(Video courtesy of NBA.com)
Thanks to a highlight-reel worthy dunk from James Ennis, the Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards 107-95 in a game of streaks. Here are some quick shots about Miami’s win:
The Good: Chris Bosh showed that he is ready to assume the role of Main Guy for the Heat. He finished with 26 points and 15 rebounds, the first time he’s done that in a Miami uniform.
He was able to do it in all areas of the floor from taking his defender off the dribble in the paint to making three of four shots from beyond the arc. Mario Chalmers looked to be taking his new role as Dwyane Wade‘s primary backup in stride with eight points.
He was able to help stabilize the Heat offense after a sloppy start was able to take some of the load of guarding John Wall from the man that replaced him in the starting lineup, Norris Cole.
Cole for his part settled down after a shaky start to finish as Miami’s second leading scorer with 23 points. Wade was the team’s third leading scorer with 21 points including two late three pointers to keep the Wizards at bay.
He had an injury scare with a calf contusion in the second half but was able to come back in the game.
The Bad: The Heat finished the night making nine of 28 three point shot attempts. Shawne Williams was particularly bad from beyond the arc missing all six of his attempts while finishing his night with only one field goal. A lack of three-point shooters is one of the concerns that Miami has this season and Williams, who started the game in place of the injured Josh McRoberts, can’t have nights like this if he wants to stay in the rotation.
Another concern is the sloppy start to the game, something that has persisted for the Heat. The saving grace for Miami was that the Wizards were equally as sloppy.
Highlight of The Game:
Without question the play getting the most attention tonight was rookie James Ennis’ emphatic dunk over Rasual Butler early in the fourth quarter. Ennis has shown in the preseason that he is capable of making plays like this and if tonight is any indication he will be posterizing more defenders as the season goes on.