt to land Odom, but that would be too simplistic. If the Heat re-signed Moon they would be faced with paying double – since they are currently over the league’s $69.9 million dollar luxury tax line.

The Heat have several options on the table. They are reportedly looking at Jamaal Tinsley, who would be an affordable addition to the Heat’s roster as he would provide a veteran point guard at roughly $1 million – which raises the total cost to $2M when considering the luxury tax penalty. He would compete with Mario Chalmers for the starting spot and provide more depth. Milwaukee Bucks restricted free agent Ramon Sessions remains available, but reports are that the Knicks are leaning towards extending him an offer which means the Heat’s chances to nabbing Tinsley increase.

There are other free agents that could help as well. A major need for the Heat is rebounding and Memphis has let Hakim Warrick dangle out in the free agent jetstream. The Cavs have apparently extended an offer so it isn’t certain at this time that Miami is even in the conversation. A major hurdle for Miami is the luxury tax, so if Miami is to add another player it is most likely going to be a bargain basement deal so they take a minimal hit.

There is also the Carlos Boozer situation, which has cooled substantially. Don’t expect the Heat to make a deal but then again, this is precisely when Pat Riley usually shocks people with getting a deal. The Heat have tons of contracts that are expiring after this season – the Heat would just have to be willing to take back money in return. If the Heat want to sign a player, they have to free up money. If they want to trade for another player, they have these expiring contracts which would look good to teams like the Utah Jazz – who has the highest payroll in the NBA and paying a lot in luxury tax, around $20M. Who are the expiring contracts for the Heat?

• Jermaine O’neal $22.9M
• Mark Blount $7.9M
• Udonis Haslem $7.1M
• Dorell Wright $2.75M
• Jamaal Magliore $1.2M (re-signed for this upcoming season)
• Chris Quinn $1.05M (re-signed for this upcoming season)
• Yakhouba Diawara $945K
• Joel Anthony $825K (re-signed for this upcoming season)

In order for the Heat to deal these contracts, the situation would have to be deemed an improvement for Pat Riley. That means not taking on any salary that would limit the Heat’s financial flexibility for the upcoming offseason. The Heat’s goal is to re-sign Wade to a long term deal as well as add a potential marquee free agent like a Chris Bosh or, even dare, Lebron James.

Yet right now, the Heat has to shift its focus to this offseason and the upcoming season otherwise, they may have a hard time convincing anyone to come to South Beach to play basketball.

Tell us what you think – discuss the Heat’s next move on our forum.

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?

Quicklook:

• Dwyane Wade answers his 19 point Game 1 performance with a 33 point performance in Game 2 – hitting 6/10 from three point range.
• The Heat shot 57% from three (15/26) and 55% from the field (40-72).
• Daequan Cook and Dwyane Wade become the first teammates in NBA history to hit 6 three pointers each in the playoffs.

For the Heat, this is a big win as they come back from an embarrassing loss in Game 1 to a more respectable win in Game 2. The Hawks only threatened late in the 4th, cutting the lead to 10, but never dipped into under double digits.

This was a game where Miami defended better and brought better energy. When playing on the road, you have to up your energy to exceed the home team – when the crowd starts yelling, it is hard to transcend that energy. The Heat did a better job of that tonight.

Defensively, the Heat showed some progress. They gave space to the Hawk’s bigs who rely on getting into the paint to do their damage. Josh Smith was visibly frustrated for stretches. The Heat limited the Hawks to 41 first half points, combined with the 31 of the second half of Game 1, the Heat had held the Hawks to 72 points.

The Heat also got better contributions from the rest of the team. Jermaine O’neal had a respectable night scoring 19 points and blocking 4 shots – one of which came as the Hawks were mounting a run which pushed them within 7 points (93-86). Daequan Cook had 20 points with 6/9 from three; Udonis Haslem continues to battle and put in 10 points and 7 rebounds including two huge back-to-back jumpers when Wade was out with foul trouble near the end of the 4th quarter. Beasley had 12 points and 7 rebounds off the bench and shows that he is a huge mismatch for Josh Smith.

The Heat made some adjustments but one still remains to be seen – they have to get into the painted area and draw contact. The Hawks did that successfully and were able to get 30 free throw attempts (FTAs). The Heat, meanwhile, only could muster up 18. There may have been a little home-cooking for the Hawks, but maybe coming back to Miami will help the Heat’s cause in this area.

If Dwyane Wade can get 30+ points and get to the line 10+ times, it is going to be hard for the opponent to win. He had 33 points tonight and 6 FTAs.

Great win for Miami as they take away home court and are poised to use their home court to stake control in this series.

Congrats!

Congratulations to Erik Spoelstra on getting his first ever post season win. It couldn’t have come at a better time. Here’s to the first of many more!