Heat at Nets
THE STORY: The Miami Heat appear primed for a major letdown when
they visit the New Jersey Nets on Monday. The Heat clinched the
Southeast Division title Sunday with a 93-85 victory over the New York
Knicks – a possible playoff opponent – and are locked into the No. 2
seed in the Eastern Conference barring a staggering collapse by Chicago.
A letdown may not matter much against New Jersey, which has lost nine
consecutive games to the Heat.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Miami), YES (New Jersey)
ABOUT THE HEAT (42-17):
Facing the Knicks was a statement game for Miami, which is a pedestrian
17-13 away from home and had only one road win over a team with a
winning record (Philadelphia on March 16) since the All-Star break. ''We
know we're a great road team, we just have to go out there and prove it
night in and night out and ... hopefully this will give us some
momentum," said Chris Bosh, who had 16 points and 14 rebounds. LeBron
James had 29 points and Dwyane Wade added 28.
ABOUT THE NETS (22-39):
With a chance to build upon Friday’s upset win at Philadelphia, New
Jersey reverted to form and went down meekly in a 94-82 home loss to
Boston. Because of injuries, Shelden Williams has been starting at
center and his numbers in the past three games speak volumes: Eight
fouls versus one point. The one plus is rookie Jordan Williams is seeing
more playing time and responded with his first career double-double (12
points, 14 boards) against Boston.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Miami is 5-8 away from home since March 1.
2. New Jersey has lost five straight home games to the Heat and last beat Miami on March 20, 2009.
3. Wade set a franchise record Sunday by playing in his 594th game.