A GM's Quest to Greatness | MUST READ Post Inside!

[Miniseys]

Okay, so I was thinking about getting Channing Frye...

I tested the interest meter of Portland and it seems they'll take Jamaal Magloire along with my future 1st round pick for Frye and some other player making under a million...

Thought's on this trade?

I would try to give my second round pick, if I would do this trade. I do not know if this trade will help you this season. It seems like Magloire is doing his work on defense. Frye is in my opinion more offencive minded and you have many offensive guys. This trade would only make your team younger but I doubt it will make you better. Maybe you can add quin or cook and ask for bayless and frye than its worth to give your first round pick because you get a very skilled combo guard to come off the bench.

[magician]

you're doing great i love your assoc. buut i think you shouldn't do the Frye trade..i mean he's not so good on the game even if he is sub..

[IM2FLASHY_330]

Thanks for all your opinions and sorry for the long wait for the next update. Something went down with my DSL Modem but its up and running so look for lots of updates to come...

I might wait a couple of months in the season before deciding on the trade.

It's still undecided but I'll keep you all updated...

[IM2FLASHY_330]

Hey guys, next simmed game update has been posted. Washington killed us! LMAO.

[IM2FLASHY_330]

(CLICK EITHER BANNER FOR TEAM STATS)

::Air Canada Centre::

Toronto, Canada (AP)- In tonight's match-up we feature two Eastern Conference teams who are having a great start to their season. Miami (6-3) will visit Toronto (5-3) to see who of the two teams will continue their seasons hot.

The Raptors are coming off a 78-65 loss at home to the Philadelphia 76ers. Bosh, Marion and Calderon seem to be the only 3 making any noise in Toronto as of late. So if these 3 can get it started, then maybe other role players will join in on the action. The starting 5 have been playing big minutes as of late which could be problematic as they face a relentless Miami Heat squad that can run, run and run.

Miami is coming off a huge loss to the Washington Wizards at home and will look to start another win streak in their favor. Being led by Dwyane Wade, the Heat will look to have a field day against the Raptors. No doubt Miami's defense will play a big role as they only allow 83 points a game and win by a margin of 10 points. They also average 13 steals a game which is 8 more than Toronto's 8.

If Toronto can guard the paint well and force Miami to shoot 20+ footers, I think they will be in good hands seeing as Miami is a 26% 3 point shooting team. And if Miami can keep Toronto under 83 points, then I see another blowout win going Miami's way.

And with that, we bring you to our "Key Matchup of the Day!"

::Key Matchup of the Day::


#30 Michael Beasley v. #23 Shawn Marion
(Click icons for Player Stats)

We all can't forget that Miami traded Shawn Marion for Jermaine O'Neal & Jamario Moon. But this is going to be an exciting match-up to see. Michael Beasley who took the 3 spot in place of Shawn Marion will face his older counter-part. They both have pretty similar stats, so it's pretty hard to say who will have a much more successful game.

However, if Beasley can go back to that 20 point beast he was in the very beginning of the season, I can really see Beasley out hustling Marion in this game. However, we can't forget Marion's defensive skills that made him who he is today. If Marion can put Beasley on that "San Andreas" defense then Marion can easily win this match-up.

With that in mind, this match-up is more of a toss-up and will be best determined by how well these players play defense on the other.

[IM2FLASHY_330]

Hey guys, decided to do a little something new with the Pre-Game updates. (added clickables so you can see each stats side by side).

Tell me what you think and I'll have the Raptor game posted in a few.

[IM2FLASHY_330]

"Wades 31 Not Enough to Put Away Raptors"


Wade & Marion Fighting for the Ball


(Click Team Banners for Box Score)

Toronto, Canada (AP)- Dwyane Wade was too hot for the Raptors to keep up with. Unfortunately, Wade got too hot at the wrong time as the Toronto Raptors beat Miami in a very close game, 90-84.

The Miami Heat came out the gates having hard time finding the bucket. Fortunately for them, they have Michael Beasley (who finished with 26) and Dwyane Wade (who finished with 31) who got them through the 1st quarter. As a whole the team shot 44% from the field connecting on zero 3 pointers and shotting just 75% from behind the line. The Heat were simply out hustled by Toronto's bench which scored 50 points on them!

Dwyane Wade showed in the 3rd why he is a threat in this league as he connected on 50% of his shots as he scored 16 in the 3rd quarter alone to bring Miami in close range to take the lead. However, it was Jason Kapono who continued his hot streak which eventually surpassed Wade's burst and gave Toronto the win.

The Raptors did everything right against the Heat. They shot 42% from the field connecting on 32 out of 76 and made 33% of their 3 pointers while shooting 92% from behind the line. The team destroyed Miami on the glass as they out-rebounded Miami 52-36. I think it was Miami's turnovers that were killing them because Miami had 10 turnovers and Toronto had 8 points off those turnovers which is too much, even for Miami.

Chris Bosh had himself a great game as he scored 17 points and grabbed 9 boards to go with 5 assists. Bosh was shut out for nearly the entire game but for himself slowly going late in the 3rd and throughout the game. Andrea Barnani had a double double night with 14 points and 11 rebounds to go with 1 steal and 2 blocks. Jason Kapono was the highlight man tonight with 21 points which really helepd Toronto beat Miami at home.

Game Notes: The Miami Heat were without Chris Quinn again due to family issues. He is scheduled to return in the line-up when they meet Toronto again in Miami.

::Player of the Game::


#4 Chris Bosh

17 points| 9 rebounds | 5 assists | 1 steals | 1 block

[IM2FLASHY_330]

Simmed game against the Washington Wizards are up guys...

[kibaxx7]

Ah tough losses against Wizards and Raps. Hope you bounce back next match

[magician]

tough loss against the raps..but maaate..im so inlove with your recaps,i mean those little photos they're really nice !

[IM2FLASHY_330]

Hey thanks a lot guys. Much appreciated.

Our next game is against the Raptors in our home court so we will look to get payback from the last couple of games...

[IM2FLASHY_330]

(CLICK EITHER BANNER FOR TEAM STATS)

::American Airlines Arena::

Miami, Florida (AP)- And here we are again. We have Toronto and the Miami Heat going at it again, only this time on Miami's home court. Miami's is currently 4-2 at home and Toronto is 0-4 away from home so I don't know what this will do for the game but it looks like Miami will bei n good hands.

If the Raptors want to win this game then they will need to do exactly what they did at home against the Heat as they protected the paint well and forced Miami to shoot the 20+ footers all night. If the Raptors can stick to this gameplan, they can easily look to get their first win away from home against the Miami Heat. But one thing stands in their way...

Dwyane Wade. Wade went crazy to score 31 points against the Toronto Raptors in the closing minutes. Why should Toronto be scared? Well, because Was scored most of his points in the 3rd and 3th quarter- now think if Wade started hot and finished the way he finished in Toronto. Now the Raptors will need to think up of a new gameplan for the MVP hopeful.

The Miami Heat will look to finally get Chris Quinn back as a family issue took him away for the line-up. He will be a crucial piece to the Heat rotation in this game seeing as Cook has been playing out of position.

If Toronto can play Wade hard, they have a decent chance of winning. As long as they keep in mind that Beasley is also a threat. If Wade and Beasley can set the tone for the Heat then look for Miami to get their payback.

::Key Players of the Game::


#4 Chris Bosh v. #3 Dwyane Wade
(Click icons for Player Stats)

The two leaders of their respective teams will play a crucial role in determining who wins the game. Bosh was quiet for most of their first meetin but since then, Bosh has been making his presence known on the offensive end. If Bosh can continue his offense spark I don't see why Toronto should lose the game. But then again we are talking about the Miami Heat.

Dwyane Wade is on a mission to make the playoffs after last season and he will not take any team lightly. Wade will look to establish himself real early which will help his team through the game. If Wade can be as explosive as he was in their last meeting, Miami will look to go 5-2 at home easily. Toronto must remember... DO NOT sleep on Dwyane Wade.

[IM2FLASHY_330]

"Wade Scores 29 As Heat Race Past Raptors"


Wade (above) during a fast break


(Click either banner for Team Stats)

Miami, Florida (AP)- This was not such a good match for the Raptors as it was for the Heat. The Miami Heat simply took it to the Raptors and gave the crowd a defensive show as Miami beat the Raptors 94-73.

From the get-go Miami showed signs of no letting down as they connected on 66% of their shots in the 1st quarter and shot 55% all game. This was perhaps one of Miami's best defensive and offenseive games this year. Miami connected on 3 of 7 shooting behidn the arc and a mere 60% from the charity line. Generally, Miami beat the Raptors with pure solid defense getting 10 blocks on the night to go with 4 steals.

Dwyane Wade performed spectacular as he shot 10 of 18 from the fieldand finished with 29 points to go with 3 assists and 3 blocks (allon Anthony Parkey). Michael Beasley had his 2nd double double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds to gowith 3 blocks and Jermaine O'Neal also ended the gamewith 14 points to go with 4 boards and 3 assists and also 3 blocks. Chalmers helped the cause with 13 points but committed 5 turnovers on the night.

The Raptors did not perform as well as they had hoped. This was not the Raptors team from a couple games ago. These Raptors shot 34% from the field going 28 of 82. They shot 20% from behind the arc and 88% from the chairty line. What killed the Raptors was the 20 fouls they committed on the Heat. However the Raptors did manage to get 12 fast break points against Miami due to the turnovers they forced.

Andrea Bargnani was Toronto's high point man with 19 points to go along with 12 rebounds for a double double. Chris Bosh was mediocre in this game with 17 points and 4 rebounds to go with 2 steals. Anthony Parker was the victim of 3 blocks by Dwyane Wade, but managed to get away with 16 points and 6 rebounds on then night. other than that, the other Raptor's were not even a factor in the game. Jason Kapono, who had 21 in the previous game, only had5 points and Shawn Marion had 0's all across his statline except for the one foul he committed.

With that, Miami goes 5-2 on their home floor and Toronto remains defeated away from home.

::Player of the Game::


#3 Dwyane Wade

29 points | 1 rebound | 3 assists | 1 steal | 3 blocks

[IM2FLASHY_330]

Hey guys, next simulated game (Indiana Pacers @ Miami Heat) has been posted.

Check in to see the result.

Next game at home is against the visiting Houston Rockets.

[IM2FLASHY_330]

::American Airlines Arena::

9-5 @ 9-4
(CLICK EITHER BANNER FOR TEAM STATS)

Miami, Florida (AP)- Things will look to surely heat up in this match. We feature two teams looking to make a playoff push this season. Tracy McGrady will look to lead his Rockets over Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat.

Miami is coming into this game with a 5-2 record at home meaning they will not go down without a fight and that the Rockets better come prepared. Dwyane Wade has had a stellar season as of late and will look continue his performance against the Rockets. If Miami wants a chance to win this game at home they will need to take good care of that 3 point arc as Houston is shooting at 40% from behind the arc. However, that shouldn't be problematic for the Heat either way because they only allow 85 points a game.

In reality, Miami owns every defensive stat against the Rockets averaging 11 steals and almost 5 blocks a game. The Rockets will need to play almost perfect offense if they hope to stand a chance against Spoelstra's lock down defense. One thign the Rockets must look out for is fouling. They average 20 a game and though Miami is only a 74% free throw shooting team, they thrive on driving and drawing the foul so 20 can easily be turned in 25 or more.

The one upside that Houston has is Yao Ming who can really be a threat to Miami downlow against Jermaine and/or Magloire. Look for Miami to double team early to get Yao out of the picture. Houston also has Ron Artest going against the rookie, Michael Beasley. This will be set to be an interesting match-up as Artest's defense can put anybody on lock.

::Key Players of the Game::


#1 Tracy McGrady v. #3 Dwyane Wade
(Click icons for Player Stats)

Tracy McGrady is coming into the game looking as healthy as he has been. He's led Houston to this great 9-5 start and will look to push 10 wins. McGrady has been the facilitator and the top scorer on this team so look for the offense to run through him sometime in the game when the focus is not on Yao. Basically, if McGrady can get a good game going, then I don't see why the Rockets can't win in Miami.

Dwyane Wade has been on a tear as of late. Scoring 31, 34 29 and 20 in the past four games so it'll be intersting how many he can score against the Rockets. Wade has been the heart of this team this season and everything he does dictates what his team mates will do on the floor. So if Wade can get his offense going, then look for Miami to score big points in that run n' gun scheme.

[IM2FLASHY_330]

"Last Second Error Gives Houston Win Over Heat"


Yao Ming (above) going in for a slam


(Click either banner for Team Stats)

Miami, Florida (AP)- Probably one of the most exciting games to watch so far in the season. It was one of those down to the last second games, literally. However, Miami made the one mistake that will really get under their skin as the Houston Rockets come out of Miami with a 99-98 victory.

Heading right into the 4th quarter action. There was only 29.5 second left on the clock and Miami was up by on (95-94), as Houston began to go down the floor, McGrady was putting moves on Wade which got Wade stuck in a screen which allowed for the backdoor cut and the easy 2. (96-95). Next possession, Chalmers bringing it up and with 5.3 seconds left, hits Wade for the 15 foot jumper. But wait foul call, Wade hits free throw. (98-96).

Just as Miami is beginning to celebrate, Artest inbounds the ball and kicks to Dan Dickau. With only 1.2 left in the game, Dickau fires, shoots, misses. However, the arena is filled with sounds coming from a whistle. FOUL. Nobody can believe it. Chalmers fouls Dickau from the 3 point line. Dickau heads to the line, strike 1, strike 2 and strike 3. Houston wins 99-98.

The look on Wade's face as they let this one get away was priceless. Wade scored 32 points but had nothing to show for it. Beasley did what he could with 19 points and 5 rebounds and Jermaine O'Neal worked the paint with 11 points to go with 6 rebounds. Adam Morrison struggled as he came back from his injury with 9 points to go with 2 steals and 2 boards. Even though Miami had another 50% shooting night, that one foul by Chalmers really cost them the game and their record now stands as 5-3 at home.

T-Mac led his team to a fierce back n forth battle and ended the game with 29 points to go with 7 rebounds, 3 steals and a block. Though Yao wasn't much of a scoring threat with 9 points, he did manage to snag 12 boards and dished out 7 assists. The big man of the game had to be Brent Barry who was simply lighting it up from behind the arc as he hit 50% of his threes. Dan Dickau who only had one field goal prior to his game winning free throws ended the game with 6 points.

With that, Miami goes 5-3 on their home floor and Houston get win number 10 to put them in the double digit win column.

::Player of the Game::


#1 Tracy McGrady

29 points | 7 rebound | 2 assists | 3 steal | 1 blocks

[kibaxx7]

Dan Dickau? I thought he was dead

[IM2FLASHY_330]

Dan Dickau? I thought he was dead

Yeah I know which is why I was so ashamed of the outcome of the game lol...

I'd understand someone who was a known scorer but Dickau?

I had to walk outta of my room to prevent myself from turning the PS2 off lol...

[IM2FLASHY_330]

::U.S. Airways Center::

10-5 @ 11-5
(CLICK EITHER BOX FOR TEAM STATS)

Phoenix, Arizona (AP)- Miami is coming off a win in Portland and things will only look to get tougher as the 11-5 Phoenix Suns stand in their way of getting back on track.

Miami will need to have one of its best defensive performances as they are facing a high-octane offense in Phoenix. Being led by Steve Nash, the Suns are coming into the game averaging 112 points a game! However, Miami is allowing only 86 points to opposing teams. So it will be very interesting to see what the outcome of this game will be. Miami's offense shouldn't much of a problem if their defense stands astrong as Phoenix allows 100 points per opponent. This will be a battle of two run n gun offense colliding into one game.

Dwyane Wade was so furious at their home loss against Houston that he stormed out of the arena. And after the win in Portland, look for Wade to be at the top of his game tonight. He' is in attack mode and when he's hot, nobody can stop him. However, he will need a lot of help from his supporting cast. Jermaine O'Neal, Adam Morrison, Hakim Warrick and Micahel Beasley will all need to bring their A game if they hope to steal one in Phoenix.

Steve Nash is coming int othe game averaging a double double in points scored and assists. The entire Phoenix offense will be relying on Nash's quickness and passed to get them through the game. If Nash can penetrate and kick Phoenix can easily win this game at home. If Nash struggles then look for Miami to take advantage and steal one.

::Key Players of the Game::


#0 Mario Chalmers v. #3 Steve Nash
(Click icons for Player Stats)

This will be an interesting match-up tonight. Steve Nash's offense will be a big factor in the game and if he can run over Chalmers then Miami will be looking to have a long night ahead of them. Nash is averaging 10 assists a game, if Chalmers can keep Nash under 10 then it wold force other Suns players to get involved in the action

It's not so much Chalmers' offense that will be a factor against Nash, but his defense. Chalmers is averaging 2.3 steals a game and his quickness can most likely keep up with Nash. Chamler's has had 3 games where he's forced an 8 second backcourt violation on the teams opposing point guard. If he can have those types of games against Phoenix then maybe the Heat can pull off a win in Phoenix.

[IM2FLASHY_330]

"Beasley Leads Heat in Victory Over Suns"


Wade with a vicious dunk in Phoenix


(Click either banner for Team Stats)

Phoenix, Arizona (AP)- The Phoenix Sun's were not prepared for what was to come from rookie Michael Beasley, nor did they prepare for Wade's near triple double. What Miami gave them, was a 81-73 thrashing at home.

The entire first half belonged to the Miami Heat as they outscored Phoenix 45-25. Dwayne Wade decided not only was he going to be a scoring threat- but a threat on the glass and a threat to create plays for his teammates. Wade finished the game with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. The entire Miami Heat shot a combiend 38% from the field which deemed enough to put away the Suns.

Michael Beasley was the man of the hour as he punished Phoenix for 24 points and 14 rebounds giving him yet another double double of the season. i tell you, Beasley is quickly building his resume for Rookie of the Year. Jermaine O'Neal helped the cause wih 14 points of his own and 7 rebounds. Morrison and Warrick had a combined 11 points as they struggled offensively.

Steve Nash had an average game. 14 points, 6 assists but committed 8 turnovers thanks in part to Chalmers defense. Nash had to fight for every shot andfor ever assist given. Matt Barnes had himself a great game off the bench with 14 points and 11 boards. The bigs for Phoenix (O'Neal and Stoudemire) only combined for 15 points. Shaq had 7 boards and Stoudemire 11. Other notable players included Leandro Barbosa (12) and Grant Hill (11).

The Phoenix Suns shot a team low of 31% from the field and shot a poor 62% from behind the charity line.

Miami is now 11-5 as the push to stay 1st in their Division and 2nd in their Conference.

::Player of the Game::


#30 Michael Beasley

24 point(s) | 14 rebound(s) | 0 assist(s) | 2 steal(s) | 2 block(s)

[kibaxx7]

Great game by Beasley Strange to see a Dallas fan in the Suns court

[IM2FLASHY_330]

Alright guys! Got the month of November out the way and I'm pretty impressed with the teams record.

I filled in the "Team Leaders" section on the first page so feel free to check it out and see where everyone is at.

Also, if you noticed in the "Simmed Games" section, I gathered all the sim games and gave you all a record. That's how I will be doing it the whole season. List all of the simmed games for that month, then at then end just tally it up and give you the record.

Thanks again for following and sorry if you guys think I'm lagging on the storyline, I'M NOT! Lol, Just dont want chapters clustered around one month so you will all be seeign new chapters to "The Life" so stay tuned.

Thanks again...

[IM2FLASHY_330]

::Oracle Arena::

11-6 @ 7-10
(CLICK EITHER BOX FOR TEAM STATS)

Oakland, California (AP)- Tonight we will feature two similar teams running the run' n gun scheme as the Miami Heat look to take on the Golden State Warriors!

Miami is coming off a loss in L.A. against the Clippers in which Dwyane Wade was finally held to below 20 points for the first time this season. However, I don't think we will see a repeat of that tonight as he looks to take his team and run the Warriors out of their own arena. Meanwhile, Monta Ellis is having a solid season so far with an average of 18 points a game and 7 assists a game. Ellis will need to put on one hell of a peformance if he looks to defend his home court.

Statistically, the Warriors can be in trouble as they give up over 100 points a game. Not the kind of stat you want if you're facing the Heat considering they a couple of stars who can score 20+ on any given night. The Warriors will need to play solid offense if they hope to surpass Miami's 83 points allowed a game tonight. Which mean, no turnovers! The Warriors average 14 turnovers a game and Miami avergaes 10 steals a game which all have been converted into point on the other end.

To sum this game up, it looks like it will be the Warriors offense against the Miami Heat's defense and vice versa. If the Warriors can contain the Heat to around 85 and below points, they could be looking at a victory, but if they allow Miami to score more than 90, well let's just say the Warrios will be in for a rude awakening.

::Key Players of the Game::


#0 Mario Chalmers v. #8 Monta Ellis
(Click icons for Player Stats)

Mario Chalmers will see himself in yet another point guard battle against the quick and fiesty Monta Ellis. Ellis is quick on his feet and isnt afraid to shoot. Chalmers will need to be paying very close attention as Monta Ellis can switch up the pace at any moment during the game. Chalmers did an excellent job against Nash forcing 8 turnovers, but Monta is much younger and much more faster than Nash so it will be interesting to see if Chalmers can keep up.

Monta Ellis can not sleep on Chalmers! Chalmers can go for 15+ on any night and can go for 8+ assists, Ellis will need to be tough minded and be smart when playing Chalmers because Chalmers is slowly getting it into an offensive groove which can be a work of wonder combined with Wade and Beasley. Monta is smart, so I don;t think we will see a lot of mistakes on his part, though.

[IM2FLASHY_330]

"Heat Trounce Warriors 92-69"

12-6 @ 7-11


Beasley (left) driving against Anthony Randolph

Oakland, California (AP)- The Golden Staten Warriors just did not find their offensive groove as they basically gave this game away to the Miami Heat 92-69.

The Miami Heat came into the game looking like a team that does nothing but blow teams out. The Heat shot 42- of 90 from the field (47%) and had a season low 9 free throw attempts making 7 of them. The Miami Heat did have problems turning the ball over on silly or lazy passes which ended in conversions at the other end for the Warriors so Miami didnn't play perfectly per se.

The Warriors shot a team low 32% from the field on 26 of 80 shooting thanks in part to the tough minded Miami defense which had 12 steals and 9 blocekd shots on the night. The Warriors were guarded well by the Heat as they connected on none of their 9 three-point attempts. The Warriors' problem was that they commited 20 turnovers which is something you simply can't do against the Heat. Defensively, the Warriors were right there with the Heat with 12 steals and 2 blocekd shots.

Jermaine O'Neal had himself a great game with 16 points and 10 boards giving him a double double on the night, which included 3 blocked shots. Dwyane Wade, again, led the team in points with 21 points to go with 4 assists and 2 steals. Micheal Beasley added 16 points to go with 5 boards, 3 asissts, 3 steals and 1 block. Other key players included Chris Quinn who dished out 7 assists as there are talks of him starting in the next game over Chalmers.

For the Warriors, Biedrins seemed to have carried the entire load for the Warriors with 17 points, 9 rebounds and a season best 5 steals on the night. Monta Ellis just couldn't get anything started against Mario Chalmers as he was held to just 9 points. Stephen Jackson had a solid game with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals.

::Top 5 Performers::

[IM2FLASHY_330]

::American Airlines Arena::

8-12 @ 13-6
(CLICK EITHER BOX FOR TEAM STATS)

Miami, Florida (AP)- Kevin Durant and the Seattle Supersonics will be coming into Miami where Dwyane Wade and the red hot Miami Heat will look to defend their home-court and improve their record as they are already #1 in their division and get a better grip on the #2 seed right behidn the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Miami is coming off a win in Utah where 3 players had a double double! Dwyane Wade had 22 points and 13 assists, Mario Chalmers had 17 points and 11 assists and Udonis Haslem had 13 points and 14 rebounds. Prior to that game, Jermaine O'Neal was red hot and has been looking like the Jermaine O'Neal we're all used to see back then. No doubt that O'Neal and Wade will be major factors in this game. Just because they're the Supersonics, doesn't mean they can't surprise a team.

Seattle is coming off a 111-92 thrashing loss against the Charlotte Bobcats in which they allowed 6 players to score in double figures and two of them had a double double on the night. Keving Durant did what he could with 20 points but it simply wasn't enough. If the Sonics hope to have a fighting chance in this game, they will need to play defense as they give up 95 points a game. The Heat, statisically have a better field goal percentage so look for Miami to score high against the mediocre Seattle Supersonics defense.

Durant will need all the help he can get if he hopes to get hsi team out of Miami alive. It won't be an easy task, but if the Sonics can get Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and Damien Wilkins going, then they could possibly give Miami a run for their money.

::Key Players of the Game::


#35 Kevin Durant v. #3 Dwyane Wade
(Click icons for Player Stats)

It will be interesting to see if the Sonics decide to put Durant as a shooting guard or at the small forward position. But either way he will be facing 2 tough competitors in Beasley and Wade. Durant is probably having his best career as of yet averaging 23.4 points a game and 5.4 rebounds a game- basically just having a great all around sophomore year. He's 6'9" so if he's at the 2, Wade will need to get physical with the tall and scrawny 215 pound Durant.

Wade is on a rampage and is looking better than ever. Even better than the teams 2006 Championship run! If Wade can get himself established early and draw the double teams, he can easily kick it out to any of his 3 points shooters or even kick it in the post for a dunk. The way this game will be determined is this: If Wade has a successful game, the team will have a successful win. Everything goes back to Dwyane Wade.