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Q: I know it’s a tough way to get beat. But the Heat did everything they could to win the game. Cade Cunningham was just better on that play. Thirteen more games. – Steven.
A: To say the Heat did everything they could to win Wednesday night’s game is to say it has reached the point where mere effort suffices. The Heat led by eight in the fourth quarter. They scored four points in the final 4:27. They shot 1 of 8 on 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and were outrebounded 15-5 in the period. Bam Adebayo played 9:30 in the fourth, did not score in the period, and had just one rebound. So, no, not everything they could, unless the expectations are that this is who they are, at the point where they needed that “Good job, good effort” kid from the 2012 playoffs leaning over above the exit tunnel to console them after losses. But, yes, 13 more in the regular season and then at least one more in the play-in round.
Q: Hi Ira. A different sort of roster question: who are our “dogs” left on this roster? Those in the mold of Udonis Haslem, Jimmy Butler, Caleb Martin, P.J. Tucker? – Juan, Denver.
A: Good question, and I’m not sure anyone fits that mold, and that could be part of the problem. Pelle Larsson has some, to use your parlance, “dog” in him. But he’s hardy of the build or experience to impact games in such a way. Haywood Highsmith can have some of that, but it mostly is not his nature. And that’s part of the problem, that and not enough of the Heat’s power players are power players.
Q: It now seems certain that the Heat will finish with the worst record of Erik Spoelstra’s career. Should a replacement coach be found to lead the rebuild? – Wayne, Miami.
A: I remain of the belief that not only does Erik Spoelstra enjoy the job, but he relishes challenges, which are what will come next. For those who believe Erik Spoelstra to be less than fully engaged, go to a game and watch him on the sideline. Then watch him push through his postgame interviews. This is not someone mailing it in. He has remained animated, engaged and passionate. And, currently, hurting.
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A: To say the Heat did everything they could to win Wednesday night’s game is to say it has reached the point where mere effort suffices. The Heat led by eight in the fourth quarter. They scored four points in the final 4:27. They shot 1 of 8 on 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and were outrebounded 15-5 in the period. Bam Adebayo played 9:30 in the fourth, did not score in the period, and had just one rebound. So, no, not everything they could, unless the expectations are that this is who they are, at the point where they needed that “Good job, good effort” kid from the 2012 playoffs leaning over above the exit tunnel to console them after losses. But, yes, 13 more in the regular season and then at least one more in the play-in round.
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Q: Hi Ira. A different sort of roster question: who are our “dogs” left on this roster? Those in the mold of Udonis Haslem, Jimmy Butler, Caleb Martin, P.J. Tucker? – Juan, Denver.
A: Good question, and I’m not sure anyone fits that mold, and that could be part of the problem. Pelle Larsson has some, to use your parlance, “dog” in him. But he’s hardy of the build or experience to impact games in such a way. Haywood Highsmith can have some of that, but it mostly is not his nature. And that’s part of the problem, that and not enough of the Heat’s power players are power players.
Q: It now seems certain that the Heat will finish with the worst record of Erik Spoelstra’s career. Should a replacement coach be found to lead the rebuild? – Wayne, Miami.
A: I remain of the belief that not only does Erik Spoelstra enjoy the job, but he relishes challenges, which are what will come next. For those who believe Erik Spoelstra to be less than fully engaged, go to a game and watch him on the sideline. Then watch him push through his postgame interviews. This is not someone mailing it in. He has remained animated, engaged and passionate. And, currently, hurting.
Continue reading...
