Heat vs. Knicks

My prediction for this game was correct, and the Heat dominated the New York Knicks in a 102-88 victory.  LeBron James scored 20 points, snagged nine rebounds, and handed out eight assists.  However, containing Lin was an entire team effort, and Norris Cole and Mario Chalmers did a great job of making Lin turn the ball over.  Early in the game he was picked after a few dribbles, and the turnover was turned into a Miami Heat dunk.  It was obvious that his confidence was shook, and he never really recovered in the game.  The Heat’s stingy defense didn’t allow great shooting from any of the New York Knick starters.  More importantly, the Heat have won eight games in a row, and they are clicking on all cylinders.  Each of their eight victories have been by double digits, and they are demoralizing teams.  They are shooting toward the top of the standings, and they are well on their way to having the best record in the NBA by the All-Star break.  It seems like the Big 3 are really playing within themselves, and there are no signs of breakdown on the team on either side of the ball.  Games won’t always be won by double digits, and while it’s nice to see the Heat dominating teams, meaningful games are won in the fourth quarter when the game is close.  After the All-Star Break, I hope to see some closer games with elite teams.  This will be a real test for this team because it will be adversity when they feel like they are playing at an elite level as a squad.