Miami Heat vs. Washington Wizards: Regular Season Game 5 Open Thread
by Mike Prada on Nov 4, 2009 6:07 PM EST
in Game Threads
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PrintMiami Heat at Washington Wizards, Nov 4, 2009 7:00 PM EST
The Essentials:
Heat (3-1) vs. Wizards (2-2)
7:00 p.m.
Verizon Center
TV: ESPN, CSN+
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
Notable very early Heat numbers this season
5th in expected winning percentage (.750)
19th in pace (95.1 possessions per game)
11th in offensive efficiency/offensive rating (105.1)
7th in defensive efficiency/defensive rating (95.3)
Notable Heat numbers last season
14th in expected winning percentage (.509)
22nd in pace (89.9 possessions per game)
20th in offensive efficiency/offensive rating (107.8)
11th in defensive efficiency/defensive rating (107.6)
Pre-game links
Peninsula is Mightier, SB Nation's Heat Blog
Hot Hot Hoops, a Miami Heat blog
Peninsula is Mightier game preview
Ira Winderman's blog for the Miami Sun-Sentinel
Michael Lee: The Other Side: Heat
GameDay Miami
| Tonight's Projected Starters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Heat | vs. | Wizards |
| Mario Chalmers |
PG | Gilbert Arenas |
| Dwyane Wade |
SG | Mike Miller |
| Quentin Richardson |
SF | Caron Butler |
| Michael Beasley |
PF | Fabricio Oberto |
| Jermaine O'Neal |
C | Brendan Haywood |
No time to dwell on our loss to Cleveland yesterday, because Miami comes into town for a nationally-televised tilt tonight. The Heat are 3-1, though it should be mentioned that those three wins are against New York, Indiana and Chicago. They were winning for most of the game against Phoenix last night at home, but lost the game in the fourth quarter. I'd venture to say that tonight is their biggest test this year.
Obviously, Miami starts and ends with Dwyane Wade. I imagine Caron Butler will get the assignment guarding Wade, but Wade's a far different animal than LeBron James. Wade isn't as physically imposing as LeBron, but he's jet-quick and is an expert at using picks and going in the most direct line to the hoop. I honestly see little other way to defend him other than to drop off him and hope he isn't hitting his jumper.
Other than Wade, Jermaine O'Neal's got off to a strong start this year, though New York and Indiana in particular offer little resistance. He's not a particularly efficient scorer, but has a variety of moves even at this age. It's on Brendan Haywood tonight to really swallow up him. On paper, Haywood should hold O'Neal down, but Haywood has to stay focused and know that he probably won't (and shouldn't receive much help).
The X-factor for Miami is Michael Beasley, who is now playing power forward to start games. That's going to be a tough cover for Fabricio Oberto, because you know Oberto won't want to guard him all the way out on the perimeter. This is one of those nights where I'd prefer to see Andray Blatche play most of the time on Beasley, leaving Oberto to handle Udonis Haslem off the bench. Haslem might have been able to push Blatche around, but he won't be able to do the same for Oberto. This might even be one of those nights where you dust Dominic McGuire from the scrap heap to mess with Beasley's rhythm.
It'll be an interesting one, that's for sure. Miami is right there with us in the Southeast Division, so beating them at home is pretty important.
(Note: I'm not at tonight's game - conflict came up at the last minute. Normally, I would be, but not tonight. Kyle's there though).
GO WIZARDS!
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Flip Saunders gets it
Via Mike Jones (damn, I wish I could be there tonight)
“I told them they have to trust our execution, trust what they’re doing and trust their teammates,” Saunders said. "That’s something thats going to come in time. You can talk a lot about it but you just have to go through it and learn it on the fly.
“Our players want to have success and when the team is struggling, they believe some times that they’re going to be the one to get you out of it, and so maybe they’re trying to do too much,” Saunders continued. “And by doing that, when the next guy gets it, he’s like ’I’m going to do that, because I might not get another chance.’ And when that happens, you start to play more me- than we-ball. You just have to continue to make sure you play we-basketball.”
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Feel like most coaches wolud say the same thing.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
i am going on record
right, before he starts draining 3’s – i despise Q Richardson’s game. it’s pure garbage – he and Al Harrington, man. something about them really pisses me off.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Nov 4, 2009 7:10 PM EST reply actions
It's not just you, he bothers me too
But so does Jermaine O’Neal. He tilts me for some reason.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I don't like that Miller is guarding Wade
Why not put Caron on him?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
They really need to put Caron on Wade
Foye can handle Q-Rich.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
shit this when my boycott of cable tv hurts
blacked out – bad bad pirated links as well
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Nov 4, 2009 7:16 PM EST reply actions
Haywood is really annoying me this year.
That was an easy pass to Caron for an open three…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laydODN6xVk
Well, Haywood was open on those screens
I mean, he’s under the hoop. He just has to finish.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Fine but when you're surrounded by three defenders
and Caron is screaming for the ball, you have a bigger problem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laydODN6xVk
Feel like Flip shoulda started ...
Arenas, Stevenson, Miller, Butler & Haywood.
Miller picks up 2 early fouls … Wade just takes Foye in the post.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Now they're abandoning the offense
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
What was that, Caron?
Come on guys.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
The Heat want this more ....
Cannot for the life of me figure out what the Wiz are so lifeless…..
So, so frustrating.
Shitty crowd too.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
hate to say it but I don’t think we have the arena atmosphere during the regular season that the Cavs did last night to help a team bounce back
It's not good when you have to rely on that
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
DC is known for late arriving crowds ... but Prada is right
The Wiz need to start with MUCH better energy.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Gil's the only guy who's ready to play right now
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
And I even hesitate to say that much ....
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
He's definitely ready
Attacking the hoop, making quick, decisive plays.
What is he supposed to do when nobody else is ready to play.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
The heat can't shoot that high a %for the whole game
we have to weather the storm just like yesterday only reversed
I'm most annoyed by Butler's game
He’s not shooting when he should shoot and making such lackadasical plays. The Wizards need him to be better than this.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Chalmers is a good defender though
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I'm still trying to figure out why Flip decided to put Miller on Wade instead of Butler
Butler’s easily the better clamp defender, plus you want him to be a lockdown guy. There’s no major size difference with Miller guarding Q-Rich either.
Kyle, can you ask him about this? It makes no sense to me.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I definitely want to ask about the matchups.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
You can tell that Gil doesn't trust anyone else right now
That was a “I’m the only one who can do anything” shot.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
i recognized that voide
“That’s a push-off!!!!”
Flip didn't like that last shot from Blatche at all.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Flip Saunders often looks like he deals with indigestion.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
What is Caron doing?
What happened to him?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Okay, we're getting there
But Wade’s off the floor, so we should.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Finally, everyone else plays better once they have to
And Arenas is out.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
What you meant to say was
he got lucky. It was an awful play.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laydODN6xVk
Don't call it a comeback.
Gil hasn’t played in years. Driving the lane puttin suckas in fears.
by Unselds on Nov 4, 2009 7:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Miller on Wade again ... we will see....
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Miller's basically laying way off and letting him shoot
On another note, the ball movement has picked up.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Finally ... we see Miller & Foye together & ball gets moving.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Now, I'd like to see Flip come back with Gil for Butler
I’d say this is a vote for bringing Miller off the bench once Jamison gets back.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Come on Mike, shoot that
That’s what you’re paid to do.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Because if you don't, he gets to the rim
It’s the right strategy I think. He’s just too good.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I don't think it would matter
I mean, Butler has better foot speed, but Wade still is so much quicker than him.
I’m just annoyed that we didn’t start Butler on him instead of Miller. Butler’s at least going to stay in front of him if he lays off Wade as much as Miller has.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
But really ..
Would Caron have been that much better than Miller in guarding Wade? I’m skeptical.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
I think so
You’re also sending a bad message to him when you say “Be my lockdown defender” and then not put him on Wade.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Well, he shoulda locked down Q-Rich and those 10 damn points of his.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
As we all know, Butler is a pretty poor off-ball defender
Which, of course, is why Flip’s decision was so puzzling. It was so predictable that Butler would leave Q-Rich too much.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I'm all for playing him that way
but if it’s not working it’s not working. He’s nailed every jumper so far…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laydODN6xVk
CSN is showing the Caps, and Dish Network apparently doesn’t carry CSN+
So I gotta watch the ESPN feed…
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Haywood's playing very good help defense tonight
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Come on Gil, don't run at Dorrell Wright
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Haywood
has to be the most abused center in the league. he should be averaging AT LEAST 4-5 free throws a game. I hate nba officiating. Too much tick-tack calls.
With the Wizards' offense, it's all pick and roll
There’s no post game to speak of. And when they close out well, you can practically see the gears moving in the heads of the players, it ruins their sets.
Jamison should help a bit with that
There’s a lot of action on the baselines to start each set, but Butler’s not getting it done down there. I’d also like to see more curls for Miller and/or Foye.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
If you say so.
Theres still this guy named Dwyane Wade though
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laydODN6xVk
They have to throw Wade off his rhythm somehow
Everything’s coming so easy. Trying to figure out what has to happen.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Nah, not like that
Maybe trap him on pick and rolls? I dunno. Make him give it up.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I also don't think it would help
I’m starting to agree w/ hibachi – maybe give him another look on defense.
Of course now, whatever we’re doing is working.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Wow, nice pass by Fab again
Great to see Miller shooting too.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Looks like a shoulder problem
My god.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Miller just went back to the locker room.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
See, I'd like to see a hard trap there
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Haywood definitely pulled himself up on that rim.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Why are we letting Beasley go left?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Mike Jones says the Miller injury isn't serious and he's going to try to come back
https://twitter.com/MikeJonesTWT/status/5437173814
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
God that was a bad shot by Gil
But Haywood’s playing really well tonight.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Wow, good for Dallas for hiring Nancy Lieberman
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Can I just say...
I started REALLY following the Wizards last season (obsessively now) and it feels SO GOOD to watch this team play. I loved following them last year, but this is just a whole new feeling.
Thanks, Mike.
Hibachi – LOL, it was probably because I didn’t follow the team or the NBA at all much in the past. So I was just enjoying learning the history of the team and getting to know the players. I didn’t love the win/lose record!
Put it this way - nowhere to go but up
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Remind me again why we sill have Stevenson playing – if he can’t hit that shot?
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Just started following the game on game tracker
Nice to see the Wizards turn around a big deficit.
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Nov 4, 2009 8:47 PM EST reply actions
ESPN says "slightly sprained left shoulder"
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Another one
Sweet jaysus can we just be left alone when it comes to injuries for 10 games at least!
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Nov 4, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions
Why are you going for the steal DeShawn?
Messed up great coverage on two pick and rolls.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Gil's doing a lot of pounding I think
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Who is that patient player wearing number 7?
He’s not rushing anything… playing under control… passing
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
He's drawing a lot fouls too it seems
Wish he was doing better at the foul line.
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Nov 4, 2009 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
Damn, I thought Arenas was going to hit that
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
side note
i watched most of the replay of the lakers-okc game last night, okc might be my second or third favorite team to watch, behind the wiz and lakers
Damn, Blatche got shoved aside by Haslem
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Good patience by Gil on Wade
Not good by Caron Butler though
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laydODN6xVk
They got to get him out of the game
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Miller is flat-out great
beautiful pass. Hope the team steps up and wins it for him. And he doesn’t end up on the injured list…
Did all that with one arm ...then checks out and goes back to locker room.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Leaving Miller in with one arm
is a total Eddie Jordan move.
Yea, surprised the Wiz didn't call timeout when they got the ball back.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
On the other hand, we heard from some Minny bloggers that said Miller frequently goes down hard, getting up wincing in pain, walking “like on glass”….. and then drains a 3 on the next play
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Yeah, they have said he exhibits a lot of fake toughness
Not to say he isn’t hurt – but maybe it’s not as bad as it looks.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Miller's nickname: "Fake Tough Juice"
You heard it here first
Sorry, not a blogger, but Timberwolves beat writer Britt Robson of Minnesota-based online magazine The Rake
lay on the court in writhing agony at least 20 times during the course of the season (I don’t think I’m exaggerating), then would either crawl on his belly to the bench, get helped off by teammates, or, most frequently, move as if walking on glass shards for a good two or three minutes, yet never allow himself to be taken out of the game. Miller was TOUGH and he was UNSELFISH, goddammit,
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Britt's now writing for Canis Hoopus
As well as SI. So ironically, he is a blogger, albeit a very, very credible one.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Gil's been sitting for quite a while
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Blatche keeps forgetting to box out Haslem
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
WOW – ESPN announcers said Wade should have been called for Offensive on that play -
Real, unbiased announcing?
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
I'm cool with Gil sitting that long
I’m not sure about Haywood sitting that long though.
Everyone’s going to talk about Gil’s game, but Haywood’s been by far the most valuable Wizard tonight.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Wait, how was that a goaltend?
Damn.
See, Cavs fans, we can admit that bad calls happen.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I might get killed for this
But they got to get Oberto out of the game – it’s like playing four on five out there on offense.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
What is with our free throw shooting this season?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
This game is going to come down to a last second shot
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Do I smell a........
DAGGGGGGEEEEERRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Gil missed Blatche there
Easy charge call.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
DeShawn's playing great D on Wade
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I would love to have Haslem, that's for sure
Miami kind of loves him though.
Hey, maybe if Beasley really improves…
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
haha
how far into the season are we gonna keep saying that?
Jesus ... I gotta pee.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Wow, what a bail out call
Caron’s got to use two hands. I hate how he shows the ball like that.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
exactly what I was thinking
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Most hated man in Cleveland & Washington now
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Okay, come on Gil, here's your chance to show your late-second heroics are back
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Usually his heroics come with the game tied
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Nov 4, 2009 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, looks like he lost it 1st to me too.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Someone please tell me.....
WHY THE HECK STEVENSON EVER GETS IN THE GAME…. He is SOOOOOO unproductive.
Yeah, he's defended Wade pretty well
Just a dumb play at the end.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
23 minutes, 2 points....
Unreal…. Foye will at least get you double digits in 23 minutes. And I dont even want to hear how great of a defender he is either…. his D hasn’t looked all that great this season either.
by KissMyButler! on Nov 4, 2009 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
Gotta go for the quick 2 I think
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
What the heck was that?
Come on!
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I dont get it.... I really dont
You got a guy that lives for the big 3 and we are doing an alley-oop to Haywood in traffic with 7 seconds to go down by 3. Where is the high screen?
The play was well-designed
Arenas just should have gone for the layup and the quick 2.
If you run p&r, they just switch and contest your shot.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Stevenson blowing those two free throws changed everything....
He needs to be permanently relegated to the bench…
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