The Heat Is Off...Way Off

Last night was a classic showdown between the cream of the crop and the cream of the crap. The Miami Heat fielded a squad full of cats I'm used to seeing at NBA Summer League contests and free agent camps. Besides NBA vets (and former Celtics) Ricky Davis and Mark Blount this team featured a motley crew of whatshisfaces (Stephane Lasme, Blake Ahern, Joel Anthony, Kasib Powell, etc.) and nobodies (Chris Quinn, Earl Barron, Alexander Johnson). Jason Williams, Shawn Marion and Daequan Cook all registered DNP-CD's for the contest as well.

If the Celtics have blown out two of the best teams in the entire NBA (Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Hornets) at home then what would they do to this pathetic squad? The answer was evident when the Celtics were up 27-4 after just 7 minutes of play. The starters got significant rest and the Celtics still lead 50-30 at halftime with little chance for resistance from a Miami team with only 9 available bodies on the bench.

This game was a sad sight as the Celtics held the hapless Heat to 17-59 shooting (.288) and 4-21 from 3 point range (.190) and none of the Celtics starters even played longer than 25 minutes. The Celtics stifling defense managed to hold the Heat to an NBA record low 17 total field goals, the lowest ever total of the Shot Clock Era. Wow.

The game ended with the Celtics winning 88-62 and the fans being treated to yet another early appearance by Gino on the Jumbotron. The C's were led by Leon Powe's 17 points and 13 rebounds (6 offensive) in 27 minutes. Kevin Garnett racked up 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in just 21 minutes, Paul Pierce contributed 10 points 4 assists and 2 steals in 24 minutes and Ray Allen had 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in 25 total minutes. James Posey scored 7 points off the bench and had a team high 4 steals.

Tomorrow, the 58-15 Boston Celtics play the 29-44 Chicago Bulls in Chicago. Hopefully they lose by less than 20...we don't need the Celtics to get big headed on us with playoff time coming up soon.

One.