Also, after observing the schedule, I've noticed that we are home heavy at the start of the year, which of course means our schedule is back-loaded with road games. Prior to the All-Star break we have a seven game eastern trip, and in March we have a six-game trip that ends in a Texas Two-step. With our poor start I'd say the chances of making the playoffs already look dead...
Game 16-vs Heat, W, 129-127, 5-11
I moved AI into the starting lineup for good, and as I noticed before, our offense gets MOVING! 28 for Kaman, 24 for Griffin, and 22 for JJ. How soft is Miami's interior? Craig Smith comes of the bench and goes 8-8 for 18 points. Miami played without the injured Dwyane Wade, but Mike Miller filled in well, hitting 7 threes for 27 points. LeBron scored 28, but was only 7-21, including 1-9 from three. He made his living from the line, going 13-20. Bosh played only 22 minutes because of foul trouble but still gave 16 and 7. Miami scored 46 points in the 1st and led by 20, but with Bosh sitting on the bench we pounded the inside and pulled back into it. Both teams scored a combined 75 points in the 4th, and the game ended with JJ draining a three at the buzzer as the crowd exploded and LeBron stalked off the court. The loss dropped the Heat to 8-9!!! Sound familiar?
Game 17-at Mavericks, L, 123-97, 5-12
The epitome of a let-down game, our energy from the Heat upset is lost as Dallas rolls easily. I thought after we played the so tough at home we might stand a chance, but no. We need to work on our three point defense as Kidd hits 7 threes as part of his 23 point night.
Game 18-at Rockets, L, 96-83, 5-13
Another offensive dud. Kaman fouled out in 21 minutes trying to cover Yao, and Battier torches us off the bench with 5 threes and 22 points. Kevin Martin was out, but Terrence Williams starts and plays well. i think he left his problems back in Jersey.
Game 19-at Grizzlies, L, 94-72, 5-14
Perhaps AI has nightmares from his short stint in Memphis as he goes 0-9 and finishes without a single point. JJ is suffering from back spasms and takes just 6 shots, scoring 6 points. Griffin was solid with 20 and 10, but the other Gasol, Marc Gasol, got a triple double of 12 points, 15 rebounds and 10 blocks!!! The game was actually tied at half-time, but we left our game in the locker room as Memphis outscores us 26-7. Yes, 7 points in 12 minutes. Unfortunately, a scary moment early in the second when after a fast break dunk OJ Mayo lands awkwardly and his leg crumples beneath him. He's left screaming on the court while the players look on helplessly. He's carried out on a stretcher and its later determined that he's torn the patellar tendon in his knee and is out for the year. A damn shame as Memphis is 13-6 and leading the Southwest division.
Game 20-at Timberwolves, L, 108-100, 5-15
AI scored 24 points but is torched by the legendary Luke Ridnour who scores 32, and rookie Wesley Johnson goes 9-11 off the bench for 21 points. After the game Mike Bibby again lays into Vinny Del Negro, saying even Mike Woodson was a better game-planner than him. He might have a point, as Minnesota was an astounding 1-17 going into this game, and to say that I'm embarrased
would be an understatement.