Preseason Post-Game Grades and Point Guard Battle Update: Heat Beat Rockets
By Wes Goldberg
169. 90. 110. Final. 85
Dwyane Wade had a vintage game to the the Miami Heat to a 90-85 win over the Houston Rockets in a game that shed light on Erik Spoelstra’s regular-season rotation.
A+. Dwyane Wade showed up, making six of his first six shots. He was aggressive getting to the rim and showed off his classic mid-range jumper. He almost put the entire Rockets team on a poster on a potential dunk, but just missed it off the rim. Despite the miss, the penetration and aggressiveness was a welcome site for Heat fans. Wade is going to have his opportunity, and should score plenty of points this season. <em>Stats: 11-17 (1-4 3FG) for 26 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block in 28:46. </em>. SG. Miami Heat. DWYANE WADE
B+. <strong><a href=. C. Miami Heat. CHRIS BOSH
After Dwyane Wade said he wanted to see <strong><a href=. G. Miami Heat. MARIO CHALMERS. B
Point Guard Position Battle Update
Of the three, Mario Chalmers had the best game. Norris Cole started the game but played just 14 minutes. He was efficient, scoring on three of his four shots for seven points. Shabazz Napier came off the bench, first playing point guard then playing shooting guard with Chalmers bringing up the ball in the second quarter. Napier struggled, missing all seven of his shots but getting two assists. These are the games Napier will have. As a rookie, he’ll have to learn to bounce back.
Chalmers had the hot hand tonight and Spoelstra rode him. He was more aggressive than Cole and more efficient than Napier, which is why he ended up playing more than 30 minutes and finishing the game. This was a Chalmers game–something Heat fans haven’t seen in a long time. But Heat fans know not to count on them every game, too.
As far as the rotation, we saw all three get some run with Shannon Brown at the end of the bench. Napier and Chalmers each played some 1 and 2. I still think Cole starts games and Chalmers is used as a sixth man, and that this isn’t just a preseason thing.