Luol Deng Proving How Underrated He Is With Miami Heat
By Jared Doyle
@outofboundsjay
Jerome Miron- USA Today Sports
Sunday’s game was supposed to be a lot tougher for the Miami Heat, especially playing away against a reloaded Dallas Mavericks squad. Instead, the Heat cruised to a 105-96 victory, extending their streak to seven consecutive wins against the franchise that ended their 2011 title chances. Four key players stepped up in this decisive victory, but none more impressive than Luol Deng’s 30-point, five-rebound and four-assist performance.
The initial reaction to Deng’s signing this summer from the Heat’s fanbase was most likely one of doubt and worry. How could anybody fill the void that LeBron James left? Well, Deng hasn’t exactly filled that void 100 percent, but he has done an admirable job keeping this team in the title conversation.
Through these first seven games, Deng has averaged 15.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG and 1.9 APG on 56 percent shooting (a career-high), while playing a career low average of 30 minutes a game. He is a quintessential “glue” guy on both ends of the floor.
The Heat were expected to flounder out of the gate, but this roster has proved the exact opposite so far in these early stages of the regular season. Having both Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade playing at a high level definitely helps the cause, but Deng’s production has been the primary reason why this team is still playing at a high level.
Let’s hope Deng can stay healthy enough to continue being a key cog in the Heat’s offensive and defensive schemes. The team’s title chances may depend on it.
Jared Doyle is a Miami Heat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @outofboundsjay, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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