Supporting players in Shaq-Kobe drama key
Updated: December 23, 2004, 11:04 AM ET
By
Brian James | ESPN Insider
Before each and every NBA game, if you walk into a locker room 90 minutes prior to tip off, you'll see "the white board" (formerly chalk boards). With a felt-tip pen, an assistant coach has written the game plan, the main offensive set and the keys to victory.
1.Keep up the heat
The Heat have won nine in a row by averaging close to 104 points a game. Every player in the locker room knows that when they score 100 or more points, the team is undefeated at 15-0. The Heat have elevated their game since coach Stan Van Gundy has moved Damon Jones into the starting lineup at point guard and Dwyane Wade to the off-guard position. Jones is now 10-1 as a starter, and he takes some of the pressure of running the team off Wade for a few minutes. Miami has not lost last season's running game, even with Shaquille O'Neal on the floor. And its defense has been great.
Let's take a look at what might be on those boards in the Heat and Lakers' locker rooms before their Christmas Day game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles (ABC, 3 p.m. ET).
Heat Locker Room
1.Keep up the heat
The Heat have won nine in a row by averaging close to 104 points a game. Every player in the locker room knows that when they score 100 or more points, the team is undefeated at 15-0. The Heat have elevated their game since coach Stan Van Gundy has moved Damon Jones into the starting lineup at point guard and Dwyane Wade to the off-guard position. Jones is now 10-1 as a starter, and he takes some of the pressure of running the team off Wade for a few minutes. Miami has not lost last season's running game, even with Shaquille O'Neal on the floor. And its defense has been great.
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