NBA Miami Heat

Supporting Cast To Blame For Miami Heat’s 2-Game Skid

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By @ShaneRantSports

Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat came out of the gates at a full sprint to start the NBA season. Now without LeBron James, the reigning Eastern Conference champions won their first three games. However, the high did not last long as Miami has dropped the last two games to the Houston Rockets and Charlotte Hornets. In fact, the Hornets had dropped 16 straight to the Heat until last night.

As James and the Cleveland Cavaliers have been crying since opening night, it takes some time for a new team to develop. For the media, it is easier to point fingers and place blame for each loss. For fans, they instantly forsake the star player. So the two-game losing streak must be Chris Bosh’s fault since he has the fattest contract.

Actually, it is the contrary. Bosh and Dwyane Wade have played well the last two outings. As a duo, they have produced 88 points while shooting 51 percent, grabbed 27 boards and dished out 12 assists, going 23-for-26 from the charity stripe. No matter how you present it, Wade and Bosh will take some of the flack. The two do make up nearly half Miami’s salary cap, but the true culprits are the supporting cast.

I begin my prosecution with Norris Cole. Newly named the starting point guard, Cole began the season with a 23-point performance against the Washington Wizards. The last two games, he has combined for two points on 1-of-10 shooting and has not attempted a free throw. For a starter, those numbers are gag worthy.

Next, I point the finger at Mario Chalmers and Luol Deng. Chalmers as the sixth man played out rather well over the undefeated start, but the last two games have been far from successful. During the skid, Chalmers is shooting 30 percent and has seven turnovers compared to five all of the first three games. As for Deng, he averaged 15 points in the first three games compared to only 10 the last two.

For my closing argument, I would like to guide the jury’s attention to Chris “Birdman” Andersen. The big man has sat out the consecutive losses with a rib injury. With not much depth in the post, Andersen is all that much more important to Miami. It truly showed against Dwight Howard and Al Jefferson, who both posted double-doubles.

If Bosh can consistently post double-doubles and Wade adds 20 points, that is all the Heat can ask for. It is the surrounding cast that will be the key to Miami’s success. From the bench to Deng and Cole, everyone will have to pull their weight. James is no longer around as a safety net, and they will begin to realize that as the season progresses.

Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].  

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