When the big 3 become the big 2

Everyone has been wondering what happens when one leg of the big 3's tripod got kicked out from under them. Last night Wade was not able to play, and we found out. The Heat were not able to hold off Memphis, and Rudy Gay knocked down the buzzer-beater for the win.

Many are quick to point the blame at the fact that Wade was unable to participate. However, I see this whole situation from a different perspective.

I believe that it is just important to know how to play basketball when one of the big 3 is not there. Wade gets banged up from time to time, and Bosh and James are not unbreakable. At some point, 2 (or maybe even 1) member of the big 3 will have to step on the court for tip off alone. In this event, preparation is key.

So what does D Wade bring to the offense? He stretches the court, opens up lanes, and plays some lock down defense. Stack  took the court last night as a starter in place of Wade. Now I am not saying Stack is a bad player, but his best years are behind him; He is nowhere near the threat that Wade is, and cannot stretch the court in the way he does.

Miami had a lot of trouble finding good looks last night. James did his thing on drives and pull up jumpers while Bosh got his numbers, but the role players (other than House) seemed to struggle. When Wade is unable to play, the Heat have to develop a different style of play that adapts to the fact that the defense will be slightly more condensed. We saw James Jones have some trouble last night, and I believe a lot of that was due to the fact he was not playing his catch-and-shoot style he was used to. When the ball was kicked to him, the defender was still within proximity to make a play (which usually doesn't happen).

I know the Heat have a lot to work on, and I also know that this game just adds another item to the list. But the Heat need to be able to adapt and change playing styles in the absence of some of their players. Last night, LeBron hinted at the fact that Udonis Haslem may be riding the bench for a while with a foot injury. Haslem brings a lot of defensive intensity to the table, and he will be greatly missed. But again, this is another opportunity for the Heat to learn to adapt to different situations.

The Miami Heat cannot hang their heads now. It is better to suffer these injuries earlier in the season rather than later, and hopefully everyone is all healed up in time for the playoffs. The Heat have the Pacers coming up this Monday night. I am not saying that is an easy win by any stretch, but it is better that they are playing Indiana rather than LA,Orlando, or Boston. With a little luck, the Heat may have a little time to heal up. In the mean time, Miami has to focus on the positives, learn from their mistakes, and continue to work towards greatness.