ASK IRA: Is it time to cue the Heat’s ‘Good job, good effort’ kid?
Q: I know it’s a tough way to get beat. But the Heat did everything they could to win the game. Cade Cunningham was just better on that play. Thirteen more games. – Steven.
A: To say the Heat did everything they could to win Wednesday night’s game is to say it has reached the point where mere effort suffices. The Heat led by eight in the fourth quarter. They scored four points in the final 4:27. They shot 1 of 8 on 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and were outrebounded 15-5 in the period. Bam Adebayo played 9:30 in the fourth, did not score in the period, and had just one rebound. So, no, not everything they could, unless the expectations are that this is who they are, at the point where they needed that “Good job, good effort” kid from the 2012 playoffs leaning over above the exit tunnel to console them after losses. But, yes, 13 more in the regular season and then at least one more in the play-in round.
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Q: Hi Ira. A different sort of roster question: who are our “dogs” left on this roster? Those in the mold of Udonis Haslem, Jimmy Butler, Caleb Martin, P.J. Tucker? – Juan, Denver.
A: Good question, and I’m not sure anyone fits that mold, and that could be part of the problem. Pelle Larsson has some, to use your parlance, “dog” in him. But he’s hardy of the build or experience to impact games in such a way. Haywood Highsmith can have some of that, but it mostly is not his nature. And that’s part of the problem, that and not enough of the Heat’s power players are power players.
Q: It now seems certain that the Heat will finish with the worst record of Erik Spoelstra’s career. Should a replacement coach be found to lead the rebuild? – Wayne, Miami.
A: I remain of the belief that not only does Erik Spoelstra enjoy the job, but he relishes challenges, which are what will come next. For those who believe Erik Spoelstra to be less than fully engaged, go to a game and watch him on the sideline. Then watch him push through his postgame interviews. This is not someone mailing it in. He has remained animated, engaged and passionate. And, currently, hurting.
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Watch Cade Cunningham's banked-in game-winner at buzzer, Pistons' win extends Heat losing streak to nine
Did Cunningham call bank? "I might have whispered it. I don’t think anybody heard that, though."Yahoo Sports - 18h -
ASK IRA: Is it time to simply accept the talent deficit of the current Heat roster?
Q: Bam Adebayo only taking seven shots each in the last two games is ridiculous. Who is that on? Tyler Herro dribbling too much, with the lack of a true point guard? Erik Spoelstra’s coaching? – ...Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Cade Cunningham banks in game-winning 3 to push Pistons past Heat
Cunningham struggled with his shot early, missing six of his eight attempts in the first quarter, but finished with 25 points on 9-of-25 shooting to go with 12 rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks and ...Yahoo Sports - 19h -
ASK IRA: Are the Heat at a point where it’s all about beating the bad?
Q: Once again the Miami Heat have made their opponent look like zillion dollars. They simply are a bad team who may well be quitting. My hope of a .500 year is totally gone. There is nothing to ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Cade Cunningham banks Detroit Pistons past Miami Heat, 116-113, in final second
Detroit Pistons score: Cade Cunningham hit a 3 off the backboard with 0.6 seconds left to complete a comeback in a 116-113 win over the Miami Heat.Yahoo Sports - 20h -
And it gets worse: Cade Cunningham banks in 3-pointer for 116-113 Pistons win, extending Heat skid to nine
MIAMI – The search for a win, any win continues. Something that last happened for the Miami Heat on March 3. For a team that often talks about relief points, not enough were forthcoming for Erik ...Yahoo Sports - 20h -
Cade Cunningham silencing durability concerns during breakout season for Pistons
Wednesday's victory over the Miami Heat was Cade Cunningham's 65th game this season, setting a new career high and qualifying him for NBA awards.Yahoo Sports - 12h -
ASK IRA: Does Tyler Herro have the Heat rethinking his impending extension window?
Q: Doesn’t Tyler Herro realize he is playing for an extension? He has really struggled since the All-Star Game. – Andrew. A: No question. It is one thing to thrive when there at least is the threat ...Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Cunningham banks in a 3 for the win and Pistons send Heat to their 9th straight loss, 116-113
Cade Cunningham banked in a 3-pointer with less than a second remaining, giving the Detroit Pistons a 116-113 win over Miami on Wednesday night and sending the Heat to their ninth consecutive ...Yahoo Sports - 20h
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