Heat Rally For Win In Kansas City

Everyone can take a deep breath and relax.

The Miami Heat got their first win of the preseason, by over-coming a 13-point deficit to beat the Golden State Warriors 115-108 in Kansas City, Missouri. Warriors guard Klay Thompson led all scorers with 29 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Heat got big contributions from new faces to pull off the win.

After falling down double-digits, again, to a high octane offense like Golden State’s, the Heat were able to storm back in the fourth quarter and close the game strong, outscoring the Warriors 32-13 in the final stanza. And it wasn’t exactly against the Warriors’ subs, as Thompson, Steph Curry, and David Lee were there down the stretch as Miami mounted their comeback. The Heat defense, which was picked apart in the second and third quarters (more on that in a bit), was able to put the clamps down and force Golden State to take contested shots.

Things that pleased me: It was great to see Luol Deng play a big part in tonight’s win, he shot 8 for 11 from the field (3 for 4 from three), for 19 points. He’s not going to light up the box score on a nightly basis, but he will pick his spots and lend a hand in carrying the offense for stretches at a time. As a third option, and as a replacement for You Know Who, the Heat got themselves a reliable player to help pay dividends on both ends of the floor.

Chris Bosh continued his strong run of preseason action, as he went for 21 points and 7 rebounds. Stepping back into the role of first-option has been like riding a bike for him. He seems very comfortable out there making his presence felt, while it seemed like he was just waiting for the action to come to him the past four years. My favorite moment was late in the fourth quarter when Bosh drove to the basket and kicked it out to a wide open Shawne Williams in the corner for a dagger three. That’s a set the Heat will be running late in games and defenses have to be on alert. Bosh is going to be a revelation this year.

Speaking of Williams, he was fighting for his spot in the rotation, if not his spot on the roster. Well, he rose to the occasion. Starting at power forward, Williams erupted for 19 points (7 of 9 shooting), including 5 for 5 from downtown, and 7 rebounds. He hit big shots down the stretch and had some big hustle plays on the defensive end. If there’s one thing that gets Coach Erik Spoelstra’s attention, it’s hard work on defense. Tonight he essentially filled the role that Shane Battier held the last three years. If Josh McRoberts is going to miss the first few weeks of the season, Williams will probably be first in line to start at power forward.

Things that annoyed me: The bizarre stretch of second and third quarter woes continued tonight, as the Heat were outscored 72-56 over that part of the game. Golden State shot 24 for 37 in that span, as Miami looked slow in trying to keep up with Thompson (22 points in that stretch). Again, time is needed to help build continuity on defense, but these lulls the Heat have gone on the past few games have been maddening to watch.

Not really annoying, just frustrating, is that Dwyane Wade still looks like he’s trying to get his feet under him. Not that I expect him to be in peak form five games into the preseason, as well as adjust to playing with a lighter frame (is that a thing?). He did shoot 5 for 10 from the field, but he still doesn’t seem to be getting enough lift on his jumpers. On defense, he struggled with Golden State’s quicker guards and finished the game with a minus-8 while he was on the floor.

Things that perplexed me: During the Heat television broadcast, color commentator Tony Fiorentino mentioned that he took his mother to McDonalds in Kansas City and she has a newfound appreciation of their French fries.

What?

Look, their fries are good. If you’re going to enjoy anything from a fast food place, it’s definitely McDonalds French fries. But to go to Kansas City and decide that was the time to head over to McDonalds, as opposed to some of their fantastic BBQ? I’ve been to Kansas City and their BBQ is legit. They take pride in their BBQ and that needs to be expressed to the world at large. The Royals are in the World Series, so now is the time to gain an appreciation for Kansas City. First time I had brisket was in K.C. and it was amazing. Now I’m afraid to eat brisket anywhere else, as I feel like my expectations are too high. Even if she’s an octogenarian and gets around on a Rascal, she needs to head over to a BBQ place while in Kansas City. Also, if you didn’t think of this when I brought up driving around on a Rascal, you’re doing something wrong.

What did any of that nonsense have to do with the game? Nothing. But it’s preseason, so I’m allowed a pointless rant.

Scale of 1 to 10, how bad did I want to throw a lamp because of Mario Chalmers?: 1. He played well (13 points 5 rebounds), for the most part – there’s always the occasional “terrible Chalmers decision” that lingers for a few moments.

Chalmers didn’t start in his return to the Kansas City area, his fourth consecutive game coming off the bench. Norris Cole didn’t turn into Chris Paul over the summer, so either Chalmers has regressed poorly during training camp, or something else is in play. I’m going with the latter. I’m going to guess that Chalmers is officially Wade’s backup at shooting guard, while Shabazz Napier gets his minutes as Cole’s backup. This makes sense, as Coach Spoelstra had said he was going to slide Chalmers to shooting guard in certain lineups, so making him Wade’s backup and freeing time for Napier works.

Long shot opinion: Cole’s being showcased for possible trade opportunities down the road. If he can boost his value, Heat can get a rotation option back in return, as opposed to a fringe rotation guy. Let’s face it, Cole is the odd man out going forward, as Chalmers is under contract for one more season after this one, and Napier is the project/possible heir apparent at point guard, so the free agent-to-be Cole is a trade chip. Heat are going to be in need of a shooter/wing player, so a Cole swap makes sense.

What we’ve learned: The battle might be an uphill one, but they will fight to the end. Even when falling behind in the majority of their games so far in the preseason, the Heat have been able to surge back into games. Yes, some of those comebacks have come against second and third team players, but runs like tonight’s can build confidence for the young guys going forward. They’re going to be mixed in plenty with the likes of Bosh, Wade, and Deng, and so far they’re passing with flying colors.

Panic Meter: N/A. Still preseason. The Heat’s depth really is showing flashes of hope as different guys have stepped up each night. Whether it’s James Ennis, Napier, or Williams, guys fighting for rotations spots are going to make it difficult for Coach Spoelstra to decide on who is going to get big minutes.

Feels like a good problem to have.

So breathe easier.