Home  Sports Heat starts 08-09 campaign
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Heat starts 08-09 campaign |
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Sunday, 02 November 2008 |
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra surprisingly started two rookies in Miami’s opening game Wednesday night against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Guard Mario Chalmers and forward Michael Beasley got the nod in their 120-115 loosing efforts against a new look Knicks team.
With James Jones the Heat top three-point shooter out of the line up with a wrist injury, coach Spoelstra chose to go with Chalmers over the inform Chris Quinn signaling his starting lineup he intends to use to avenge the Heats 15-67 season from last year. Chalmers rewarded his coach with a 17 point 7 rebound and 8 assist night as he seeks to lack down the starting job.
Coach Spoelstra started the season with Chalmers at point guard, Dwyane Wade at shooting guard, Shawn Marion at small forward, Michael Beasley at power forward, and Udonis Haslem at center as he hopes to settle on a starting line up to build a cohesive unit. The question is will this be enough to secure a playoff run for the Heat.
For Miami to make the playoffs, Wade who had 26 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and five turnovers before fouling out in the opener would have to have an MVP-type season. And Beasley who had a sub par opening night finishing with nine points (on 4-for-14 shooting) and four rebounds will have to raise the level of his play especially on the defensive end and stay out of foul trouble if the heat is to do well.
Shawn Marion known as a double-double guy must also get going. He is suited for the up tempo style Spoelstra is trying to play.
Shaun Livingston who was signed during training camp after being released by the Los Angeles Clippers, might be game-ready by late November can be pleasant addition to the squad. You'll recall the 6-7 Livingston was the fourth pick of the 2004 draft.
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