Two entertaining NBA games were showcased last night on TNT - Miami vs. Atlanta and LA (Lakers) vs. Portland. The Miami/Atlanta matchup was intriguing since Atlanta had given the Miami Heat their first loss of the season on Monday, defeating them 100-92. Despite the Heat's new fast-paced offense (leading the league at 109.3 ppg), the Hawks held Miami to only 10 fast break points in route to their victory in Miami. Also, coming into last night's matchup, Dwyane Wade was questionable due to a minor foot injury that caused him to miss Wednesday night's game versus the Indiana Pacers. Also, LeBron James was questionable as well due to a sprained ankle that he suffered in the Indiana game; he played through the injury, finishing with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists.
Prior to the game, it was determined that neither Wade or James would play and so, the Miami Heat took the floor featuring only one of the "Big 3". The game proved to be entertaining, helped by three overtimes and the commentary of Charles Barkley. The Heat eventually finished the game with the victory, winning 116-109. The team was led by Chris Bosh (33 points & 14 rebounds), who hit a game-tying three pointer at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime, and Mario Chalmers, who hit big shots all night and finished with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Heat were up by 13 points at one point in the second half before the Hawks took a 70-68 lead to end the third quarter. Chalmers came up big for the Heat, finishing with 22 of his 29 points in the third quarter and the overtimes.
The game proved to answer many questions about Chris Bosh and his ability to step up big for the Heat and also about the supporting cast for the Heat. The Heat received considerable contributions from their supporting cast, led by Udonis Haslem (14 points, 11 rebounds), Norris Cole (9 points, 5 assists), Terrel Harris (9 points, 14 rebounds from the guard position), and Shane Battier who played solid defense all night and finished with 9 points. Many of the Hawks starters struggled, but the team may have found a solid player to add to their rotation. Ivan Johnson came off the Hawks' bench and provided much needed energy and effort, something that they sorely needed. The journeyman forward finished with 13 points and 4 rebounds, but had a plus/minus ratio of +17. Tracy McGrady also proved his ability to still get it done by having a big fourth quarter for the Hawks and finishing with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists off the bench.
Highlights: Miami vs. Atlanta
In the second game, the Trailblazers proved that they are a team to reckon with in the Western Conference, moving to 5-1 with a 107-96 victory over the Lakers. The Lakers got solid games from Kobe (30 points, 8 rebounds), Gasol (19 points, 7 rebounds), and Bynum (21 points, 12 rebounds). Bynum continues to play well for the Lakers, averaging 22.3 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game since the return from his four-game suspension. However, after those three the Lakers did not get much from any one else on there roster. The Trailblazers finished with four players in double figures, led by Gerald Wallace (31 points) and LaMarcus Aldridge (28 points, 10 rebounds). The Blazers played a fast tempo and made the Lakers look old and slow in the process. However, despite their fast pace, the Trailblazers finished the game with only 4 turnovers. Other interesting notes from the game:
The Blazers hit only five threes in the game, finishing 5-12. However, the Lakers finished the game 0-11 from three-point range.
The Blazers finished the game with 89 field goal attempts - ten more than the Lakers 79 attempts. The Blazers shot 46.1% - so if we do the math, the Blazers had 10 more field gold attempts, outscored the Lakers 15-0 from the three-point line, and only had four turnovers - that would explain the Blazers victory.
Highlights: LA Lakers vs. Portland
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