Point Guard Play
Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole continue to struggle since the All Star break. Chalmers brought up the rear with the worst +/- differential in Indiana with -23. He did score 13 points but had trouble containing Darren Collison, who finished with 20 points on 7-12 shooting. Norris Cole pitched in with a whopping 0 points on 0-4 shooting, finishing this three game road trip on 1-12 shooting.
3 Point Shooting
It appears that every team have their best 3 Point Shooting games against the Heat. Indiana seemed to take advantage of every Heat miscue by draining a 3. They shot 55.6% from, as Jason Jackson likes to call it, the land of milk and honey. Miami turned in a good game from beyond the arc despite still missing their best sharpshooter, Mike Miller. Dwyane Wade picked up some slack with his best 3PT Shooting game making 4 of his 8 attempts, despite only making six all season prior to Sunday.
No Rebounds, No Rings
A championship has never been won in March, but game after game a direct correlation seems to exist between rebounding and wins. The Pacers dominated the boards and had a "W" to show for it. Chris Bosh has yet another disappointing night on the glass. When you have the fewer rebounds than 6'0" Darren Collison and you are the tallest player on the floor for your team 99% of the time, there is cause for concern.
The Hustle Board
The Heat seemed to lack in all the areas of the game that require a little extra effort. Pacers outscored the Heat 11-4 in fast break points. Pacers out-rebounded the Heat on the offensive glass 14-9. Pacers forced more turnovers than the Heat 17-14.
Conclusion
Miami tends to lose in bunches. This marks the fifth time the Heat lose following another loss. This marks the first time in the Big 3 Era that the Heat lose consecutive games by double digits. This is no reason to panic, Heat fans. We are still in March. It's a long road to the finals and you know the Heat will be ready come the postseason.
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