Heat-Jazz Recap

Saturday's game vs the Jazz was a classic. Miami blew an 11 point fourth quarter lead late in the game only to receive clutch shots from Daequan Cook and Dwyane Wade, who managed to make the game winner as time expired.

What concerns me is this team's lack of closing ability in the 4th. This was nearly the 3rd straight game where the Heat would have blown a 4th quarter lead only to lose at the last moment or in OT. We beat a good team, but must bear in mind we usually match up well with the Jazz. I still consider this team to be in the bottom 10 in the NBA right now.

Wade had a decent game, and finally got the consistent effort from the supporting cast. Shaq had a nice outing before fouling out yet again, a problem that seriously needs to be addressed. Can't be paying the man 20 million dollars for 25 minutes a game. The aforementioned Cook had a huge game for us with 15 points, including that much needed 3 pointer down 1 in the final minute.

Even Earl Barron has stepped up for the Heat. He made a solid appearance in the previous game and this time ran off 11 straight points in the 2nd quarter and finished with 13 overall. If he can contribute like this consistently, then that would be a load off of Wade's back. Dorell got some good minutes in there too, despite sharing the load with Ricky Davis.

What I don't understand is how this team can shoot better, get less turnovers, more steals and blocks, and nearly even on the boards, yet almost lose the game. Tonight the culprit was Utah's shooting spree at the line, but many nights we shoot more FTs than our opponents and the same scenario occurs. This team keeps finding ways to lose games. At this point I have zero faith in their ability to close. Taking that into account, if they even make the playoffs they don't look capable of making a splash. I almost wanted to lose the Jazz game just so we can start looking towards the lottery and making this team better for Wade.