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Heat Starting Lineup Will Not Be Changed Despite Struggles
Erik Spoelstra Chooses Not to Change Starters
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will not be changing the team's starting lineup, despite their underperformance and slow game-opening minutes.
"I don't see a need to [change] right now," said Spoelstra. "We can change what we need to within ourselves and do it with a better motor and better athleticism and better awareness to start the game."
During their first round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers (which the Heat lead 3-1), the starting lineup has consisted of the Big 3 (Wade, James, and Bosh), former Hawks point guard Mike Bibby, and former Cavalier Zydrunas Ilgasuskas. This lineup has been outscored by 29 during the series in 60 combined minutes of playing time. And most of that being outscored took place in the first quarters of the games.
But despite the starting lineup's struggles, Heat veteran Dwyane Wade agrees with his coach.
"That lineup is not our most energetic lineup," admitted Wade. "Obviously, when Joel [Anthony] comes into the game and, at times, with [Mario Chalmers] coming into the game, a lot of times that's our best defensive, lively and energetic lineup. The starting unit is not that kind of lineup and we understand that, but we do have to start off better."
During Game 4 on Sunday, the 76ers opened up a 20-6 lead in the first quarter. That is until Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony were put into the game, after which the Heat oustcored the 76ers 46-21 in the remainder of the first half.
But Spoelstra isn't going to let that one game affect his decision.
"I'm not going to overreact to it right now or overanalyze," said Spoelstra. "I can change that rotation immediate into the game, so a lot of that is so overstated. We have faith in them and what they provide."
On Sunday, Big Z scored only 1 point, while Mike Bibby scored no points in 14 minutes, going 0 for 6 from the field.
But Wade has faith in the team's supporting cast. And like coach Spoelstra, he is not going to let one bad game change everything.
"A lot of people will look at their scoring, but we'll take those same shots that Mike Bibby got [in Game 4] and the guys got," said Wade. "Well take them again next game."
(Sources: ESPN.com)
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