After watching The Miami Heat lose their first game on the road in Boston, most critics will only talk about how inept they were on offense. They had trouble in half court sets - often sitting back and watching LeBron go after the Celtics alone, Cav's style. In time the Heat will develop chemistry and their offense will be humming. The Celtics core has been together for years and understand all of their defensive rotations, which is a big reason Miami's offense looked so stagnant. The Heat's offense should look a lot better tonight against Philadelphia.
On the other end of the court, Miami's defense was really good and has the potential to be suffocating. LeBron and Wade are already great in the passing lanes, but when Coach Spoelstra shifts to a lineup featuring Dwyane Wade, LeBron, James Jones, Joel Anthony, and Bosh, the length they have on the floor would have Jay Bilas talking in his crazy draft night superlatives. They are LONG. Coach Spo must design a trapping style defense with this group to allow their speed and length to wreak havoc on an offense. Wade or James are able to stay in front on speedy guards with James Jones harassing shooters and players coming off of screens (ex. Rip Hamilton, Durant, Ray Allen, etc.).
Last night the Celtics showed that the Heat will have a tough time playing post defense against post up centers. Although Joel Anthony is a shot blocker he does much better blocking players when he is off the ball not getting bodied. The Heat will learn how to create more opportunities in the half court in time and will be able to stretch the floor more when Mike Miller comes back from injury. But their defense can and will carry them until that day happens.
-JKAT
No comments:
Post a Comment