Last Updated: Sep 7th, 2005 - 07:28:04 One Sweep Later By Sheherazad Abdullah
for HOOPSWORLD.com
May 8, 2005, 08:35
After 25 lead changes and 21 ties, the Miami Heat brought out the brooms and swept the New Jersey Nets, winning the series by an average of 13 points, 110-97. Not only did they outscore them but also they out blocked them by a ratio of 4:1. Miami performed well on both ends of the floor. They shot over 51 percent while holding New Jersey to under 40 percent. They also shot, stunningly, over 49 percent from three, and held the Nets to about 29 percent from the perimeter. They had 10 more fast break points and 16 more points in the paint.
The series was made into something very exciting to watch, as both backcourts went off. Miami guards Dwyane Wade and Damon Jones along with guard/forward Eddie Jones combined for 59 points, while New Jersey guard Jason Kidd and guard/forwards Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson combined for 60. This battle made up for roughly 57 percent of the total points scored in the series by both teams. This was great to watch, but it took a lot of stress off recovering Miami center Shaquille ONeal.
Many props go out to Nets center Nenad Krstic for his play on Shaq, but New Jersey has to keep in mind that the Diesel was not 100%, coming back from a thigh injury. He was probably 80-85% tops. Im not talking down on Krstic; he has the potential to be a very good big man in the Eastern Conference in a few years, after hes had time to mature. He no doubt showed signs of being a promising young big man in this league with a series average of 18 points and 8 boards against the most dominant center in the league. Even though Shaq was recovering, you must admit that those are good numbers, considering they were almost identical to ONeals. He also shot over 56 percent from the field and 79 from the stripe. That was no doubt an intriguing match up. | |
|
