Heat vs Hawks Post-Game Grades and Point Guard Battle Update
By Wes Goldberg
103. 110. 109. 125. Final
As the Miami Heat continue to trim its roster, we’re looking at some of the bubble guys, as opposed to the core players. The Heat got some production out of their guards Shannon Brown, Norris Cole and Shabazz Napier.
B-. Danny Granger’s two-for-two start from three-point range was encouraging (3-of-6 on the night), especially since he has struggled with the long ball this preseason. However, his here-and-there three-point shot might be the only thing going for him. After getting the start at power forward, Granger was predictably slow on rotations and close outs, as well as on his cuts on offense. That makes ball movement a lot harder while the Heat are waiting for him to get to his spot. <em>Stats: 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting (3-6 3FG), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal. </em>. F. Miami Heat. DANNY GRANGER
C. Simply put, Shawne Williams’ performance has gotten worse and worse throughout this preseason. While he isn’t the defensive liablity that Michael Beasley was, he is simply a non-factor on offense. For a team that needs factors on offense in order to (1) replace LeBron James and (2) create ball movement, Williams is becoming an issue. Still, Spo is giving him big minutes and he will likely make it to the beginning of the season by default. <em>Stats: 5 points on 2-of-8 shooting (1-3 3FG), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal.</em>. F. Miami Heat. SHAWNE WILLIAMS
B+. It wasn’t as if Shannon Brown was in danger of losing his spot on the final 15-man roster, but he may have moved up in the rotation with tonight’s performance. He showed dogged defense and athleticism coupled with ball handling that James Ennis cannot match.<blockquote class=. G. Miami Heat. SHANNON BROWN. tweetdeck
Point Guard Battle Update
Mario Chalmers sat out this game, still recovering from a hip pointer he suffered against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Brazil. Norris Cole got his third-straight start of the preseason and played very well early in the game, though his production slowed as the game went on. Cole finished with nine points on four-of-seven shooting, including making one-of-two of his three-point attempts. He added three rebounds, four assists and steal while not turning the ball over (which has been a trend of his).
Meanwhile, Shabazz Napier continues to make his case to be a part of the regular rotation, scoring 12 points on four-of-eight shooting and adding three rebounds, four assists and a steal with one turnover. Napier continues to show off play making and play creating ability. He’s really come along since summer league.