| Ugly Playoff Scenario For Miami Authored by Andrew Friedman - April 21, 2005 - 4:24 am
The New Jersey Nets have clinched the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot, which is bad news for the Miami Heat.
With the Heat’s biggest weakness being perimeter defense, Jason Kidd and Vince Carter, who are among the league’s elite perimeter players, will pose a serious threat to Miami. To make matters worse, Richard Jefferson could be back to further bolster the Net’s stellar perimeter game. Miami swept the Nets in the three regular season meetings this season, crushing New Jersey in each game, but the Nets were missing either Jason Kidd or Richard Jefferson, and had Vince Carter for only the final two. Miami gave up 11+ free throw attempts to either Jefferson or Carter in each game.
The Heat’s undersized perimeter trio of Damon Jones, Dwyane Wade, and Eddie Jones will have their work cut out for them. Of the three, Eddie Jones is the best defender, but he will be forced to chase around Vince Carter, who has simply been phenomenal since he joined the Nets mid-season, averaging over 27 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists along with 1.4 steals, while shooting over 46%. Carter has invigorated his career in New Jersey. He and Kidd have become a scary duo, especially when running the fast break.
In order to contend with their offense, we should expect plenty of minutes from reserves Keyon Dooling and Shandon Anderson, who are among Miami’s top perimeter defenders, as well as Alonzo Mourning whose job is to patrol the paint. Mourning, in particular, should see plenty of minutes, considering Shaquille O’Neal could potentially be out for at least game one due to a thigh injury, though no final word on his status has been released. If Shaq is healthy, the Heat will let him carry the offensive load and take advantage of New Jersey’s thin frontcourt, but if he is unable to go, New Jersey has a legitimate shot at a first round upset, especially if they could steal a game in Miami. Richard Jefferson’s abrupt return would surely cause chemistry problems for the Nets, though even without him, New Jersey has enough firepower to give the Miami Heat a serious first round challenge.
Likely Key Match-ups
Miami’s perimeter defense vs. New Jersey’s perimeter offense
-D. Jones, Wade, E. Jones, Dooling, Anderson, Butler/Smith vs. Kidd, Carter, Best, Buford/Planinic, Jefferson*
----Advantage: New Jersey
Miami’s power rotation vs. New Jersey’s power rotation
-O’Neal, Haslem, Mourning, Laettner, Doleac vs. Krstic, Scalabrine, Jason Collins, Cliff Robinson
----Advantage: Miami
In order to win this series, Miami will need to contain New Jersey’s perimeter threats and focus on the clear advantage Shaq brings to the table in the frontcourt.
*player’s status remains uncertain |
