We couldn't compete tonight--it was probably more mental than physical but the league puts teams in a position where they cannot afford to play long in a series (Cleveland). Can't draw much from this game except we gave them one as we gave SA one last year. And we went on to lose to SA--not a comforting thought.

Ben was the only starter with energy. His defense was phenomenal and our biggest plus is that he handled Shaq pretty well. I can't blame the offense on Ben.

Rip, Tay and Sheed didn't do much tonight. Chauncey is a bigger concern as he has shot reluctantly for awhile.

To beat the Heat we need to play a frenetic style like Dallas or Phoenix which will take Shaq and some of their slow players out of their rythym and on their heels. Did anyone in the organization scout how Chicago scored on them, how Phoenix ran on them during the season? If we run this team, and take it too them, they will fold up. If we don't, they can play half-court with us.

We need to get the ball moving around the horn for the open J. We need to find the seam of the defense as they come out on the shooters with only slow Shaq behind. Chauncey and Rip need to pull up for the short jumpers rather than take it in to Mourning. Sheed will come out next game and abuse Haslem.