It’s a true testament to how much both of these teams have changed when, attempting to find an appropriate picture to accompany this post, nearly 95 percent showed players that are no longer on either team’s roster. Everyone from Shane Battier to O.J. Mayo are all captured in photographic glory but you can’t get one decent shot of Chris Bosh and Dirk Nowtizki. Unbelievable.
It’s worth pointing out because both teams – Miami (4-2) and Dallas (4-2) have transformed significantly since they met last season. The Mavericks completed a major trade with the New York Knicks (welcoming back Tyson Chandler along with guard Ray Felton), signed several veteran key free agents and pulled off a big move by stealing away Chandler Parsons from in-state rival Houston.
Dallas is committed to being committed in the twilight of Nowitzki’s storied career. They were the Spurs’ toughest challenge in last season’s playoffs (going all seven games in the opening round) and have simply gotten better. Chandler brings familiarity with the system that gave him a ring in 2011 (sigh…) along with some rejuvenated defensive intensity. Parsons (15.2 PPG) has struggled at times but can score in bunches. And guards Jameer Nelson and J.J. Barrera have both historically given Miami trouble, with Nelson bombing away from 28 feet out while Barrea sneaks his way past Mario Chalmers or Norris Cole.
The Mavs have been sensational this season, at least offensively. Nowitzki is oak-like, a permanent scoring machine. But the complementary pieces seem to made Dallas a legitimate title contender, even if they don’t always fit right on the defensive end. They lost on opening night to the Spurs but were blown out recently in Portland, where the Trail Blazers’ defense keyed in on Dirk, limiting him to “just” 17 points. It’s a matchup that the Heat need to dominate in order to escape Texas with a hard-fought victory.
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For Miami, the potential is certainly there. In last night’s 102-92 victory of Minnesota, the Heat looked fluid and moved the ball well, connecting on 26 of their 41 made field goals, while shooting over 52 percent. Dwyane Wade (25 points) and Chris Bosh (24 points) led the way but there were key contributions from Luol Deng (14 points, 6-of-9 shooting) and Norris Cole, who bounced back from two poor showings with 11 efficient points and six assists.
A key moment from last night’s game was Udonis Haslem‘s return to the floor. He matched up well with Timberwolves’ bruiser Nikola Pekovic and was able to chip in 8 points in just 14 minutes. As Miami has been dealing with various injuries early in the season, Haslem’s contributions off the bench were a welcome sight. No word yet if Chris Andersen and Justin Hamilton will be available against Dallas. Haslem won’t be able to handle Dallas’ Brandan Wright (who shoots a ridiculous 72 percent from the field, with his high energy work around the rim). Similarly, how Chalmers handles the guard combo of Barrera and Devin Harris will be key to Miami’s chances.
Miami will be able to challenge Dallas especially offensively, where Wade should be able to dominate his matchup with Monta Ellis. But in order to pull off back-to-back wins, the Heat will have to find a way to defend the second-highest scoring team in the NBA. They struggled with that against a young, depleted Minnesota team after two days rest and tonight’s game is a much more daunting one.
Check back with All U Can Heat for our recap, analysis and post-game grades.