By CHRIS PERKINS
FOXSportsFlorida.com Heat writer
Jan. 31, 2011
MIAMI -- The Heat continued their quest for the so-called "complete game" on Monday against Cleveland. It's an elusive phenomenon, this complete game. It means you play efficiently on offense and defense with very few physical and mental errors.
That was a tough assignment in the Heat's 117-90 victory over the Cavaliers, who has lost 21 consecutive games (two off the NBA record established by the Vancouver Grizzlies) and 31 of 32. The Cavs bore you to death, lull you to sleep. They make it difficult to accomplish your goals, and the goals were clearly stated.
"We want to build on the last two games," coach Erik Spoelstra said before tip-off. "Tonight the focus is on having a complete game."
Most likely, the complete game has a better chance of happening Thursday at Orlando, an opponent that will garner all of the Heat's respect and attention.
But Miami was good on Monday. The biggest thing is the Heat were complete as far as its health. The Big Three played together for the second consecutive games, and they did so-so. Guard Dwyane Wade was electric, finishing with 34 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Forward LeBron James was pretty good, too, finishing with 24 points and eight assists. Forward Chris Bosh, who started 1-for-5 from the field, struggled a bit to finish with 10 points (on 4-for-11 shooting) and seven rebounds. Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas posted a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Eddie House came off the bench for 12 points.
"For the most part, it was a good active defensive game," Spoelstra said, adding, "No question about it, offensively it was a very solid, well-played game."
The Heat had a good inside-out attack, crushed the Cavs on the boards, 49-39, and for the second consecutive game made smart plays.
"We can definitely build on these last few days," Spoelstra said, including Sunday's 108-103 victory at Oklahoma City.
This, however, was far from the highly-sought complete game.
The bench's contribution was uneven. And Miami clearly lost interest for a stretch in the third quarter when Cleveland closed its deficit to 70-67. The Heat, Spoelstra said, can be better.
"We want to build those habits where we're not having blocks in games (that) there's empty possessions on either side," he said.
Still, all things considered, Monday was a good game for Miami.
The Heat handled an inferior opponent in fairly impressive fashion. They almost satisfied their "under 90, under 40" decree, in which they aims to hold their opponent under 90 points and under 40 percent field-goal percentage. Cleveland ended with 90 points while shooting 40.5 percent.
"We feel like we have a higher ceiling we still can reach," Spoelstra said.
So, while it wasn't the complete game the Heat were looking for, it was a good game. The quest for the complete game continues.
-- LeBron noted Orlando talked a little smack about the Heat during the offseason. It seems those words will be remembered for Thursday's game. "That definitely adds a little bit to the fire," James said.
-- It appears Spoelstra has settled on a nine-man rotation with Mario Chalmers, Wade, James, Bosh and Ilgauskas starting and Mike Miller, James Jones, Joel Anthony and House coming off the bench.
-- Miller was the first player off the bench, coming in for Chalmers. This appears to be the new substitution pattern. It's happened for two consecutive games and seems to be a good way to get Miller in the mix fairly quickly with a good lineup.
-- Jones was the second substitution, coming in for Bosh. Then House and Anthony entered for Wade and Ilgauskas.
-- Not sure what to make of House entering the game with about three minutes left in the first quarter. That's when House usually enters. He gives Wade a rest. But maybe it's time to give House a few more minutes.
-- Wow, Cleveland is bad. The 21 consecutive losses are an indication this team is bad, but they don't do justice to the depths of Cleveland's ineptitude. Remember the 2007-08 season, when the Heat only won 17 games and played D-League callups Blake Ahearn, Kasib Powell and Stephane Lasme? Cleveland is worse than that Heat team.
-- Hip-hop stars Rick Ross and Sean Combs were sitting courtside.
-- There was a true 3-0-5 moment at halftime when Udonis Haslem had a brief conversation with Ross. No two people say 3-0-5 like Ross and Haslem (even though Haslem now lives in Broward).
-- That LeBron dunk over J.J. Hickson in the second quarter? Absolutely nasty.
-- Bosh was out on the court earlier than usual before the third quarter after going 1-for-5 from the field in the first half.
-- It's always interesting chatting with Jones. Two things he said before Monday's game: He's attempted 236 shots, 203 of which were 3-pointers, and he doesn't think he has a layup this season. Jones claims he hasn't dunked in years.
-- Big Z was all over the offensive boards. Of course, he got about six of his offensive rebounds on two possessions.
-- Can't wait until Sunday. Yeah, it's Super Bowl Sunday. But Clippers rookie Blake Griffin will be in town for a noon game against the Heat. Don't miss this kid.
-- I feel badly for Cavs forward Antawn Jamison. He's one of the classiest guys in the NBA, and Monday's third quarter had to be among the most frustrating times of his career. At one end of the court, he threw a pass to Anthony Parker, who let the ball sail out of bounds. At the other end of the court, he got mugged by LeBron and didn't get a call.
