Payback is a Nugget

There's nothing like a little redemption to prove one's resilience and tenacity. It's not so fun when the team getting redemption is the opposition. That's what happen to the Miami Heat on Thursday night as the Denver Nuggets trounced Dwyane Wade and company to the tune of 114 to 96.

The difference maker in last night's game was the commonly underestimated Chauncey Billups. Denver's starting point guard was limited in their first match-up against the Heat back in Miami, facing foul trouble early and often. Billups displayed the value he brings to the Nuggets last night with his seven assists and countless other set-up plays. If he wasn't getting the assist, he was opening up another player to make the extra pass. And that was the stamp of the night: open shots as a result of effective passing.

Carmelo Anthony got his dosage of points, logging in a total of 22, but the point distribution was well spread with six Nuggets reaching double-digits. Miami was only able to muster two double-digit scorers in Dwyane Wade (25) and Michael Beasley (17).

The fast tempo game worked against the Heat as they boast more of a mix-it-up style; sometimes they run, other times they use half court sets. Denver was ready for a track meet and they had their way with Miami blazing down the Pepsi Center hardwood. Interestingly enough, the game statistics are deceiving as Miami actually scored 11 fast break points compared to Denver's 6. But the speedy tempo was seen more in the the shot clock as the Nuggets hoisted shots early in their 24-second spans.

With no victory in sight entering the fourth quarter, Coach Erik Spoelstra, whom was coaching his 100th game as head coach, began to reach into his bench and rest his starters for the next game. The Los Angeles Lakers will be a more formidable opponent to face and the Heat will need all the energy they can harvest. Last season, the Heat and Lakers split the series 1-1, but Miami has lost the last four match-ups in Los Angeles. The last time Miami left L.A. with a victory was back in 2004 on Christmas Day, when Shaquille O'Neal made a triumphant homecoming appearance at the Staples Center. The game ended in a 104-102 overtime win.

Michael Beasley's Progression

Miami's sophomore forward has now recorded eight straight games with at least 14 points per game (ppg) and is averaging 18.8 ppg in that span. Beasley has also improved his rebounding stats as he is averaging 8.8 boards in the last eight games, with two 12-rebound showings.

The development of this talented young athlete is essential to Miami's success today and in the future. This stretch of elevated play has proven that Beasley is gaining confidence in his game and is ready to continue his progressions. Once his performances stabilize into a consistent double-double(esque) state, the Heat will be able to improve as an organization.

This may be Wade's team, but Beasley is becoming the worthy sidekick.

Zo Gives Back Once Again

December 3, 2009

Those who have been fortunate enough to enjoy the holiday season with family, friends and loved ones know the sheer happiness that comes with this special time of the year. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to experience such joy during the holidays and must settle for what life has given them.

That's where Alonzo Mourning steps in.

Once again, the former Miami Heat great has found a way to give back to South Florida's less fortunate youth. On December 7th, the Alonzo Mourning Charities will host their annual Zo's Holiday Party. More than 400 children will be invited to this event, where they will receive gifts, watch a talent show, decorate holiday cookies, partake in face painting, listen to seasonal music, dance and eat a traditional holiday dinner.

These children, ages 8 to 18, are selected by partner charity organizations and will be treated to a wonderful time by the Alonzo Mourning Charities staff. Zo's goal is to ensure that each and every child receives a gift on this special day in order to bring holiday cheer and make their holidays a memorable one. But this cannot happen without the support of the community.

Zo is looking for generous members of the community to contribute to this honorable cause and you can be a part of it all. Below are just a few ways in which you can support the holiday party:

• Donate a new, unwrapped toy and deliver or mail it to the Alonzo Mourning Charities office at 2901 Florida Avenue, Suite 806, Coconut Grove, FL 33133;

• Purchase a gift online from the Alonzo Mourning Charities wish list registry in-store or online at Toys ‘R’ Us or Target Stores.

• Submit a monetary donation via Paypal; or mail check/drop off cash to the Alonzo Mourning Charities office above.

But that's not all. Other ways to get involved include hosting a toy drive among family and friends or with a school or classroom. It is asked that all gifts are delivered/dropped-off by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2009 so that preparations and wrapping can be completed in time for Zo’s Holiday Party.

For more information, please contact Nile Patrick, Community Relations Coordinator, at (305) 476-0095 x111 or npatrick@amcharities.org.

Heat Start West Coast Stretch With Win

December 2, 2009

The Portland Trailblazers are no longer a forgotten franchise lost in the midst of the Western Conference. Their youth, athleticism and grittiness have pushed them to a playoff berth last season after a five-season drought. In essence, they must be taken seriously by any and every team in the league.

With all that said, the Miami Heat stepped into Portland for a late 10:00 PM (Eastern Time) match up versus the Blazers and departed the Rose Garden after midnight with a hard-earned victory. With adversity presented by the home team at various points in the game, Miami fought off Portland's offensive runs and held on to secure their 10th win of the young NBA season.

Three different Heat players recorded 20+ points (Dwyane Wade, Michael Beasley and Quentin Richardson), and four were in double digits, en route to the 107-100 finish. Wade posted his first double-double of the season with 22 points and 12 assists, while Beasley dropped a career-high 27 points.

Miami took the lead early in the game and never looked back as the Trail Blazers were unable to tie or take the lead once throughout the entire game. Despite being outrebounded 49 to 34, 21 of which were Blazer offensive rebounds, Miami was careful with their possessions and gave up only nine turnovers.

The Heat begin their west coast trip on a high note and head over to Denver for a Thursday night duel against the Nuggets, followed by a next-day trip to Los Angeles to face the defending NBA Champion Lakers. Sunday will mark the final day of the west coast journey as the Heat visit the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena. A victory in two of those three games would give Miami a solid 12-8 record heading back to South Florida for a six-game homestand.

Skyforce Start Fresh, Secure Win

November 28, 2009

The Sioux Falls Skyforce began the NBA D-League season at home against the Maine Red Claws with a 112-95 victory. Skyforce forward, Reggie Williams, led the way with 29 points, followed by Keith Brumbaugh (18) and Michael Joiner (16). Williams was 10 for 13 on his shot attempts, shooting a stellar 77% from the court. Brumbaugh had a more complete game with 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 rebounds to go with his double-digit scoring night. Not to mention, Joiner was a perfect 4 of 4 from behind the arc, which made 12 of his 16 points.

Recent D-League assignment from the Boston Celtic, Bill Walker, was te leading scorer and rebounder for the Red Claws with 25 points and 11 rebounds. This is a good sign for the Celtics as they hope that Walker develops into a viable forward for their team one day.

Next up for the Skyforce are the Dakota Wizards, who play against the Red Claws tonight and will look to start off the year in the winning column. The Wizards defeated the Skyforce in their preseason exhibition by the score of 97-91. Six players scored in double-digits for the Wizards, while Reggie Williams hoisted up 27 points, similar to his season-opener performance.

More Than Just Decent

November 28, 2009

It was a put-back dunk by Michael Beasley that shocked the Orlando Magic crowd at Amway Arena on Wednesday night. Just moments after Jason Williams failed to seal the deal by missing two free throws, the Miami Heat edged out a victory against the league-leading Magic (now 12-4). It was another victory against an elite team that proved Miami has the potential to compete with the best in the Association.

Now, Miami has lost its fair share of games against solid teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. But with Wednesday's win, the Heat have now defeated two elite squads in the likes of the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic; all the while keeping their roster virtually intact and the rest of the East bolstering their depth charts.

There is plenty of basketball still to play, and an uphill battle still to be fought by the Heat, but the team that was scrutinized for its dormant off season state is beginning to stir up noise in the NBA. Miami's slogan, Good Enough Aint Enough, is beginning to permeate on the court as the entire team raises its performance level.

Five players are averaging double-digit scoring averages (actually four if you don't consider Mario Chalmers' 9.9 points per game). Dwyane Wade is, well, Dwyane Wade and continues to put up over 25 points a night along with spectacular defensive stops, steals and blocks. Jermaine O'Neal is playing much healthier and has become more efficient on offense - using mid-range jumpers to diversify his game. Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers are maturing as players and decision-makers, which has shown by their improved offensive and defensive performances. Udonis Haslem continues to overachieve off the bench as an almost guaranteed double-double machine.

This team may not look like a formidable opponent for the league's elite on paper, but their actions are just starting to show otherwise.

The Heat face the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, L.A. Lakers and Dallas Mavericks in four of their next seven games. Miami will continue put themselves to the test in the upcoming weeks. But above all, they will put their opponents to the test as the early surprise of the season.