Strong Second Half Gives Heat Third Straight Win

The Miami Heat trailed by 11 at the half on Tuesday but a solid second half lifted them to a 90-85 win over the Houston Rockets.

It was the third win in a row for Miami after beginning the preseason with four straight losses. Now, with one game to go, the Heat have an opportunity to finish the exhibition schedule with with an even record.

Only ten players saw time on the court as head coach Erik Spoelstra focused more on the players that are expected to make the team. As the preseason has winded down, the Heat have begin treating these games more like regular season contests. Regulars are playing more minutes and are being rotated on closer to a normal schedule.

Norris Cole started which is something he has done in every game with the exception of the first preseason game. Whether he starts over Mario Chalmers for the regular season opener remains to be seen. Chalmers to his credit has not sulked over the reserve role and has actually outplayed Cole as of late.

In this game, Chalmers had 13 points and three assists in 33 minutes while Cole had seven points, and one assist in 14 minutes. Spoelstra stated that Cole had a tight back before the game which likely explains his limited playing time.

Dwyane Wade had 26 points, six assists and a pair of rebounds in 29 minutes of play. Wade was 1-4 on threes and it remains to be seen if he abandons his plans of trying more treys this year. Chris Bosh added 22 points of his own in 35 minutes on the court. Bosh also had six rebounds and sank two three-pointers.

The news wasn't so good for Shabazz Napier however as he was held scoreless despite 21 minutes of playing time. Napier was 0-7 on his attempts and also turned the ball over once. The first rounder is expected to sit third on the depth chart behind Chalmers and Cole at point guard.