Post-Game Playoff Marks - Nets Game One

Courtesy: Fox Sports

Heat win 107-86.. Lead series 1-0.

LeBron James -- 22 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast -- B+
On a night when Kevin Durant received the MVP trophy, Lebron showed the world who the best player is.  The stat line wasn't as impressive as usual, but James's fingerprints were all over this one.  He worked on the low block a lot tonight facilitating and scoring efficiently.  He saw four different defenders in the first quarter alone, but the Nets could not find an answer for him.  Lebron is playing with extreme confidence, and looks to be ready for another deep championship run.

Dwyane Wade -- 14 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast -- B
After scooping up the ball and going high off glass for a fastbreak bucket, Wade got up and the look on his face said it all.  He was coasting through this one, toying with the Nets all night long.  Wade becomes the alpha-male when Lebron goes to the bench to start the second quarter and its where he thrives.  If he can continue to produce in that short span of the game, it will give the Heat an extra boost.

Chris Bosh -- 15 pts, 11 reb, 3 ast -- B
Much like Lebron, Bosh's stat line didn't reflect his true contribution to the game.  He was aggressive offensively which always bodes well for the Heat.  He came alive in the third quarter knocking down his shot from outside and getting to the basket.

The Sweet Taste of Revenge -- B
After being swept by the Nets in the regular season, the Heat got the first taste of revenge in this one proving that they are the dominate team in this series.  The "Big 3" for the Heat didn't have a spectacular performance so look for them to improve in the next few games.  This was the appetizer in what looks to be a pretty big feast for the defending champs.

Miami Heat -- A-
Coach Spo made adjustments before the series even started as he placed Shane Battier in the starting lineup to guard Joe Johnson.  As a member of the Dallas Mavericks, coach Jason Kidd was last to beat the Heat in a playoff series.  Early on, the Nets offense showed signs of that Mavs team.  The ball movement was quick and crisp, but the Heat's rotations were also quick.  They used an unusual balanced scoring night and a 33-23 third quarter to put the Nets away.  Ray Allen scored 19 points, knocking down four three-pointers.

Heat vs. Nets - Round Two Series Preview

Courtesy: upi.com

Round Two starts tomorrow at the Triple A.  There's been much speculation that the Heat could be in some trouble as they were swept by the Nets in the regular season.  The Heat (in regulation) lost those four games by a combined three points.  There will be no nicknames on the back of jerseys in this series and I'm predicting there will be no trouble for the Heat.  My prediction: Heat in 5.

After sweeping the Bobcats, the Heat haven't played a game in over a week.  Last year's Rust vs. Rest matchup went to the Rust as the Heat dropped the first game to the Chicago Bulls.  However, the Heat went on to win four straight to advance to the ECF.  Don't expect the Heat to come out rusty tomorrow night.  They have something to prove against the Nets.  The Heat have used these days off to get healthy and to get better.

We had a glimpse in the first round at what a healthy Dwyane Wade could mean to the Heat.  He wasn't needed as Lebron dominated, but Coach Spoelstra wasn't willing to push Wade just yet.  He averaged just 33 minutes a game in the first round.  However, Wade did average 17.5 points on 49% shooting.  Look for Vintage Wade to break out in this series as he individually has something to prove.

After the first round who's leading the playoffs in scoring?  It's "The King" Lebron James.  Lebron averaged 30 points 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the first round.  He also showed off his defensive talent ranking fourth in steals at 2.25 a game.  If James continues to produce at this level, there's no telling how far the Heat will go.  As Kevin Durant will likely accept his MVP trophy later this week, Lebron will be showing the world that he's the best player in this league.

During Game 7 of the Thunder-Grizzlies, the commentator said, "Kevin Durant needs to use his 3-point shot as a curve ball and use his mid-range game as his fastball."  I agree that Chris Bosh should do the same.  He's proven throughout his career that he can stroke the mid-range jumper as well as drive the close out after a pump fake.  Bosh is shooting an outstanding 69% from downtown in the playoffs, but I think he can be more effective facing up in the post rather than roaming the 3-point line while the Heat will go small to matchup with the Nets.

If the Heat want to make a serious run at a title, they will need to continue to get a significant impact from the role players.  Birdman was outstanding in the first round.  I believe the bench can take on the "Mike Miller" role by committee.  One night Ray Allen could catch fire and the next it could be James Jones.  The Heat look to roll into the ECF as the Western Conference continues to wear each other down.