Shaq has said in the past that he cruises during the regular season to save energy for the playoffs. He will need to change his tune this season or there won’t be any playoffs because the Heat don’t have a lot of talent. The Heat will only go as far as D-Wade and Shaq take them. Shaq has played in 14 games this season and he has averaged 28.7 minutes, 16.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.1 blocks per game. Without an inspired Shaq the Heat’s season will be over in mid-April.

The only real bright spot in this basketball game for the Heat was that Dwyane Wade made his return. D-Wade played 24 minutes last night and he scored 15 points, grabbed 1 rebound and dished out 5 assists. Rickey Davis led the Heat in scoring with 19 but he only shot 5 for 18 from the floor. The Heat fell to 1-7 on the season with this loss.

The Miami Heat looked pathetic last night in Charlotte. They only shot 38.5% from the floor and they were outrebounded 47-38 and those were the two biggest reasons for the beating they took. Shaq only played 25 minutes and he led the way for the Heat with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. Udonis Haslem only shot 4 of 13 from the floor but he was the only other Heat player in double figures with 10 points and 7 rebounds. The Heat fell to 1-6 on the season with this loss.

The Heat played great defense in holding the Knicks to 37.3% shooting from the floor and they outscored the Knicks 23-14 in the 4th quarter to seal the victory. Jason Williams did a good job of running the show with 17 points, 5 assists and 3 steals. Udonis Haslem had a outstanding game with 16 points, 16 rebounds and 3 assists. Shaq also had one of his better games of this season with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocked shots. The Heat are now 1-5 on the season.

The Heat matched baskets with the Suns for three quarters (79-79) but the Suns scorched them 27-17 in the 4th quarter to extinguish the Heat. Shaquille O’Neal was inspired for once this season and he led the way for the Heat with 25 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocked shots. Jason Williams did a good job of running the show for the Heat with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals. Ricky Davis (20 points, 7 rebounds) and Udonis Haslem (20 points, 13 rebounds) both pitched in on a good effort by the Heat. Still, the Heat are now 0-5 on the season.