Heat Beat Rockets, Heading to Cleveland Next

The Miami Heat’s Big 3 have learned to play together, at least it looked like they did tonight.  Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all had at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in their victory over the Houston Rockets.

It marked the first time since 1961 that a trio of players accomplished this feat in a non-overtime game.  Of course that was the trio of Oscar Robertson, Wayne Embry and Jack Twyman that I am oh so very familiar with at the age of 23.

The Heat remains a half-game behind the Boston Celtics for the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference.  Depending on how things shape up, Miami will play either the Philadelphia 76ers or the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs.

Most fans will probably want to see the Knicks in the first round in order to properly reignite the classic rivalry from the 90’s.  Im sure there are some, however, that would prefer to see Philadelphia in order to avoid playing two all stars in Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudamire.

Miami matches up just fine against either team, and would win either series in 5 games.

Mike Bibby played well agaisnt the Rockets.  Scoring 14 points, converting 4 of 5 from downtown.  He needs to continue to hit the open shot.  Especially if Mike Miller, Eddie House and James Jones continue to struggle.  Gotta think one of them breaks out of it soon.  Miami’s bench accounted for just 13 of its 125 points.

Lebron will return to Cleveland for the second time with the Miami Heat on Tuesday.  Wonder if Cavs fans will bring the hate out in full force again.  I doubt it will be as hostile this time.

It is looking less and less likely that Udonis Haslem is going to be able to be of any significance to the team this season.  He is pushing hard to get back, but said he will only be able to get to about 80% before seasons end.

The Heat have been using Lebron alot more at the power forward position as of late.  He has played all 5 positions on the floor this year, and his versatility really is extraordinary.  Power forward might be his most dangerous position if he really wanted to commit to it.

Bosh on the other hand has been getting time at center when James is at the power forward.  This lineup is so difficult to stop defensively because there are so many options on offense.

It will be interesting to see what lineups Spo uses come the playoffs.  We will certainly get a good idea over these final 9 games as to who will make the playoff rotation that is typically around 8 or 9 players.