Miami
Philip Maymin
Basketball News Services
The Miami Heat just keep on winning. Their current streak is now four in a row thanks to weekend wins over the Grizzlies at home, 92-84, on Friday and the Raptors in Toronto, 106-98, on Sunday. In the Toronto game, Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal had a coincidentally nearly identical stat line: each had 20 points and 9 boards. Wade also added 6 assists and a steal while Shaq added four assists, a steal, and four blocks.
Jalen Rose of the Raptors had his way with the Heat, scorching them for a game-high 25 points, and the Heat's potential interest in him, in exchange for Eddie Jones, may have increased based on his performance. The rumors are that the Raptors are looking to deal both Carter and Rose's big, long contract. The Heat have reportedly expressed some interest in potentially picking up Rose for Jones's expiring contract, which would be exactly what the Raptors are looking for. With Carter currently injured and his only remaining suitor seemingly the Knicks, a deal with them could be made much easier if Rose is shipped off first.
The thinking is that Rose would be a better small forward than either Eddie Jones or Rasual Butler at that spot, even though the Heat are now 4-0 after Jones replaced Butler in the starting lineup. Still, Rose, who has also played some point guard and shooting guard, could add some versatility to the floor for Miami.
Miami has to be thinking that this is their year and if it means a little less financial flexibility in the future, that might be worth the cost of a title today.
NEXT GAME
The Miami Heat (15-7, first in the Southeast) play the first of a home-and-away set against the Washington Wizards (12-6, second in the Southeast) TONIGHT, Monday, December 13th. The winner will lay claim to the throne of being the best in the Southeast. The game starts at 7:30pm Eastern and will be broadcast on the Sunshine Network and NBA League Pass.
TEAM NOTES
Want to reward your company employees? Win a Heat Experience pep rally for your school? How about raising some funds for your church? Well then you definitely want to be a part of the “HEAT Group Ticket Sales Challenge!â€
INJURY UPDATE
Malik Allen(back),Dorell Wright(abdominal), andJerome Beasley(back) are all parked on the injured list.
Michael Cunningham ofThe South Florida Sun-Sentinelwrites: It's not often that the benefits of Shaquille O'Neal playing center for the Heat is as clear as it was Sunday.O'Neal dominated Toronto near the basket for 18 points in the first half. When they surrounded him with bodies in the second half, O'Neal dazzled the Air Canada Centre crowd not with dunks and spin moves but with crisp passes to open teammates... The Heat is 4-0 since Jones replaced Rasual Butler in the starting lineup. Butler (11 points), Christian Laettner (10) and Keyon Dooling (7) helped the Heat outscore Toronto's bench 30-15.
The Miami Heraldwrites: The Heat is 2-0 against the surprising Wizards, who have won six of seven.Dwyane Wade led the Heat in scoring in each of the two previous games against the Wizards, including a then-career-high 37 points in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 6. The Heat will play the Wizards in Washington again Wednesday.
Chris Perkins ofThe Palm Beach Postwrites: Even with Jalen Rose (25 points) lighting up guard Eddie Jones, the Raptors could never get it going late.The message to the Heat was clear.