On the Heat: Peninsula is Mightier / Miami Herald
Any press is good press? ESPN is televising Milwaukee's official elimination from playoff contention.
Hot Heat. Miami has won eight of nine -- the only blemish being an embarrassing 12-point loss in Cleveland.
Double-digits. The Bucks have reached the century mark just twice in the last eight games, but opponents have not hit 100 at all in that span. However, Miami has scored 100+ in eight of its last nine games -- the only sub-100 effort was the aforementioned loss in Cleveland.
Wade questionable. As the title subtly suggests, Dwyane Wade (sore right quad) is questionable.
Can't spell Mike Bibby with D. The Heat are a fantastic defensive team. Except when Mike Bibby plays. By some measures, Bibby is to defense what the Milwaukee Bucks are to offense
MVPlayed out. The Cavaliers had the best record in the NBA last season. The Cavaliers have the worst record in the NBA this season. And while LeBron James himself said that Derrick Rose is the MVP this year, that does detract from the truth that James is the best basketball player in the world. Since the All-Star Break -- precisely the timeframe during which Rose became the overwhelming consensus MVP choice --- James is averaging 28.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 57.4 % shooting, compared to 25.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists on 41.6 % shooting for Rose. And while shooting 15.8 % better than someone while scoring more points is the start of a pretty good case, basketball is not such a quantifiable numbers game like baseball. Fortunately, James sort of passes the eyeball test too.
Bi-winning. The Heat have won 14 games by 20+ points this season, more than any other team. The Lakers are second with 10 such blowout wins.