On 2 June 2016, we got to watch the Heat and Celtics in action at North Highland Assembly of God's gymnasium.  The Celtics were without Jerel Jackson, Johnny Vasquez, Christopher None, and Jack Canon.  The Heat were without Michael Brown and Christopher Alexander.  An NBA commentator recently stated that Oklahoma City Thunder is the better team "On Paper", but how they play does not equate to their record or failure to win the championship.  This is what I am repeating about the Heat.  When you look at the Heat's roster - you see a dynamic team that just cannot or will not work hard to be the team that is on paper.  On the other hand, we get to see the Celtics in a vulnerable position due to internal calamity that could cause them a repeat to the finals/championship.

The Celtics' starting lineup consisted of #23 Tim Sanks, #1 Al Wilson, #8 Jerald Mahone, #00 Ralph Mathews, and #2 Steve Woodson.  The Heat's starting lineup consisted of #11 Norman King, #33 Otis Lewis, #24 Sidney Dowlen, #8 Antonio Anthony, and #15 Johnny Sanchez.

The game started with a "Delay of Game" technical foul against the Celtics and 10-minute first half.  Antonio Anthony made the technical shot to put the Heat in motion.  Once both teams were in action, I watched the Celtics hustle for every minute, rebound, and shot.  Tim Sanks and Ralph Mathews scored 9-points, each, to lead the Celtics.  Steve Woodson and Jerald Mahone contributed 7-points to the Celtics' hustle.  The O'Jays stated in a song, "Your body is here with me, but your mind is on the other side of town".  That applied to the Heat.  They were there, but their minds were not collectively on playing or winning the game.  I watched the Heat's guards play with the intent to win, however, the forwards and center were walking or complaining while walking.  That is definitely not the team on paper.  Both teams played an almost "no contact" first half with the Heat committing the one and only team foul.  The Celtics made the first half look easy by cruising pass the Heat 25 - 13. 

The second half was much better for both teams.  They, each, scored 38 second half points.  Tim Sanks ran off with 17 points, #4 Lorenzo Johnson dropped in 6 points, and #00 Ralph Mathews added 7 points.  The Heat's Norman King had to do the heavy work and lead his team with 13 points.  Johnny Sanchez added 9 points to King's assault and #17 Felton Scott finally found the target for 5 points.  The Heat committed nine team fouls and the Celtics committed 10.  The Celtics defeated the Heat 63 - 51.

SIDE NOTE:  At this junction, coaches should know the talent of each individual player on the team and ask each player to incorporate that talent/strength towards making the team better.  I understand that the game has transitioned to taller players playing like guards, but taller players must realize where the advantages are when your teammates are shorter.  Someone has to get rebounds and bang with the opponent's big men.  When the taller players are shooting from 3-point range, only, there is a communication gap between the coach and the player.  At some point, you have to know your players and convince them to do what is best for the team.  Every competitive contest is based on knowing what pieces you have to compete with.  LAST THING:  DISTRACTION IS A TERRIBLE THING.

The Celtics' scorers were:  #23 Tim Sanks with 26 points, #00 Ralph Mathews with 16 points, #2 Steve Woodson with 8 points, #4 Lorenzo Johnson with 6 points, #8 Jerald Mahone with 5 points, and #1 Al Wilson with 2 points.

The Heat's scorers were:  #11 Norman King with 15 points, #15 Johnny Sanchez with 11 points, #24 Sidney Dowlen with 8 points, #17 Felton Scott with 5 points, #8 Antonio Anthony with 5 points, #13 Donald Brophy with 4 points, and #33 Otis Lewis with 3 points.