Miami Heat’s Second-Half Struggles Continue
By Shane Phillips
@ShaneRantSports
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Much like last season, the Miami Heat have found themselves playing their best basketball in the first half.
Jumping out to solid leads in the last five games, the Heat could easily be on a five-game winning streak. Instead, with a New Year’s Eve loss to the Indiana Pacers, 106-95, Miami has lost three straight and four of the last five.
Even with a huge win over the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James on Christmas day to boost moral, the Heat have not fed off that success. Chris Bosh has returned from injury, Dwyane Wade is playing great basketball and Danny Granger has begun to find his footing, again. That has not been enough for Miami to cash in on the win column.
Whatever Miami’s issues may be, it has not been for a lack of good basketball. It has played some great basketball in the first half, jumping out to double-digit leads including a 23-point handicap against the Philadelphia 76ers. The problem has occurred in the second half and it has been due to a lack of adjustments. Not only have we seen big first half leads from Miami, but we have also seen big first halves from individuals. Wade put up 24 in the first two quarters against the Cavs.
The problems for the Heat don’t exist from a lack of effort or talent, but the sheer fact that their opponents are making better half-time adjustments. Clearly, Erik Spoelstra is producing great game plans to start, but is not saying the right things at halftime or making the right changes. Maybe it isn’t Spoelstra’s halftime speeches, but the players coming out flat. Whatever the issue or issues are, the Heat need to figure out how to carry over the first half momentum throughout all four quarters.
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].
Bucks Right To Take Chance On Kenyon Martin
The Milwaukee Bucks have taken a chance on Kenyon Martin by signing the veteran to a 10-day contract. Read More
Heat vs. Trail Blazers: Game Preview, Prediction
Previewing and predicting Thursday night's game between the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers. Read More
Clippers Need Blake Griffin To Be More Aggressive
Blake Griffin is a freak of nature and needs to dominate inside. The Los Angeles Clippers will only go as far as he takes them. Read More
Hawks Gain Big Edge Over Rivals in East
The Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls will need to pull up their socks or wave goodbye to any shot at an Eastern Conference title this year. Read More
Rockets vs. Knicks Game Preview, Prediction
Previewing and predicting Thursday night's game between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks. Read More
Cavs Going From Bad To Worse With Smith's Debut
If first impressions mean anything the Cleveland Cavaliers, their recent wheeling and dealing could end up a complete bust. Read More
Jimmy Butler NBA MVP Right Now
Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler is the best player in the NBA right now and deserves to win the MVP award if he stays consistent. Read More
Players Who Should Make 2015 All-Star Game
These players deserve to be amongst their fellow athletes at the 2015 All-Star game, but they probably won't be. Read More
5 Reasons Marc Gasol Shouldn't Start All-Star Game
Marc Gasol is regarded as the best center in the NBA. He has the qualifications to be in the ASG, but not enough to start for the Western Conference. Read More
5 Crazy NBA Trades That Work
With trade talk hitting full swing, here are some preposterous NBA trade ideas that work based on salaries, but will never actually happen. Read More
Jeff Teague Should Be An NBA All-Star Starter
Jeff Teague has vastly improved his game in every statistical category. The Atlanta Hawks are on top of the Eastern Conference and Teague is the main reason why. It's fitting he start for the East. Read More
Metta World Peace Approves of Mozgov Trade
In his official blog, Metta World Peace approves of the Denver Nuggets' decision to trade Timofey Mozgov. Read More