- 8,025
- 216
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2001
Heat stars: We're behind on chemistry
By Kevin Arnovitz
ESPN.com
MIAMI -- Even as their principal players return to health, the Miami Heat readily acknowledge that they can't compete with the chemistry established by the Boston Celtics and other formidable rivals.
"We're way behind those guys," LeBron James said following the Heat's practice on Wednesday. "Just look at the number of games played, the number of playoff series those guys have had. We're only a few months in together -- 40-something-plus games. I've seen the statistics. Boston has like 250-plus games played together. We're way behind those teams."
The Heat, who acquired James and Chris Bosh in July to join Dwyane Wade in Miami, have played only 48 games together with that core of stars. In contrast, the Celtics' primary starters, a cast that includes Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo, were assembled in 2007. Other title contenders feature rosters of familiar faces, as well.
"You talk about Boston, you talk about Orlando or the Lakers, we're never going to catch those guys in experience," Dwyane Wade said.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has stressed all season the importance of developing a common familiarity -- particularly among the Heat's primary scorers -- through meticulous preparation and the repetition that comes with the grind of the NBA season.
“There are some lineups we're playing right now that literally had not played together after 47 games.
By Kevin Arnovitz
ESPN.com
MIAMI -- Even as their principal players return to health, the Miami Heat readily acknowledge that they can't compete with the chemistry established by the Boston Celtics and other formidable rivals.
"We're way behind those guys," LeBron James said following the Heat's practice on Wednesday. "Just look at the number of games played, the number of playoff series those guys have had. We're only a few months in together -- 40-something-plus games. I've seen the statistics. Boston has like 250-plus games played together. We're way behind those teams."
The Heat, who acquired James and Chris Bosh in July to join Dwyane Wade in Miami, have played only 48 games together with that core of stars. In contrast, the Celtics' primary starters, a cast that includes Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo, were assembled in 2007. Other title contenders feature rosters of familiar faces, as well.
"You talk about Boston, you talk about Orlando or the Lakers, we're never going to catch those guys in experience," Dwyane Wade said.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has stressed all season the importance of developing a common familiarity -- particularly among the Heat's primary scorers -- through meticulous preparation and the repetition that comes with the grind of the NBA season.
“There are some lineups we're playing right now that literally had not played together after 47 games.
