Turning Down the Heat

Arguably no team has improved as much as the Miami Heat have this season.  After starting the season slowly with losses to Utah, New Orleans, Boston (twice), Memphis, Indiana and Orlando, the Heat have gone 29-8 with victories over the Lakers, Jazz, Hornets, Knicks, and Thunder.  To many, the Heat have already established themselves as a legitimate title contender.  To others, however, there resume has one glaring weakness... they can't beat the Boston Celtics.  Three times the Heat have taken on the defending Eastern Conference champs, and three times LeBron and Co. have walked away without a win.  Now the Miami Heat need to figure out how to best the original Big 3 come playoff time, or watch the NBA finals on TV.  The problem is, if Boston is healthy, I'm not sure if they can do it.



Now, with a team of aging stars, health is a major concern for the Celtics.  But if Garnett (34), Allen (35), Pierce (33) and O'Neal (38) can stay healthy, they may still be the team to beat in the East.  More than anything, however, they match up astonishingly well against the Heat.  Garnett, even with his age, is able to equalize Chris Bosh just about every night.  Moreover, Boston's superior size and depth allow them to take advantage of Miami's weaknesses.  Saturday's performance was simply proof of Boston's advantage.  First, Kendrick Perkins dominated the paint with a 15 point, 6 rebound performance while helping keep Miami's tandem of Joel Anthony and Eric Dampier scoreless, and holding Zydrunas Ilgauskas to just 3 points in the second half.  Additionally, Boston's bench outscored Miami's 26-8, and that was without center Shaquille O'Neal.  Worse yet, the Heat won't often face a Paul Pierce who shoots 0-10 from the floor like he did Saturday.  Combine these factors with Rondo's elite play at the point and Boston's playoff experience, and the Miami Heat might be in a bit of trouble if they face the C's in the Postseason.

Dont get me wrong - if anyone is capable of making the adjustments and overcoming the Celtics, it's the Miami Heat.  As I've discussed before, if Mike Miller comes to life, and if Udonis Haslem can return, the Heat have the talent to win a championship.  Only time will tell, but if the playoffs started today, the Miami Heat could be in a whole world of trouble.