I’d like to see the defensive intensity be mainted for a couple of weeks before I conclude that they are back to taking it seriously. The 2nd half of the Nets game was magnificent, but that travesty against the Spurs bench? How could you possibly bring that up as a point in Miami’s favor?

What really struck me about the Nets game was how the Heat responded to being punched in the mouth. There were some calls going against Miami and some hard fouls by the Nets, and that really seemed to wake up tye Heat. Wade is one of those guys who is at his best when he plays angry, and we all saw that Saturday night. LeBron isn’t necessarily at his best angry, but he is at his best when he is passionate, and I think the Nets did Miami a tremendous favor by trying to beat up on those guys- that was the fulcrum upon which this game turned.

The most encouraging sign for Miami this year has been that they are at their best offensively and defensively in the last 3 minutes and overtime of games. Even though they are playing down to the level of inferior competition, they close with ease. Two years ago, Miami either blew people out, or it was a real dicey proposition. How the pages have turned on that notion.

Second of all, it’s a little late to start “watching out” now.