Haslem seeks scoring chances
MIAMI — For Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem, it’s all about taking advantage of the limited opportunities.
He entered Monday’s game against the Phoenix Suns having attempted just five field goals. He nearly doubled that number on his way to a season- high 12 points.
It’s been that way for Haslem the past two seasons, but more so this year with the Heat adding other scorers to play alongside LeBron James, Dwyane WadeandChris Bosh. With Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis in the lineup, the chances of reserves scoring in double figures are slim.
“Just getting out there, rolling to the basket andmy teammates finding me and just being able to finish,” said Haslem, who was 5 of 8 from the field against the Suns. “That’s really what it is every night. Every night, sometimes it’s going to be a different guy. Last game, it was just my opportunity to get a couple more shots.”
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said there was more to it than just more opportunities. The Heat have adopted a strategy that allows the opponent’s defense to determine their offensive approach.
“He’s a recipient of the ball movement but also his energy,” Spoelstra said. “He’s beating them to the open gaps, he’s creating triggers with his speed, his quickness, his alertness.”
No to the Nets
In the summer of 2010, the then New Jersey Nets made a strong pitch for James during free agency.
Even though the Nets have since acquired Deron
Williams and Joe Johnson to become a legitimate playoff threat, James said they were too much of a project at the time.
“It was hard to, where they were at the time,” James said. “I mean, honestly, I got an opportunity to talk to their owner and talk to coach ( Avery)
Johnson. I had a great meeting with those guys … I’m happy where I landed. I’m happy I’m here.”
The Nets also made a pitch to Heat guard Wade, who enjoyed the visit but jokingly said he was disappointed part owner Jay- Z spoke with him over the phone. The hip- hop star met with James in person because they are close friends.
Patience needed
The Nets were on the way to a 2- 0 start when their inexperience and chemistry problems showed Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They blew a 22- point, second- half lead in a107- 96 loss.
Spoelstra said he could relate because the Heat experienced similar setbacks during their first season together after overhauling the team. The Nets have just five players from last year’s roster after adding Johnson and Gerald Wallace, who did not play Wednesday because of a sprained ankle. With
Brook Lopez and Williams missing several games, the team is virtually playing together for the first time.
Spoelstra said the adjustment
for “every team is different.” The Boston Celtics won the championship the first season with Kevin
Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. The Heat overcame early season struggles to make the NBA Finals before losing to the Dallas Mavericks.
“Ours took longer,” Spoelstra said. “It seems like it took a lifetime for us when we were 9- 8 that first month. Yet that first year we were able to put together a 21 out of 23 games [ stretch] in December and early January. Then we went through some real highs and lows and peak and valleys the rest of the year.”