The Heat is On

I'm surprised they haven't pulled this old 80's song for promos of the Heat series. At the same time, I'm glad they didn't. I apologize for not writing more frequently, but I am a journalist of the old school, which means I try to hide among those whom I report on (NBA players) and become one of them, sharing in their bling bling, car hubcap fetishes and free and easy women. I wear stilts under my pants and have my hair done up in an elaborate pink cornrow, so that I can be better enmeshed in their lifestyles. Unfortunately, while I have bedded many nubile road women, I have been unable to learn anything new from the players. They are extremely well trained in the art of public relations, which means they all give stock answers they have memorized to answer questions. The two rarely make sense. If you ask someone if they like being a father, they will tell you they take it one game at a time and they don't overlook their opponent. Nevermind that it makes no sense.

I have spent a blue nest egg on this most recent foray into the lives of NBA players, and, as a result, I am writing this from a bus terminal, where I now live.

Last night, during the Heat game, Sir Charles, once again went to great lengths to make the point that Dwyane Wade "scores only for himself," whereas Shaq gets everyone involved. I think he has a short memory. During the first two series, with New Jersey and Washington respectively, Wade dished early and often, scoring in the flow of the offense, and getting everyone involved. The last two games, perhaps thinking he has to make up for Shaq's ailing thigh, he has been overly forceful, often pushing into the lane, only to find himself trapped. It's uncharacteristic of a player like Wade to force the action, which I think is due to the frenetic scrambling defense that has been used to harass and subdue him. He has shown uncharacteristic frustration. It will be interesting to see how he handles things, as his star continues to rise. He seems more grounded and charitable than Kobe - but for how long? If he can play well on Saturday, perhaps not push things as hard, and score within the flow of the offense, and if Shaq can play as he did in game 5, Detroit will have its hands full.

Rasheed Wallace, while overly blabby as usual, had a good point. It does seem that the referees tend to call games in such a fashion that series, particularly marquee ones like the Heat/Pistons, go the full 7. It's not that hard to do. Shaq gets fouled or fouls someone on almost every possession. They all probably each commit about seven hundred fouls a game. If you blow two on Shaq in the first quarter, you are essentially giving the game to Detroit. If you blow two on either of the Wallace's, you are helping Miami. Over the years, particularly when Shaq was in the finals with the Lakers year after year, it did seem like he was essentially hamstrung for at least half the games in the series. It's nothing new. Though, I certainly woudn't go around talking about it. There have been many phantom calls this playoff season. Shaq has been called for fouls where he didn't even touch his opponent, just as he has not been called for fouls when he has bulldozed them into the ground. It all evens out in the end. I personally think Miami can pull it out. They are a resilient team, and, after quailing slightly when Wade went out, they did well for themselves and recovered nicely. They don't quit. Detroit beat them in their second home game, playing as well as they could play. They won by ten with Shaq sitting on the sidelines the whole time. If Shaq can stay out of foul trouble, Detroit is certainly beatable. One of their great strengths, their teamwork, is great when they are in a groove, but when pressure is applied, there is no standout go to guy, which can lead to indecision.

I have been asked to stop loitering, so I will end this post now.