Heat at Timberwolves
THE STORY: Dwyane Wade shook of an injury and rare subpar
performance to play the role of hero for the Miami Heat the last time
out. Wade and Co. will be looking to open the season with a fourth
straight win for only the second time in franchise history when the Heat
travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Wade missed the
third quarter but returned to hit a 10-foot bank shot with 2.6 seconds
left as the Heat rallied from 15 down for a 96-95 win over Charlotte on
Wednesday. "I guess that's why they give him the big bucks," joked
teammate LeBron James. The Heat have won three in a row against the
Timberwolves, who are attempting to avoid their worst start since going
0-5 in 2007-08.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Miami), FS North (Minnesota)
ABOUT THE HEAT (3-0):
Miami’s hot start can be attributed to one superstar and one surprising
rookie. James, a two-time MVP, is in fine form, averaging 32.7 points,
7.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists. First-year point guard Norris Cole has
found little issue fitting in on a team of stars. The 28th overall pick
in this year’s draft carried the Heat to a win over Boston on Tuesday
with 14 fourth-quarter points and is averaging 10.7 points off the
bench. Miami last started 4-0 in 2004-05.
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (0-2):
While rookies Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams continue to get
acclimated to the NBA, Kevin Love has picked up where he left off a
season ago. Love had 31 points and 20 rebounds in his last outing, a
98-95 loss to Milwaukee. Rubio is averaging 6.0 points and 5.0 assists
while Williams is at 8.0 points and 5.5 rebounds. The Timberwolves are
allowing 101 points per game, 26th in the league.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Wade has averaged 31.4 points on 54.9 percent shooting his past seven games versus the Timberwolves.
2. James and Wade have combined for 105 shots through three games, but neither has attempted a 3-pointer.
3.
Minnesota guard J.J. Barea did not practice Thursday because of a
hamstring injury and is questionable for this one. He helped Dallas
defeat Miami in last season’s NBA finals.