Preseason Post-Game Grades: Heat Beat Spurs 111-108
By Wes Goldberg
108. 29. 111. 110. Final
Riding the efforts of a few rookies in a game where Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Luol Deng didn’t play, the Miami Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs and won its second-straight preseason game.
Miami Heat. SHABAZZ NAPIER. A. Shabazz Napier played his best game of the preseason, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise. The rookie has gotten better in every preseason game, and looks very comfortable running the offense. It’s a complete 180 since the summer league. At this rate, Napier will be the starting point guard by the end of the season. His vision and instincts are great. On one play in overtime, he drove the lane left of the basket and whipped a pass in air to Tyler Johnson, who was standing on the right elbow above the arc. It was a LeBron-esk pass that Johnson converted for a three-pointer to extend Miami’s lead. <em>Stats: 6-of-13 (1-4 3FG, 12-14 FT) for 25 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound, 2 steals, 1 turnover in 32:26.</em>. PG
SG. Miami Heat. ANDRE DAWKINS. B+. For a team that has a major shortage of three-point shooters, it’s surprising that Dawkins is being written off this 15-man roster. Though the Heat’s deepest position is its backcourt, and one rookie–Napier–might be enough for the Heat’s staff. Dawkins seems like a lock for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, and he is a candidate for a “call up” later in the season. <em>Stats: 5-of-8 (3-5 3FG) for 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals in 26:43.</em>
B. Khem had a terrible game offensively, missing on all six of his short-range shots. But, man, he can play defense. He sent a ball into the stands on a block at the end of the game and was almost always in the right position. He also sets some hard screens. But he’s a non-factor on offense. He can use some seasoning in the D-League .<em>Stats: 0-6 (1-2 FT) for 1 point, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 block in 31:33.</em>. C. Miami Heat. KHEM BIRCH
Point Guard Position Battle Update:
In a game Erik Spoelstra rested Wade, Bosh and Deng, Shabazz Napier handled most of the second half and overtime as point guard. The Heat were clearly trying to see what these rookies had to offer, and Napier made the best of his opportunity with his best game of the preseason. He’s in the mix for the starting job.
Norris Cole started the game, as has been per usual this preseason. In nearly 17 minutes he scored seven points on one-of-four shooting and had one assist. Meanwhile, Mario Chalmers played his second-straight game at shooting guard. He thrived once again, scoring 11 points on four-of-six shooting, adding four rebounds, two assists and three steals. It seems quite obvious that Chalmers should be the sixth man and Cole should start at point guard, with Napier getting significant minutes off the bench at point guard.
The Heat play the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, October 21 at 8 p.m. on TNT.