Hornets top Miami by 3

This game was a lot like the first game of the season against Boston. We saw a lot of similarities to the Celtics game. Basically, Chris Paul had a strong game, much like Rondo. Trevor Ariza started out hot and gave New Orleans a solid lead, which they did not give up until late in the fourth quarter. Lets break this game down and see what good and bad we can take away from it...

Bad

-the defense was not its usual Miami Heat lock down D. The Heat gave up a high shooting percentage, and Chris Paul used his quickness to get into the lane frequently. Ariza got too many open looks, and it cost them in the end.

-the rebounding just was not their tonight. This going to be a tough area for Miami. Even when they win by 25, there are always a lot of second chance opportunities. I saw way too many offense boards and tip outs from the Hornets today,so I would definitely say its something that needs improvement.

Good

-LeBron hit some clutch free throws to give New Orleans the lead. In a hostile away game, those are the types of points Miami needs. He stepped up and knocked down some big ones towards the end, and Miami's entire comeback was based on the free throw line.

- Bosh hit A HUGE shot. I know Bosh is always criticized for being a jump shot forward, but this shot in particular was big. That 3 ball was the biggest thing I have seen Bosh do this season. I like the way he played offensively tonight. I expect bigger things from him in the future.

- Miami proved they can create a strong comeback. Sure it was not completed, but Miami proved they can still play together in the closing minutes of a close game. If one or two more shots had dropped, or a few calls went the other way, I would be here talking about a Heat victory right now. I really loved what the Heat put together in the closing minutes, to spite the loss.

Good or bad aside, its rough to lose a game like that. I think everyones stomach dropped when Ariza's 3 from the corner dropped. However, like my basketball coach in middle school always told me, with every loss their is a lesson. When you break down today's game, Miami should use the lessons they learned in future games. With a stronger presence on the glass and that lock down defense we are used to, we know the Heat are going to get it done. Bosh continue to come into his own, and there is still no ceiling on Miami Heat basketball. I believe that all successful sports teams have to lose sometimes in order to truly address some of the aspects of their game that they can improve on. Early in the season, when plenty of teams are still searching for their identity, a loss like this may prove to be good for the Heat.

The Heat head home tomorrow to face the Nets for the second time this season. Although it is only a game after, expect the Heat to take out a lot of frustration on the Nets.