Heat Fizzle in Christmas Showdown

Hopefully nobody caught the latest Christmas edition of the Miami Heat this year. That was just plain awful. Miami blew a 10 point 2nd half lead in a blink of an eye and lost 96-82 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The third quarter featured probably the worst basketball in the history of mankind. One minute, Miami had the Cavs on their heels, then the next, it was gone in a flash.

Seemingly every possession ended in a foolish turnover or horribly missed shot. On the other end, the Cavs were draining huge 3s and slamming down lob passes for dunks.

Wade went nearly the entire 2nd half without a field goal and Shaq only avoided fouling out yet again because he was benched at the end of the game. Somehow Miami outrebounded the Cavs, but that must have happened in the first half because almost every loose ball was tracked down by a hustling Cavalier.

The game was flat out depressing. The Heat left 16 points at the free throw line. 50% FT shooting is fine for Shaq, but the rest of the team needs to produce at about 80% to make up for this. There is no reason for Wade to miss half of his 16. It was nice to see Earl Barron putting in some solid minutes, but he is no world beater.

At this point the season is nearing another new low. Barring a major trade, this team is mercifully heading towards a lottery selection in the upcoming draft.