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Monday, May 16, 2005
Sayson: Turning on the Heat when it matters
By HOMER D. SAYSON
SECOND OVERTIME
CHICAGO – When Miami fired up a 40-25 third-quarter run, turning a 51-47 halftime deficit into an 87-76 fourth-quarter lead, Game 4 and a sweep of the East Conference semifinals yesterday at the MCI Center appeared signed, sealed and delivered.
But when the precious seconds of the final quarter began to tick, the Heat’s flames suddenly flickered. They turned the ball over carelessly and they bungled one easy shot after another. All told, the drought saw Miami miss 16 consecutive field goals.
The inexplicable surge of ineptness allowed the dying Wizards one last gasp at a magical run. And with its home crowd of some 20,173 all lathered up, Washington went on a 12-0 tear to reclaim the lead at 95-94, thanks to an Antawn Jamison 3-pointer with 1:15 left to play.
Miami however just wouldn’t let go.
Missing Shaq for the second straight game, the Heat turned to – who else – Dwayne Wade.
As the game clock melted, Wade flicked a pass to veteran Eddie Jones, who calmly drilled a triple, leaving Washington just 14.9 seconds to overhaul a 97-95 deficit.
The Wizards tried, but the Heat defense wouldn’t let them. Alonzo Mourning, scoreless in 18 minutes, blocked a Larry Hughes penetration, and in the ensuing play, Wade iced the win with his 15th and 16th free throws, sending Miami to the East Finals for the first time since 1997.
Wade finished with 42 points, seven assists and four rebounds. He was simply spectacular in that fateful third quarter, scoring 22, while going 7-of-7 from the field and 8-of-8 from the line.
Wizards coach Eddie Jordan devised every plan to stop Wade, yet none worked. Maybe Jordan should have called the National Guard, or perhaps, the Secret Service, which is headquartered in Washington.
The Heat shot 32-of-76 shots (42.1 percent), 9-of-24 treys (37.5 percent), and 26-of-31 free throws. The Wizards, on the other hand, made only 36.6 percent of their field goals, 30 percent of their triples, and 74.4 percent of their freebies.
The Big 3 of Gilbert Arenas, Jamison and Hughes combined for 50 points, but they sank just 13-of-49 shots, which isn’t exactly the way stars perform under pressure.
The excitement of Miami’s playoffs advance was tempered by the growing concern over Shaq’s bruised right thigh. But the Heat have just bought eight days of rest before squaring off against either the Pistons or the Pacers for a ticket to the 2005 NBA Finals.
The hope is that Shaq heals in a week and 24 hours, to assume the dominant force that he is on both ends of the basketball floor. If not, then there’s always Dwyane Wade.
Against Detroit, however, The Flash may not be enough.
FR. LOVE WONDERS. Fr. Aloysius Alojipan of Tayud, Consolacion, watched Game 3 of the Heat-Wizards series last Friday morning. He was worried sick that Shaq didn’t suit up, and when the lead fluctuated like the Philippine peso later in the contest, Fr. Love quickly texted me this question: “If a player isn’t playing in the first half, as in the case of Shaq, can he play in the second half if he decides to?”
The answer is no, Fr. Love, and I refer you to Section 3 (starting line-ups) of the NBA Rules No.3 (players, substitutes, coaches), which specifically states:
“At least 10 minutes before the game is scheduled to begin, the scorers shall be supplied with the name and number of each player who may participate in the game. Starting line-ups will be indicated....”
LAST WORDS. From Edwin Ceniza (edwin_ceniza@yahoo.com): “I wonder why the PBA is inviting unworthy ball clubs to test the strength of the RP Team?”
I seldom answer a question with a question, but given the turmoil that now hounds the BAP, I have to ask Edwin this: What RP Team?
Finally, from John Bernales (jaypeeb2004@ yahoo.com): “We come from the same elementary school (Colegio del Santo Nino), but you’re ahead of me! Your column is really fun to read, especially how you deal with those critics who hate you so much. I’m your avid fan.”
(homsay@hotmail.com)
(May 16, 2005 issue)
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