I saw something last night I didn't think I would see in my lifetime. It wasn't Dallas having their third ten game winning streak of the season. It wasn't the Mavs extending their franchise record for consecutive home wins to 18. It wasn't even Dallas making the defending Champs look like a college team for three quarters.
I saw Shaquille O'Neal unable to dominate on offense while he was being guarded by Austin Croshere. I saw Shaq miss an offensive rebound because he got boxed out...... by Jerry Stackhouse.
With Dwyane Wade likely having season ending surgery, the Heat are done. I'll be shocked if they make the playoffs. Oddly, seeing the team that denied Dallas their first Championship miss the playoffs would be both enjoyable and depressing.
Tim Cowlishaw put it well.
After Thursday, the question had been changed ever so slightly. It now reads: HOW DID THE MAVERICKS EVER LOSE TO THE HEAT?
Take that, Chris Quinn!
David Moore also doubts that the Heat can win with just O'Neal.
Probably not.
Wednesday's loss to the Mavericks offered a glimpse of what lies ahead for the Heat in its post-dislocation phase. It wasn't encouraging.
O'Neal carried the Heat early, scoring 14 of its first 28 points. He was active on both ends of the court.
His effort allowed Miami to end the half down by only 23 points.
Art Garcia has a short article on the Anthony Johnson trade with Donnie Nelson confirming it was mainly done for the roster spot.
"We're letting the dust settle [Thursday] and see what's out there [today]," president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. "There are some names out there we like."