6 Thoughts
1) The biggest problem the team has - and it is a huge problem - is defensively. They can't stop anyone at the rim. Haslem, Beasley, and Marion were all bullied inside by David Lee, Wilson Chandler, and Zach Randolph, who are not a collective Murderer's Row of inside players. This puts added pressure on the perimeter guys not to get beat - and they aren't particularly strong at that either.
2) The rookies: Beasley was tentative about shooting the ball and looked very nervous, finishing with just 9 points. Tough to remember he is only 19 - he will be fine. Chalmers, on the other hand, saw the ball go in early and became energized, finishing with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists. Most importantly, just 1 turnover. He looked like an above-average NBA point guard athletically. Excellent beginning for him.
3) You have to admire Mike D'Antoni's commitment to pushing the ball up the court and shooting open shots. It places constant pressure on the defense. Particularly impressive was the last play of the first half when on a missed Mario Chalmers free throw, a Knick flew up each wing on a fly pattern - one got the pass and drew a foul from Chalmers, the shooter, who was forced to try to get back after shooting a free throw. Clearly a designed play demonstrating the Knicks commitment to run at all costs.
4) Dwyane looked healthy and lively, but frustrated. He continued a trend he developed last year of dribbling out of good midrange jumpers in to traffic. Needs to establish that mid-range jumper as a weapon again.
5) The Heat was 3-19 from 3 before Daequan Cook made 3 in the waning moments. It is probably the worst roster of three point shooters in the league.
6) Mark Blount had one rebound in 9 minutes - to be fair, it was in traffic. He almost had another one, but Shawn Marion tipped it away from him.
Next game: Friday vs. Sacramento
