Comments on: Miami is a defensive juggernaut. But will it last?

By: passerby23

passerby23 — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 15:32:43 +0000

Long before the season started I predicted Miami would be one of the best defensive teams in the league. When Miller comes back and they gain some continuity with each other, it’s only a matter of time before their offense catches up with their defence. That being said, analysts and writers are obsessed with numbers and statistics. And yes, it’s only three games into the season.

By: efueshe

efueshe — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:12:43 +0000

Funny that the Magic stopped venturing in the middle after J.J. Redick got his eye busted open by a LeBron James elbow and Vince Carter was left on the floor suffering after Haslem jumped on him. I wouldn’t be so willing to go to the post either.

By: david8726

david8726 — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 22:47:51 +0000

The rim defense is something that I think will remain very good.

I wouldn’t call Miami’s frontline small. Bosh is 7 feet and has been playing much better defense than we’re used to seeing this year. Z obviously comes off the bench and remains a threat at the rim, as immobile as he now is.

Joel Anthony may only be 6-9, but his greatest strength is blocking shots. Obviously LeBron and Dwyane are the two best shot blockers at their respective positions. Drawing charges is one of Haslem’s strengths.

There isn’t one guy who is really outstanding at defending the rim on that team, but collectively they form a strong unit.

The point about the Heat not forcing the opposition to take long 2s is a good one, though. You’d like to see that improve.

By: thestudiokida

thestudiokida — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 19:42:51 +0000

We look silly now for spending the summer predicting ridiculous offensive stats; turns out the Heat aren’t worried about the offense. James, Wade & Bosh were rotating on defense before Orlando could pass the ball and James especially seemed to be all over the defensive court.

The only thing to stop this defense would be an injury or lack of effort, but Spoelstra will do his best to keep the strong effort going.