Heat Fall To Celtics....Again

Their was a lot on the line last night as the Miami Heat hosted the Boston Celtics. For one, the Heat were trying to overcome an season opening loss against the Celtics where they were embarrassed on National TV. They were looking not to lose consecutive home games to move within one game of falling to .500. They were looking for their swagger that is needed in big games and they accomplished neither as they failed to show up and were once again embaressed by the Celtics

Historically there was something on the line too that does involve Michael Jordon and it is not the 72-10 mark that the Heat are supposedly chasing. I say supposedly because if you ask anybody on the team I'm sure that they would not agree that they are chasing that record, but aiming to win a championship. This is just another product that is the hype machine of modern day media. But historically, I will say that Ray Allen has solidified a spot as the greatest clutch performer since MJ. Allen set the tone for the Celtics as he connected on his first seven three pointers.

The play that wraps up the Heats night is Rajon Rondo's dunk on Chris Bosh who pretty much gave him a free pass to the rack. This signifies the softness that this team possesses on the defensive side of the ball; especially under the rim. Yes, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade are spectacular on the defensive side of the ball, but that is only so much when the weak point of this team is below the rim, Bosh's territory. Bosh once again failed to break the 10 rebound mark (James had 10).The Heat's lack the size makes it hard for them to match the swagger that the Celtics have, especially under the rim. The intensity of Kevin Garnett that not only fuels the likes of Glen 'Big Baby' Davis, but also fuels Shaquelle O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal and when the angry Kendrick Perkins comes back, it is going to be very difficult for the Heat to keep up with the Celtics in the rebounding sector of the game.

James showed up for the game and seems to be the only constant in this teams offense. He narrowly missed his second straight triple double by coming up one assist short. Wade did not break the 10 point mark and was held to 8 points while not registering his first bucket until the third quarter. The only other positive that the Heat had on the night was the play of Udonis Haslem who registered 21 points. The Heat have a lot of work to do and you can hear it in the post-game comments. The "It's still early in the season," was pretty relevant in the answer they had after the game. It is early in the season, but a great athlete once said "It's getting late early,"- Yogi Berra.

The Heat will have another go around tonight with the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Arena. With the Raptors sitting at a 2-7 record, this should be an easy win. I expect Miami Thrice to be in full effect tonight as they attempt to avenge the loss against the Celtics.