1.4.06 v. Miami

[Doug Loudenback]

Tonight at 7:00 pm (is on Cox), the Miami Heat visit our Hometown Hornets, 13-17, including, of course, a visit by the Psychadelic Shackelford, the Man himself!



Miami leads the SE division of the Eastern Conference at 19-13 and they are the only winning team in that division (leading the Magic, Wizards, Bobcats and Hawks). In their last game, the Heat whacked the Timberwolves in Miami last Sunday 97-70 before 20,274 fans.

Shaq O'Neal (#32, 7-1, LSU) is by no means the whole story of Miami's strength. He is averaging 19.8 ppg and 9.10 rebounds. But, he's been out for much of the season. Dwyane Wade has been BIG in the Heat's success.

Dwyane Wade's (#3, 6-4, Marquette) stats are impressive. For example, consider some of his NBA rankings: #5 in Points Per Game(26.6); #10 in Assists Per Game(6.7); #5 in Steals Per Game(1.97); #5 in Minutes Played(1240.0); #4 in Field Goals Made (287.0); #4 in Field Goal Attempts(611.0); #2 in the NBA in Free Throws(273.0); #2 in Free Throw Attempts(352.0). For more, see http://www.nba.com/playerfile/dwyane_wade/index.html

Tonight's game starts a 7 game road trip for the Heat. The Hornets are 8-6 at home (8-5 in OKC), and Miami is 7-9 on the road. After a preseason victory in BR over Miami (10/25, 111-91), the Hornets lost at Miami on 11/15, 102-109 (OT). The SI game preview is here: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/bas...4_preview.html

In Miami, the Heat plays in the beautiful American Airlines Arena which officially seats 19,600 - BUT - they are #4 in NBA attendance at 19,938! Like the Hornets have done of late in OKC, some "extra" seats must have been found in the AA Arena since attendance has exceeded 20,000 in 8 games, including each of the last 5 home games.

[BDP]

Shaq was out last time we played them, right?

If we can get to overtime at home, I like our chances, but it will be an uphill battle. I think we'll need to score score score. We need Butler to get hot again, and hopefully Smith can come in and shoot like we know he can.

[Doug Loudenback]

Shaq was out last time we played them, right?

If we can get to overtime at home, I like our chances, but it will be an uphill battle. I think we'll need to score score score. We need Butler to get hot again, and hopefully Smith can come in and shoot like we know he can.

Right. He was playing the the BR preseason game, though. But, as for JR playing, I think that's still an open question. See http://newsok.com/article/1722603/

[BDP]

Yeah, it'll be interesting to see how it unfolds. I still believe in the guy and that's why I hope he gets inserted and does well. However, I'm not at practice and, to date, I think Scott has done a good job, so I'm not going to question it.

[John]

In the preseason game (a Hornet win), which Shaq played in, Wade DNP.

In the regular season game (should have won), Shaq was out, but Wade was on fire.

It will be a tough task with both of them in the lineup, but I've learned never to doubt our boys at home. I'll be there making a lot of noise in 119.

[Doug Loudenback]

In the preseason game (a Hornet win), which Shaq played in, Wade DNP.

In the regular season game (should have won), Shaq was out, but Wade was on fire.

It will be a tough task with both of them in the lineup, but I've learned never to doubt our boys at home. I'll be there making a lot of noise in 119.

Wish that I could be there with you, my man, but, since I can't, how about taking a camera so that we can have some game pics on this fine evening in Oklahoma City ...

Ahhhhh ... I can see it now ... tomorrow's headline reads, "OKC Hornets Stiffle Shaq, Wade and Miami ... Heat Thermostat Foiled By Hotter Hornets,"or something like that!

[John]

I think it's charged up. If so, I'll take it.

[Doug Loudenback]

I think it's charged up. If so, I'll take it.

VERY COOL! If you're willing, I'll certainly add your pics (w/full credit) to my HornetsPics page at http://www.dougloudenback.com/hornets/HornetsPics.htm

I'll be watching on Cox tonight, wishing I was there! GO HORNETS!

[Karried]

I wish I was able to go as well but not tonight... boo, hoo - this obsession is going to break the bank if I don't slow down on attending games..

sheesh, the tickets aren't all that bad, it's the snacks and beer that kill us!

[Karried]

Why oh why do I have to miss all of the AWESOME games!

Wow@!! I watched it on TV -

WE WIN! In a big way... 107-92 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oh yeah, oh yeah, Go Hornets!

SRO crowds - even exceeded all other attendence numbers... Shinn was there, on his feet a few times.. crowd was Wild and Desmond commented on how playing at home was giving them the advantage because of the fan support.

Go Hornets!

[BDP]

That was a great win. Scott is one hell of a coach. I watched it on TV, I wish I could have gone. Great stuff.

Desmond Mason with his weird ass double pump jumper and he made his free throws, too! Loved it.

[osupa05]

I know you're going to be very jealous..haha.. but at my temp job as santa's helper at one of the local malls, I got to chat with Mason about playing here in OK... I loved watching him and the pokes play at O-state (and NO... Ostate grads don't go on to become santa's helpers after they graduate... it was just a temp job..haha!!). He said he likes being back in OK! And he's so freakin' tall!!!! I was too embarassed to ask for his auto though... wish I would have...! Good times!

[BDP]

Nice.

He seems like a good guy. Really, all of them do. It's easy to pull for this team.

[fromdust]

yes that was one of the best games that i have seen them play! rose bowl? what rose bowl?

[Doug Loudenback]

I know you're going to be very jealous..haha.. but at my temp job as santa's helper at one of the local malls, I got to chat with Mason about playing here in OK... I loved watching him and the pokes play at O-state (and NO... Ostate grads don't go on to become santa's helpers after they graduate... it was just a temp job..haha!!). He said he likes being back in OK! And he's so freakin' tall!!!! I was too embarassed to ask for his auto though... wish I would have...! Good times!

Yes, I AM jealous! I love Da Mace! My avatar's jersey (larger size, below) has a chosen # - 24 - for a reason and this nice pic from HornetsCentral.com shows the real deal. Is he so cool, or what? I've never met him but I surely would like to! He is OUTSTANDING and I'm so very glad that he had sort of a "coming out" against Miami last night ... even hit his free throws! 24 points altogether! OH ... 24 on the jersey, 24 last night! It's a good number!