The 16 and 5 Heat continue to surge up the Eastern Conference division rankings, moving from fifth position last week to the number two spot this week. Following last week's victory over Cleveland, the Heat defeated the Detroit Pistons 101-98 last Thursday, then had home victories over the New York Knicks 99-89, Chicago Bulls 97-93 and New Orleans Hornets 109-95.

Miami's biggest game for the season took place last Sunday against the Eastern Conference division leaders the Chicago Bulls. The Heat overcame a late surge by the Bulls to eke out a 97-93 home victory. The team continues to struggle at the end of close games against quality opponents who employ the zone defense. Also the involvement of players outside The Big Three becomes limited and seemly by design.

The Heat during the closing minutes was forced into three critical mistakes against the zone: one, a turnover by Dwyane Wade and two poor decisions by Lebron James in holding on to the ball and putting up two poor free throw attempts. These three mistakes could have easily cost the Heat the game. However, with Derrick Rose also missing two free throws, Miami managed to see ahead. Wade continued to struggle offensively against good opponents and ended the game with 15 points.

The 12-5 Miami Heat completed their five-game home stance in eight days with a 4-1 record. The Heat recorded victories over the San Antonio Spurs 120-98, Los Angeles Lakers 98-87, Philadelphia 76ers 113-92 and the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-85. Their only loss was against lowly Milwaukee Bucks 82-91, coming the day after Miami's victory over the 76ers.

The performances at home have been inconsistent, especially in the last two games. Miami defensively has held up in the paint and on the perimeter. The movement of the ball in offense is where the team has not been good enough.

The Heat also struggles when facing the zone defense, and coach Erik Spoelstra will need to look at improving the ball movement in offense while designing plays that will lead to better off the ball movements. Some players' roles will have to change and egos sacrificed to make the Heat's success become a reality.

Heat is third in their division and 5th overall in the eastern conference. Although standings at this time is not of the utmost importance, the Heat's coaching staff needs to start the necessary adjustments to ensure that come play-off time, we will have home court advantage.

The Big Three didn't achieve victory last year and fans will not accept anything less than a championship. The heat is on for coach Spoelstra, and there is still time to cook up a good championship.

The Miami Heat gave their injured guard Dwyane Wade a birthday present by putting away the San Antonio Spurs 120-98 on Tuesday to snap a three-game losing streak. Wade, who watched from the sidelines with an injured right ankle that may keep him out for a while, must have experienced mixed emotions throughout the game.

In the first half, Dwyane witnessed a San Antonio onslaught, with the Spurs earning a season half time high of 63 points. The Spurs, led by Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and rookie Danny Green, dominated the Heat at both ends of the court. Lebron James took some time getting into full gear and it was left to Chris Bosh to keep Miami in the game. The first half was highlighted by two buzzer beaters at the end of the first and second quarters by Danny Green.

In the second half, Dwyane, along with every Heat fan, witnessed a miraculous turnaround as James got into gear and shot four three-pointers. Mike Miller made five of five three point shots. Miller, in his first game of the season, gave his all and was inspirational as the Heat outscored the Spurs 71-35 in the second half. The shots were dropping and the Heat defense improved dramatically.

James became the high man for the Heat with 33 points to go along with his 10 assists. Chris Bosh had 30 points with eight rebounds.

As the record stands, the Heat playing without Wade is 4-0 this season and with him, 5-4. Is something wrong with this picture? Is something wrong with the coaching staff? Food for thought. The Heat now stands at 9-4 in games.

The Heat has started this season with a blaze, winning five of seven away games and three of four at home. Only the Atlanta Hawks have beaten Miami at home 100-92, and only Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers have beaten them on the road. The Warriors beat them 111-106 in overtime and theClippers beat them 95-89.

The Heat, however, managed to avenge their Hawks defeat only three days later  with a 116-109 win in triple overtime.

What made this victory so significant was the absence of "Big Three" stars Dwyane Wade and Lebron James. They have scored over 100 points in eight of their games, despite the loss of Wade for three games on the road. They are now in second place in the Eastern Conference behind the 9-2 Chicago Bulls, who they will play at home on January 29, 2012.

Despite the early success, there is still concern about team cohesion. How will the coaching staff manage player rotation to get maximum performance?

It is clear that Miami's point guard situation has improved greatly this year, but the team will need to trust both guard Mario Chalmers and rookie point guard Norris Cole to set the game's tempo. That means more touches for the point guards and less for Wade and Lebron. Without this re-balancing of skills, the Heat may again fail to bring the trophy home to South Beach.