Heat Roll Past Pistons, Last Tune Up Before 'The Return'

The Miami Heat's big three, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, led a balanced attack en route to tonight's 97-72 win at the American Airlines Arena.

Although it was a balanced attack, it was not the balanced attack that led them to victory Monday night against the Washington Wizards that had the three accumulate 70 points. Tonight the three players only provided 50 points, but that is all they needed too as their defensive performance was more than this team needed tonight as they only allowed 72 points. Tonight's performance actually gave Miami's big three something that they have not collectively had all season; a break. Each player has been averaging close to 35 minutes a game, especially LeBron James who registered a season low 31 minutes tonight. Wade, who has been nursing a wrist injury for the past week, only registered 18 minutes while Bosh registered 29.

This accumulated rest has a unit, created new opportunities for other players outside of Miami Thrice. One player that I have been very high on this season who came in with low expectations is Juwan Howard. Howard registered 12 points tonight along with 4 rebounds and continues to be a productive veteran as he came to the aid of a flagrant foul against the Wizards which resulted in an ejection. This was possibly the most balanced scoring the Heat have shown this season as the only two players who did not score was Joel Anthony and Eric Dampier.

This game is exactly what the Miami Heat needed as they are coming off a streak where they lost 4 of 5. This is the Heat's second win in a row as they look to make it 3 in a row as they travel to Cleveland tomorrow night. I do not have to say how anticipated this game is as if you have had any type of ear to the sports world over the past five months, you would realize that this marks LeBron James first game in Cleveland since he packed his bags for South Beach. I have to say that Cleveland is certainly more excited for this game than any other city in the country. After the voodoo curses by radio dj's, the absurd reactions by the owner and fans of Cleveland; their inability to let go of LeBron's decision to leave certainly will add to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the only choice for these fans is to boo him relentlessly. If they do not, they would just be as much of cowards as they perceive LeBron; no matter how false their pretense is. I really have only one statement for Cleveland: "You SHOULD get over it"