Hassan Whiteside’s offensive game flourishing with Miami Heat

Even in suffering one of its most exasperating losses of the season Wednesday against the Lakers, there was one constant: the usual double-double from Hassan Whiteside, his 17th in 20 games since the All-Star break, all off the bench.

When Whiteside, who had 18 points, 17 rebounds and 7 blocks Wednsesday, returns to Northern California on Friday night to play a Kings team that gave up on him four years ago, Sacramento naturally will be leery of his shot-blocking (first in the league at 3.75) and rebounding (fourth at 11.8).

But like every team that has played the Heat in recent weeks, the Kings also must now be concerned about his flourishing offensive game.

Whiteside scored 29 points combined in his first two NBA seasons, as a seldom-used backup in Sacramento. It took him just two games this week to score 47.

Whiteside’s offensive evolution has been one of many fascinating subplots of the post All-Star break Heat. When TNT’s Charles Barkley spoke earlier this season of Whiteside being about to average 20 points a game, Chris Bosh said even 18 per game for Whiteside, with a full roster, would be unrealistic because of the Heat’s myriad scoring options.

But with Bosh sidelined, Whiteside has averaged 18.5 points on 62.0 percent shooting since the break, including a career-high 27 Monday against Brooklyn.

That post-All Star break scoring average ranks sixth among centers and 38th among all players. Before the All-Star break, he was scoring 12.2 points per game, 13th among centers.

“I’m glad I got the opportunity, glad I get to show a little extra offensive things,” said Whiteside, whose 61.8 percent accuracy from the field ranks second in the NBA, behind only DeAndre Jordan’s 70.2.

A look at several aspects of Whiteside’s offensive growth:

▪ Jump shots: He’s shooting 45.3 percent overall on jumpers but 51.2 percent since the break, including 54.3 percent from five to nine feet (25 for 46), 50 percent from 10 to 14 feet (9 for 18), 43.8 percent from 15 to 19 feet (14 for 32) and 2 for 3 from 20 to 23 feet.

Whiteside said taking 250 jumpers a day much of last summer helped.

▪ Hook shots: He has shot far fewer of those (110) than jumpers (192). He’s making 44 percent of his hooks and has been studying tape of Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon because “they never shot an off-balance jump hook.” He’s working on developing a pump fake on his hook.

▪ Dunks: Whiteside flubs fewer dunks that any other high-volume dunker in the league. Whiteside, fifth in the league in dunks, has missed only three of 139. Conversely, Jordan and Anthony Davis have missed 19 dunks and Dwight Howard 15.

▪ Free throws. His improvement there is his biggest source of pride offensively. He credits it largely to the change he made in mid-January after Udonis Haslem remarked how well he shot jumpers and said, half-jokingly, that he should shoot free throws like that.

Since he began shooting free throws like jumpers, Whiteside is shooting 75 percent from the line (105 for 140), though he was 6 for 12 against the Lakers. Before the All-Star break, he shot 51.8 on free throws.

▪ Passing: More growth is needed. His six assists last season were the fewest ever for an NBA player who played 500 minutes, compared with 58 turnovers.

This season, he’s up to 27 assists and 126 turnovers — the second-worst assist-to-turnover ratio among centers, ahead of only JaVale McGee. He is determined to improve on “passing it out of the double-team, and passing it for a score, not just passing it out.”

Whiteside will not have to face Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, who is averaging 27 points and 11.6 rebounds. Cousins received his 16th technical foul of the season Wednesday for sarcastically clapping near the end of the team's victory over the Wizards. The NBA upheld the ruling, which means Cousins will serve a one-game suspension Friday against the Heat.

HEAT IRKED

▪ The Heat committed two many turnovers (18, leading to 30 Lakers points), missed 11 of 26 free throws and too often was beaten to loose balls and rebounds in Wednesday’s 102-100 overtime loss to the Lakers. Julius Randle’s eight-foot jumper with 1.9 seconds left in overtime won it. Joe Johnson was way off on a long three-pointer at the buzzer.

“I don’t like the way we approached this game,” said Dwyane Wade, who had 26 points and 10 rebounds but missed a 20-footer with two seconds left in regulation, sending the game to overtime. “It’s a bad loss for us…I look at it as disrespect to those guys. Those guys are NBA players. You have to play the same way you would an opponent that you fear.”

Said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra: “You generally get what you deserve in this league. We did not deserve this game. Lot of mental breakdowns. This is not who we are. This is not how we’ve been playing.”

Miami HEAT at Sacramento Kings Game Thread and Preview

The Miami HEAT face the Sacramento Kings Friday night at Sleep Train Arena. The HEAT defeated the Kings 116-109 in their last meeting on November 19. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM. Television coverage on FOX Sports Sun begins at 9:30 PM

Game Notes:

• The HEAT have won 13 of 14 against the Kings. 
• Miami has won four of six overall and is 43-31. 
• Sacramento has won three of four and stands at 30-45. 
• Hassan Whiteside averaged 18.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game in the month of March. 
• Rajon Rondo leads the Kings in assists (11.7) and steals (2.0) per contest. 

Efficiencies (Rank):

• HEAT Offense: 103.8 (12)
• HEAT Defense: 101.2 (7)
• Kings Offense: 103.4 (T-14)
• Kings Defense: 106.2 (T-23)

"VIDEO" MIAMI HEAT'S JOE JOHNSON Lakers Drama Would Never Happen With Us

Miami Heat star Joe Johnson says he WON'T be distracted by the Lakers off-the-court drama when they face off at Staples Center Wednesday night ... but lets us know it would NEVER happen with the Heat. 
The 7-time All Star was walking in Bev Hills before tonight's game when we asked him for his take on the D'Angelo Russell, Nick Young situation.
Make sure to watch until the end of the clip ... that's when Johnson makes it clear there's no bro code violators on his squad. 

Skyforce win record 39th game & could help Heat in playoffs

The Sioux Falls Skyforce won their D-League record 39th game, to stand at 39-9 for the season. They may become the first -League team to ever win 40 games in the league's 50 game schedule, which wraps up its regular season this weekend.

Numerous teams in the NBA have suffered major setbacks due to key injuries, but none have shown the resilience of the Heat to bounce even stronger. With Chris Bosh, Tyler Johnson and Beno Udrih out, the Heat's bench players and Pat Riley's key trades kept Miami relatevant. To bolster the team further in case of an unexpected event, their D-league affiliate could give two players to fill out the current 13-member Miami Heat squad to the NBA maximum limit of 15 players.

Although not a member,  Dorrell Wright remains a distinct possibility for the Heat with his familiarity of team's system. Still available as a free agent, he could fit in and still keep the team under the salary if signed when condition permit.

Dan Craig is a lock for coach-of-the-year, and has prepared the Skyforce players to seamlessly blend in with the varsity Miami team. Some of the players that could be in the mix for the final roster spots include:

1. D'Andre Liggins, who is the assist leader with some NBA experience. Craig characterizes him as someone with a high basketball IQ and great work ethic. He converted 5 of 7 3's in the record-setting game.

2. Briante Weber, a roadrunner and lockdown defender, who recently played out his 10-day contract  with the Grizzlies. His tenacious, high motor, Patrick Beverley-type style might suit the new look Heat.

3. Rodney McGruder, one of the team's core members who plays a solid all-around winning game.

4. Keith Benson, a D-League veteran and back-up paint defender.

5. Greg Whittington, a Summer League favorite, who was one last players cut from Heat squad in October.

Udonis Haslem has seen precious few minutes this season and is available for relief. Gerald Green and Josh McRoberts are looking to work their way back into the rotation if they can regain their early season form. Only 13 players can dress during a game so they will have a tough time to see action. There are possilities, since few predicted Josh Richardson's rotation minutes.

On all accounts the Miami Heat should have been road-kill this season with the adversities they had to overcome. A team can never have enough depth as insurance. A full squad could help the Heat in case of emergency if a Goran Dragic or Justise Winslow are not available during a short series.

Miami HEAT at Los Angeles Lakers Game Thread and Preview

The Miami HEAT face the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night at Staples Center. The HEAT defeated the Lakers 101-88 in their last meeting on November 10. Tip-off is set for 10:30 PM. Television coverage on FOX Sports Sun begins at 10:00 PM. You can also listen to the action live on 790 The Ticket.

1: What stuck out to you about Miami’s victory over Brooklyn?

Couper Moorhead: The good news was that the offense is still clicking as it has been all month. The ball was moving, Hassan Whiteside was getting all sorts of catches in pick-and-rolls, pace was down but there were still opportunistic moments in the open court with Goran Dragic out sick and Josh Richardson continues to shoot like he doesn’t know what it means to miss. All good on that front, though getting Dragic back on the court is obviously important.

It’s the defense that is leaving something to be desired lately. Asked about the team’s scoring after the game, Erik Spoelstra shifted the conversation to the team’s defensive performance. Against Brooklyn, Miami gave up 104.3 points per 100 possessions to a team that usually scores 101.4 and during the month of March the team ranked 16th in defensive efficiency. Considering how important getting stops is to allowing Miami to get out and run, the defense is going to have to be much better than this come the postseason.

Joe Beguiristain: Dwyane Wade’s masterful performance. From the jump, Wade was locked in on both ends of the floor and really spearheaded Miami’s attack. Once the vet started to command a crowd of Brooklyn defenders, he started to pick them apart with excellent dimes to his teammates. In all, he led the HEAT with nine assists to go along with his 30 points on 14-of-19 shooting.

Another thing that stuck out to me was the continued strong play of Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow. Although both rookies had a little more on their plate with Goran Dragic out due to illness, they took it in stride and fared well. Winslow played point for a short stretch in the first half, while Richardson continued to have the hot hand from long-range. As usual, the former Volunteer also came through in a big way defensively in the fourth quarter.

   
2: How has Hassan Whiteside improved during his stretch of the season coming off the bench?

Couper: The free-throws are the major thing, as Whiteside is shooting over 80 percent in his last 15 games and given how comfortable he looks at the line and how soft his touch usually is, he might not be due for much regression at all. That’s a huge deal considering how often teams intentionally foul him when he gets a catch around the rim and we shouldn’t underplay how crucial those free-throws are to Miami’s general offensive improvements.

Joe: Like Coup mentioned above, the main improvement has been Whiteside’s free-throw shooting. Earlier in the year, teams took their chances and fouled Whiteside rather than give up an easy finish or dunk. Now, the center is making teams pay for that strategy. The 26-year-old’s improvement from the charity stripe has given him more breathing room around the basket since he’s being fouled less.

Thanks to that, Whiteside has done a good job of rolling to the rim and being ready for the catch either off lobs or pocket passes. As a result, he’s punished the rim of late, totaling 12 dunks in his past two games alone. When you mix that with a few hook shots and mid-range jumpers, you have a player who is continuing to develop his offensive game. 

3: How are the Lakers playing as they finish off the season, and what does Miami’s last look at Kobe Bryant mean to you?

Couper: Though the Lakers did beat the Warriors a couple of weeks ago, the last month has generally stayed true to the rest of the season for the Lakers as things just haven’t gone right – including a 48-point loss to the Utah Jazz last Monday. They still have a fascinating young core with D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, and Byron Scott has given those players more freedom lately to aid in their development, but it has yet to translate to wins.

Still, this is as much about Kobe as anything and however you feel about him and what he’s done against your team, it’s a major moment in the history of the league when a player of his caliber hangs it up. I grew up when Portland was fighting the Lakers for the Western Conference title, so naturally Kobe caused my younger self a great deal of pain over the years. He eventually became one of my favorite players to watch as I grew older and learned to appreciate his game – rather than blindly despise it during my teenage years – but nothing will replace the way he made me feel during my formative years as a basketball fan. For that, for all those daggers he hit with a hand in his face, I’ll miss him.

Joe: Much like before the All-Star break, the Lakers have struggled during the home stretch of the season. In fact, Los Angeles has won just 4 of its 19 games since February 19.  Despite the tough year, the future is bright with young players such as Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson. In particular, Randle has upped his points per game, rebounds per game and shooting percentage since the break. Russell has also played better of late. Both will be key as the Lakers adapt to life after Kobe.

Speaking of which, no matter what stage in their careers they may be at, it’s always special whenever you get the opportunity to witness two all-time greats go at it. If Bryant plays on Wednesday night, it will be the final time that both he and Wade go to battle.

I will always remember Bryant for his unmatched competitive fire and sheer determination to do whatever it takes to win. The similarities between Wade and Bryant are likely why the two are friends off the court as well.

Looking back at all those great Christmas Day games, you certainly take their phenomenal matchup for granted. No matter what happens this time around or how Los Angeles closes out the season, it’s been a fantastic ride for one Kobe Bean Bryant.

Game Notes:

• The HEAT have defeated the Lakers seven straight times dating back to the 2012-13 season. 
• Miami has won five of seven overall and is 43-30. 
• Los Angeles has dropped eight of nine and is 15-59 on the year. 
• Dwyane Wade leads the HEAT in points (19.1) and steals (1.1) per contest. 
• Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers in scoring at 16.9 points per game. 

Efficiencies (Rank):

• HEAT Offense: 103.8 (12)
• HEAT Defense: 101.3 (6)
• Lakers Offense: 99.0 (29)
• Lakers Defense: 109.6 (30)

Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson are reinvigorating the Heat

When the Miami Heat announced Chris Bosh would possibly miss the rest of the year due to another blood clot scare, another disappointing finish loomed on the horizon. Bosh was the team's best all-around player and an anchor on both ends of the court. Miami's season sputtered when he was forced to sit out at around the same time last year.

Instead, the Heat have actually improved as the season progressed this time around. Goran Dragic's improved play has helped, and Joe Johnson, signed after being waved by the Nets, has been a godsend.

But it's been the play of Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson, the Heat's three-headed monster off the bench, that has Miami really looking like a possible threat to LeBron James and the struggling Cavaliers. Whiteside understandably gets most of the publicity, but Winslow and Richardson have also emerged as key cogs and versatile weapons capable of taking out even the strongest of teams.

It's no accident that the trio has been the three-man lineup used most frequently by Erik Spoelstra since the All-Star Game, according to NBA.com. In those minutes, Miami is scoring 111.6 points per 100 possessions while surrendering just 102.7. The Bench Mob -- as they'd prefer to be known -- perfectly compliment each other's strengths and compensate for the weaknesses of some of Miami's starters.

Take Winslow, for example. Dwyane Wade and Johnson are too worn to be chasing the top dogs of opposing teams on defense. Winslow, on the other hand, has everything you look for in a wing stopper: Speed, quickness, strength, size, length and mental acumen.

The crazy finish to Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals is crazier than you think

Idon't think I need to remind you the play-by-play of that iconic moment that Ray Allen drained a corner three for the Miami Heat in Game 6 of 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. That three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left tied the game, which led to an overtime victory.

The loss, cost the Spurs the game and a series win. The Heat went on to win Game 7 and the championship.

But what the Miami Heat would not have been pleased with, nor the NBA, is if the Spurs did score on that next possession.

The reason is because the Spurs made an illegal substitution during the review and Tim Duncan entered the game. If the Spurs were to score and win the game, the Heat could have protested to the NBA about that and forced the final few seconds to be replayed.

You may recall this happened several years ago when the Heat and Hawks played in the regular season. Shaquille O'Neal was unrightfully fouled out of the game. The Heat protested that he only had 5 fouls and won. They had to replay the final minute at a later date -- although they still lost.

Crawford described the Finals situation like this:

''You know you're in trouble,'' he said. ''You're very happy that you got through the game and you're not, you really weren't the focal point of the game. But what happens is everybody is texting and emailing back and forth, and (saying), `Joe, you know that Duncan got in the game.'''

Crawford had to pay a fine as the lead official and missing a call that could have been so monumental and crucial to the outcome of the game. Not just a call, and actual illegal moment by the Spurs. Teams cannot sub players during reviews, only official dead ball situations.

on't think I need to remind you the play-by-play of that iconic moment that Ray Allen drained a corner three for the Miami Heat in Game 6 of 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. That three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left tied the game, which led to an overtime victory.

The loss, cost the Spurs the game and a series win. The Heat went on to win Game 7 and the championship.

But, you may also remember that immediately after Ray Allen made the three-pointer, the referees stopped the game to check if Allen was behind the three-point line, although he clearly was. Gregg Popovich wasn't happy about that, because it stopped his team's momentum to get another score.

But what the Miami Heat would not have been pleased with, nor the NBA, is if the Spurs did score on that next possession.

The reason is because the Spurs made an illegal substitution during the review and Tim Duncan entered the game. If the Spurs were to score and win the game, the Heat could have protested to the NBA about that and forced the final few seconds to be replayed.

You may recall this happened several years ago when the Heat and Hawks played in the regular season. Shaquille O'Neal was unrightfully fouled out of the game. The Heat protested that he only had 5 fouls and won. They had to replay the final minute at a later date -- although they still lost.

Crawford described the Finals situation like this:

''You know you're in trouble,'' he said. ''You're very happy that you got through the game and you're not, you really weren't the focal point of the game. But what happens is everybody is texting and emailing back and forth, and (saying), `Joe, you know that Duncan got in the game.'''

Crawford had to pay a fine as the lead official and missing a call that could have been so monumental and crucial to the outcome of the game. Not just a call, and actual illegal moment by the Spurs. Teams cannot sub players during reviews, only official dead ball situations.

HEAT win!

HEAT win! Father Prime scores 30 points to lead your Miami HEAT to a 110-99 Monday victory over the Brooklyn Nets!







BKN vs MIA Final: HEAT 110 - Nets 99. Wade 30pts (14-19 FG) 9asts 2blks, Whiteside 27pts 8rebs, Richardson 16pts, Winslow 13pts, Deng 9pts.

Another achievement for Heat's Hassan Whiteside

Since Whiteside has come off the bench, he's been dominating. Every time he comes in the game, he makes an impact along with J-Rich and Winslow. Due his great performances off the bench, it seems like every week that Whiteside finds himself on a list with the NBA's greatest centers.

Last night, Whiteside posted 26pts, 12 rebs, and 5 blocks in a win over the Orlando Magic. And once again he finds himself on another list with the NBA's greatest centers who done it off the bench.

From Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:

Since the NBA began tracking blocked shots in 1973, the only other players to reach those levels in points, rebounds and blocks while spending fewer than 30 minutes on the court in a game are Lew Alcindor in 1977 (28 points, 12 rebounds, 9 blocks in 26 minutes), Bill Walton in 1978 (26 points, 17 rebounds, 5 blocks in 26 minutes) and Robert Parish in 1980 (29 points, 18 rebounds, 7 blocks in 29 minutes).

One of the biggest questions all year has been about the Heat giving Whiteside the max or not. Since the February 9th incident against the Spurs, Whiteside has been more mature and more willing to listen to his teammates. As great as he's been so far since the break, there's still people especially the Heat who want to see how he performs in the playoffs when the time comes. If Whiteside continues to dominate like this in the playoffs, there could be a chance Miami would be more willing to give him the max or somewhere close to it.

Brooklyn Nets at Miami HEAT Game Thread and Preview

The Miami HEAT host the Brooklyn Nets Monday night at AmericanAirlines Arena. The HEAT defeated the Nets 102-98 in their last meeting on January 26. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM. Television coverage on FOX Sports Sun begins at 7:00 PM

Game Notes:

• The HEAT have won six of seven against the Nets. 
• Miami has won four of six overall and is 42-30. 
• Brooklyn has won two straight and stands at 21-51. 
• Dwyane Wade is averaging 26.3 points, 5.3 assists and 1.7 blocks per game on 62 percent shooting against the Nets this season.  
• Brook Lopez leads Brooklyn in points (20.8) and blocks (1.7) per contest. 

Efficiencies (Rank):

• HEAT Offense: 103.7 (13)
• HEAT Defense: 101.3 (6)
• Nets Offense: 101.4 (27)
• Nets Defense: 107.4 (28)

Josh Richardson rise with Miami Heat a lesson for young players everywhere

When Josh Richardson came off a screen in San Antonio on Wednesday and received the basketball, he heard the sweetest word come from a top-coached NBA team, a word no one had said to him outside an occasional playground game:

"Shooter!" a few of San Antonio's defenders shouted.

You want to measure how far Richardson has come? What the 40th pick in the draft last June has shockingly emerged to be? How a master strategist like Spurs coach Gregg Popovich views him?

Suddenly, Richardson is the targeted "shooter" to defend. Suddenly, he's the guy teams fear on the outside. Suddenly, too, he's dealing with success, and so in relating this story a smile flashes across his face even as his words say something else.

"It's cool, but I've just got to keep working," he said.

This is a story you don't hear enough in sports. You hear of great talent. You hear of athletic freaks. But Richardson became this good of a shooter this fast in his rookie season by realizing one day he wasn't very good.

That particular day, a NBA scout asked him bluntly, "Why do you shoot like that?"

"I don't know, that's how I've always shot," Richardson said.

For the first time, he heard why he was a mediocre 31 percent shooter even from college's closer 3-point line. His elbow stuck out as he shot. His head leaned to the left. His hips, too, twisted to the left.

Richardson didn't shrug and say this form got him through four good years at Tennessee and to the edge of the NBA.

"I changed my technique pretty drastically," he said.

This, then, is a story of hours in the gym. Of hundreds of shots taken daily even before he was drafted. Of working on specific items with Heat assistant Chris Quinn as his personal tutor as the franchise's program entails.

"The first things I worked on after getting drafted were shooting off a screen and ball handling," he said.

It's a story of being demoted twice to the Development League earlier this season, of playing in 13 of the Heat's first 37 games and of continually putting in a scripted workout beyond the normal practice.

Richardson won't tell what those private workouts specifically entail.

"I've got to keep that secret," he says.

But each day after practice he shoots dozens of 3-point shots in a contest with veteran Joe Johnson. He also works out with fellow rookie Justise Winslow on off-days as veterans rest bodies.

"They're in the gym all the time together," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "On the road, they'll find gyms on off-days. I don't even know where they go. But they're working on shooting, ball handling, finishing."

Good pro teams draft well. Great ones develop players into gems. Since the loss of LeBron James two seasons ago, the Heat has developed a youthful bridge to the future in Hassan Whiteside, Richardson, Winslow and the injured Tyler Johnson.

"It's all about work," Richardson said.

Lots of players talk of hard work in sports. It's to the point you often can't tell the hard workers from the hard talkers. But the proof is in Richardson's game. The mediocre college shooter has scored in double figures in seven of the past nine games and his 47.9 percentage leads the league among players taking at least two 3-point shots a game.

Since being injected into a regular role after the All-Star break, he's made 60.3 percent (35-of-58) of his 3-pointers. And he's not a one-dimensional player. He threw down another driving dunk Friday in a win against Orlando. And there's his defense.

"That's a given part of my game," he said.

The rest is a lesson to young players everywhere. Sometimes you can be close to your dream and have to change to reach it.

Amar'e Q&A: Miami, art, and the Heat getting hot

Have you seen the Heat lately? They've climbed the Eastern Conference standings over the past few weeks, and they are playing as well as anyone in the league right now. Of the most successful lineups in the NBA since the All-Star Break, two of the top five belong to Miami. One features younger stars like Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, and Hassan Whiteside. And the other is a crew of veterans—Stoudemire, Luol Deng, Goran Dragic, Dwyane Wade, and the newly-signed Joe Johnson—all of whom were supposed to be washed up as recently as December. 

It's a pretty fun mix. I was among the many who doubted the Heat before the season, but with a combination of young players exceeding expectations and veterans refusing to disappear, things are clicking right now. 

Amar'e Stoudemire, now starting at center and baffling observers with his production, is as good of a symbol as any for what's happened with this Heat season. He's had knee injuries and countless surgeries that have derailed the second half of his career, but with Miami he's found a veteran role that fits him perfectly. He's one reason the Heat have been able to win without Chris Bosh, and he's helped tutor some of the younger players who've made this team dangerous

We caught up with Amar'e earlier this week, on a plane to New Orleans. That night, he had 16 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. That afternoon, we talked about the Heat's chemistry, Suns memories, art in Miami, Trainwreck and more.

Andrew Sharp: One of the best parts about watching the Heat recently has been seeing you pop up down there. After everything you've been through, it looks like you're in a good place in Miami. Are you at peace with how all this has played out?

Amar'e Stoudemire: "Yeah, you know what? It's been a great transition for me. Playing in Miami. We got great guys, they make the game so much easier. It's so much fun to be around these guys. I mean, to play with a team that has a chance to compete for a title, as a player that's what you want. It brings out the best of your ability. Your preparation has to be sharp, and that's what you want as a veteran. To be back in that fold again."

Miami Heat WIN !!! Final: HEAT 108 - Magic 97

#ORLvsMIA Final: HEAT 108 - Magic 97.
Whiteside 26pts 12rebs, 
Dragic 22pts 8asts, 
Richardson 14pts, 
Stoudemire 13pts,
Deng 10pts 13rebs.

Gerald Green says

Gerald Green works relentlessly hoping Miami Heat need him again

MIAMI — It’s the same scene every night. As Dwyane Wade, Hassan Whiteside and his other teammates finish answering post-game questions and the bright lights of the TV cameras flip off, Gerald Green bounds into the locker room dressed in sweat-drenched practice gear.

It’s another game in which he did not play, or barely played, and that’s been a difficult reality to absorb after being one of the Heat’s key bench players the first four months of the season. His minutes have plummeted since the team signed Joe Johnson at the end of February. He typically heads upstairs to the practice court immediately after the final buzzer to get a game-like workout.

None of his teammates are up there. While they’re trying to get out the door, Green’s working like crazy with a team staffer to get back in the action. He sprints the length of the floor and spots up for a jumper, then does it again and again. He runs pick-and-rolls at full speed, posts up against ghost defenders, pelts the net with 3-pointers — all of it just in case.

“I just try to stay in shape and continue to do the things I’m supposed to do,” he said. “I’m going to be ready. I stay dialed in to film sessions. I still go through game days and shootarounds like I’m going to play. I have to take the same steps as before.

“Hopefully my time comes, but if not, I’m still gonna be a professional and cheer my team on and try to lead by example. I’m still gonna go hard in practice and do the things I can control. And when I’m not playing, I’m going to enjoy somebody else’s success.”

Any injury to one of Miami’s wing players could necessitate Green jumping back in, and he’s probably coach Erik Spoelstra’s first choice to start if Wade misses any time over the next three weeks.

Green was a decent bench contributor before things unraveled last month. In his first 43 games, he averaged 10.5 points on 40.4 percent shooting, including 32.8 on 3s, while showing modest improvement defensively. He nosedived with the worst imaginable timing, though, as his shooting accuracy dropped to 28 percent over the three weeks leading up to Johnson’s signing.

In the 13 games since then, Spoelstra kept Green on the side for five times and gave him 10 minutes or less four times. His most extended work came when Wade sat against Toronto and in a pair of lopsided games, including Thursday’s 112-88 loss to the Spurs.

“It’s tough,” Green said. “It is. But at the end of the day, I came here to win.”

At the end of a victory over Denver two weeks ago, Spoelstra called Green to him and pointed at former Heat sharpshooter Mike Miller and told him a story about the 2012-13 season. Miller was in the same spot, glued to his chair at one point for 19 of 29 games late in the year, before coming up big to help Miami win the NBA Finals.

Orlando Magic at Miami HEAT Game Thread and Preview

The Miami HEAT host the Orlando Magic Friday night at AmericanAirlines Arena. The HEAT defeated the Magic 108-101 in their last meeting on December 26. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM. Television coverage on FOX Sports Sun begins at 7:30 PM

Game Notes:

• The HEAT have won 13 of 14 against the Magic dating back to the 2011-12 season. 
• Miami has won three of five overall and is 41-30 on the year.
• Orlando has dropped six of seven and stands at 29-42. 
• Dwyane Wade leads the HEAT in points (19.1) and steals (1.1) per contest.
• Elfrid Payton leads the Magic in assists at 6.0 per game.

Efficiencies (Rank):

• HEAT Offense: 103.6 (13)
• HEAT Defense: 101.3 (6)
• Magic Offense: 101.4 (26)
• Magic Defense: 104.3 (17)

LeBron James says he would take a pay cut to play with Wade, Carmelo and Chris Paul

Already in his 30s and with plenty of miles on his body, LeBron Jamesappears to be looking ahead to the next phase of his career.In a piece by Bleacher Report's Howard Beck on his friendship withNew York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, James drops this little bombshell near the end of the article.

Decisions have been made, trades forced, contracts signed, fates chosen, taking the teen stars down starkly different paths. The bond endures. The vision of a James-Anthony partnership does, too.

"I really hope that, before our career is over, we can all play together," James said. "At least one, maybe one or two seasons -- me, Melo, D-Wade, CP --” we can get a year in. I would actually take a pay cut to do that."

Maybe at the end of their careers, James said. Maybe sooner. One more ring chase, this time with everyone on board.

"It would be pretty cool," James said. "I've definitely had thoughts about it."

Before bounding away, he smiles and closes with a coy chirp: "We'll see."

All of this amid near constant trolling in the social media by James virtually throughout the season and reaching its fever pitch when he recently worked out with Wade in Miami. Cryptic messages on social media have followed with topics such as brotherhood and the virtues of team bonding.

James already said he'd win several titles with the Miami Heat ("not one, not two, not three...") at the celebratory rally held after the Big 3 all signed in 2010. But then he left two years ago to Cleveland for the purpose of bringing at least one title back home.

We already know Wade isn't going anywhere, and James certainly enjoys hanging out in South Florida, so would a reunion in Miami realistically be the only destination for such a collaboration?

Elsewhere in the piece there is a passage which details how Anthony could have been the third player to join forces with Wade and James in 2010 instead of Chris Bosh. Back in 2006, James reportedly said in a conference call with his two friends that he wanted to sign a three-year deal so that all three would be free agents in 2010.

"Listen. I think I'm going to do a three-year extension, because in 2010 we can become free agents at the peak, right there in the prime of our career."

Anthony would eventually sign a longer deal and was not a free agent that year.

Both Wade and James can be unrestricted free agents this summer. Anthony is under contract with the Knicks until the 2017-18 season with a player option for the following season. Paul is under contract with theLos Angeles Clippers until next season with a player option for an addition season.