Heat fended off by Celtics

Alright so, there are a lot of things to take away from this game. First of all, rebounding was non existent tonight. The Heat have to crash the boards hard if they want to win against powerhouse organizations. Personally, I would like to see Haslem in the starting 5. I think he is one of the most consistent players on the team, and fights extremely hard for rebounds. He deserves a shot in the starting line up.

Wade was off. He tried numerous times to get himself going and it just did not happen. I am glad he had the sense to give the ball up to LeBron and Bosh. Sometimes, it is better to know your not feeling it then to keep trucking it to the whole or pulling up.

Ray Allen had a career night. For three quarters this guy shot lights out, and it didn't matter who was guarding him. When Ray is hot like that he is unstoppable.

The defense fell apart to times. We saw a lot of choppy defense and the ball was getting into the paint way too easily. For Miami, I believe defensive synchronization will be more important than offensive. These guys have to trust each other.

I liked the way LeBron played late int he game. He knew he was hot and did his best to score while facilitating Bosh and Haslem. James Jones was not his normal lights out self, and LeBron had a little trouble with his range tonight. Having said that, the Miami Heat still made it a game. That is one positive we can take away.

This early into the season is no time to panic. Yes, this was a big game. Yes, it was extremely hyped up. However, it is not the end of the world that they lost. Miami has a days rest and then they play Toronto, which should not be that tough of a game. Miami needs to take some time and really focus on gelling so that they can be the best team possible.

I would like to see the Heat try a couple different looks in the rotation. I think big Z and Haslem are your most consist players off the bench, and perhaps they can set the tone for consistency in south beach. When I watched tonight's game, I really didn't feel like members of the Heat were confident in each other, and we didn't see much happening in the half court offense. What I did see was Pat Reilly taking some serious notes, so I assume he will have something to say. Reilly has handled big names before, and I am sure he will keep the Heat in check.

We all have to remember that this is a process. This is not NBA 2K or Madden where you can have a fantasy draft and all the players play amazing basketball together. LeBron, Wade, and Bosh need to understand their game, each others game, and the game of the rest of this team for the Heat to truly be successful. Dwayne Wade said himself that he does not expect them to be going full force until January of February, and Mike Miller will be a great addition. All and all, I saw a lot of things I didn't like, but a lot of things  I did. The Heat have all the potential in the world to be an amazing team this year, you just have to give them time. I believe in the next two weeks that the Miami Heat will collect themselves and become a consist offensive and defensive organization. Once they establish and identity on both sides of the court, they will be a tough squad to beat.

It is not over between Miami and Boston, not by a long shot.