Celtics heat : Boston Shows Miami

The good thing about the Miami Heat's loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night is they only have two more games left against the Celtics. Miami out-rebounded the Celtics 37-35, and they only scored 8 less points in the paint, but on a night where the Heat's big men finally stepped up, it was the strength of Miami's team that eventually failed them.

Boston shot 54 percent from the field, dominated in transition with 19 fast break points, and the Celtics capitalized on 14 Miami turnovers by converting them into 19 more points.

In contrast the up-tempo Heat only managed 10 points in transition, and were destroyed at the point of attack as Celtics' point guard Rajon Rondo once again shredded Miami's defense with his constant penetration.

Point guard defense has become a glaring problem for the Heat, but more surprising was the Miami's poor transition defense, which was constantly pointed out by TNT's national commentators.

A 5-4 record this early in the season is certainly no reason to panic, because as Wade said after the game, Miami is probably the best 5-4 team in the NBA.

Some people assumed that the talent of Wade, James, and Chris Bosh would overwhelm the Celtics, but Boston proved that the sum of their team is greater than the Heat's talent, at least right now.

With a Lakers loss last week, the Hornets became the last man standing in the last of the undefeated behind brilliant play from point guard Chris Paul and a complete team effort from a group of guys that have bought into new head coach Monty Williams' system.

Through the team's first eight games of the season, the Hornets did not allow any of their opponents to reach 100 points, giving up an average of only 89 points per game.

No one gave the Hornets a chance in the off-season. Williams seems to have the veteran's support and has helped the team gain confidence after beating a number of playoff teams from a year a go, including the team many thought would be the cream of the crop this season in the Miami Heat when New Orleans beat them at home 96-93 behind a strong performance from both Paul and Emeka Okafor.

One disadvantage for the team is their division. The key of staying ahead of these teams moving forward is health. If the Hornets can stay healthy and continue to buy into Coach Williams' game plan, this has the makings of a great season.

For a winning team, the Hornets deserve your support more now than ever.

Then there are guys who, from time to time, get disappointed about playing time. Cuban also spoke about the Miami Heat's slow start this season. Any team with a strong, big guy that can score, they're getting abused by.”