I thought this graphic on twitter from Rob Cabrera was appropriate after the HEAT’s loss in Indiana last night.  The most important message…KEEP CALM HEAT fans!

Let’s look at the facts.  Yes the HEAT were outrebounded by 20 by the Chicago Bulls last Friday night.  Yes last night, they were outrebounded by the Indiana Pacers by 19 (55-36).   Yes, this team does know how to rebound….just not consistently.

23 The Magic Number?
If you really look at the numbers from last nights game, the Miami HEAT did an excellent job defending the Pacers.  They held Indiana to just 36% FG’s & 87 total points.   It was the Pacers domination on the boards which led to 23-2nd chance points, Miami only had 6.  22 offensive rebounds led Indiana to 23 more shot attempts than Miami, prompting Dwyane Wade to say on HEAT Live on SunSports after the game “they should of had alot more points tonight.”  Wade was efficient in the first half with 23points.

More Support Shooting
The HEAT’s 3 All-Stars combined for 66 points last night,  Lebron continuing his 20+ points streak. Unfortunately the shots were not falling for Ray Allen 0/5, Shane Battier 0/3, and Mario Chalmers 1/6.  If the HEAT can get some more production out of the bench on this tough 6 game road trip, things should improve.

As we are reminded by this tweet by team owner Micky Arison, the Miami HEAT still have the best record in the Eastern Conference.  Though rebounding needs to improve, they are still the defending champs, and still have the best player in the league…Lebron James of course!

Enjoy these late games, should be a lot of competitive basketball coming at you this week on SunSports.  Just make sure to set your alarm and have that extra cup of coffee!