Brazil was the site of this past summer’s exceptional World Cup – yes, I’m referring to the soccer one – so of course what better place to have the first matchup between the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers? In the preseason, no less!
In a wild Brazilian affair, the Cavs outlasted the Heat 122-119, which saw the Heat come back from a double-digit deficit to force overtime, in what turned out to be an exciting contest, even if the game didn’t count.
Of course, the draw of this game was the Heat playing LeBron James for the first time since he decided to re-sign with Cleveland. This was also the first time a national television audience (translation: those not watching College Football) got a chance to see the new-look Miami Heat, as they attempt to retool from LeBron’s departure.
Let’s address the Heat/LeBron reunion: I’m not going to lie, but I wasn’t all that enthralled with that as a storyline for tonight’s game. Sure, there are those who tried to make this like an awkward meeting at a party between exes, but a preseason game in Brazil just doesn’t have the same luster to it that the game on Christmas Day between these two will have. I can only imagine what the media will come up with by then.
Aside from seeing LeBron go back with his less attractive ex-girlfriend from Cleveland, there’s not really a lot that can be taken away from this game, as coach Erik Spoelstra is still trying to tighten up his rotation. While the Heat try to build some continuity going into opening night against the Washington Wizards. Honestly, anyone that can make a judgment on this team after 3 preseason game is just narrow-minded. The best we can hope for the next couple of weeks is to see how these guys gel with each other, while seeing what surprises this Heat roster might have in store for us.
(For those of you that are new to my recapping, I don’t do it traditionally; I focus on things that please, annoy, and perplex me. Sure, I can break the game down, but that’s generic. By the way, I’m easy to please, annoy, and perplex, so all bets are off. I also like to acknowledge the exploits of one Mario Chalmers, as sometimes he does things that bring both joy and anxiety. Welcome to my world!)
Things that pleased me: Dwyane Wade looked awfully spry, tonight. The shooting stats weren’t up to snuff (4 for 10 from the field), but he was quick going to the basket, making cuts, and moving around well on defense. He also had 7 assists, as he handled ball-handling duties. I feel weird watching Wade with the same fear has when watching someone walk a tightrope, but that’s where we’re at with him.
Chris Bosh was a definite bright spot, going for 19 points and 8 rebounds in 27 minutes. He also was aggressive in the paint, making 5 of his 6 shots from there. I don’t think he’s going to go back to Toronto Bosh, but a healthy blend of that and the Bosh of the last 4 years will be a dangerous weapon. I’m looking forward to the two-man game between him and Wade.
James Ennis continues to make the most of the time he’s given by going for 17 points, on 5 for 6 shooting. It’s official: I’m driving the James Ennis bandwagon. Like, pedal to the medal, careening out of control, ala “Grand Theft Auto”. I haven’t been this blindly excited for a nondescript rookie since Dorell Wright. Granted, that didn’t work out very well, but I’m re-doubling my excitement for Ennis. This bandwagon won’t be making routine stops, so get on or be left behind. All hail the Prince of Perth!
Things that annoyed me: The players that more than likely will be staples of Miami’s rotation (Wade, Bosh, Luol Deng, Chalmers, Norris Cole, Udonis Haslem, Chris Andersen, and Danny Granger) shot 5 for 17 from three. One glaring question coming into this season was whether the Heat would be able to get the timely shooting from outside the arc. Miami will operate best when Wade and Deng can attack the basket without too many bodies getting in their way. The shots are going to be there, but somebody has to knock them down. Granger in particular is struggling with his shot, but that’s more of him getting back into a rhythm. Ennis has a really good chance at being first in line as designated shooter, but the Heat are going to need someone to hit those threes.
Things that perplexed me: Cole and Chalmers shot a combined 3 for 8, for 9 points, 3 assists, and 3 turnovers, as they both fight for starter’s minutes. The Heat need a guy that can break defenses down and make open shots. These are things that Cole and Chalmers aren’t consistently good at. Chalmers in particular has seen his confidence take a beating since the Finals, so seeing him struggle, as well as battling an injury, isn’t doing him any wonders. Which leads me to…
Scale of 1 to 10, how bad did I want to throw a lamp because of Mario Chalmers?: 2. Poor guy needs some confidence. Although Chalmers strikes me as the kind of guy that would fill a kiddie pool with the money that he got in his new contract, so I’m sure he’s ok. But you can tell he’s a guy with a chip on shoulder and wants to stick it to those that slight him.
What we’ve learned: There’s not a whole lot you can take away from the Heat’s third preseason game, as Spoelstra is still trying to get a handle on what his rotation, as well as getting an idea of what some of the projects on the roster have to offer. However, as Miami clawed their way back into this game, you could see the veterans really sucked in to those last few minutes of regulation and overtime. Guys like Wade and Bosh jumping off the bench as Ennis drove to the basket and completed the three-point play is a little thing that can help bring a team together.
Speaking of Ennis, the Heat have something with him. He’s played well in the preseason and has made a legitimate claim to a rotation spot. Three-point shooting seems to be something the Heat are going to struggle with, so Ennis’ range is going allow him to be a factor.
The flux at point guard has also opened the door for Shabazz Napier to get a decent shot at minutes. The kid played with confidence in overtime and showed flashes of what made him the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament. Summer League for him must seem like it was a decade ago.
Panic Meter: N/A. Again, this was just a preseason game, but it was nice to see the Miami Heat back to playing basketball.