Guard Daequan Cook continues to try to fill the role of designated 3-point shooter for the Heat. But in a strange twist, his defense is the big key. Watch for it in Wednesday's game against Philadelphia.
"I worked on my defense more than anything (during the offseason)," Cook said, "knowing what's really going to get me out there on the floor is defending." Sure, Cook's shooting is a major factor. And the Heat needs his shooting because forward James Jones, who was third in the league in 3-point percentage last season, is out until mid-January following right wrist surgery.
Cook was 6-for-12 on 3-pointers in the first two games, but he dipped to 7-for-19 after going 1-for-7 against Charlotte on Saturday. Nevertheless, his skills are needed to stretch the court. But to do that, he's got to be solid defensively, and so far that's been the case.
After struggling to stay out of foul trouble last year as a rookie, Cook seems to have found a defensive comfort zone.
"I thought Daequan gave us some very good minutes off the bench, extremely active defensively, and it's not just this game," coach Erik Spoelstra said after the Sacramento game. "He's done it now for three straight games, and in practice he's been really showing a real commitment to our defense."
BOBCATS 100, HEAT 87: Charlotte whipped Miami on the scoreboard and in the hustle department.
"We came in here like we were cool," rookie forward Michael Beasley said. "It hurt us."
The Bobcats used pressure to disrupt rookie guard Mario Chalmers' ability to get his team into the offense. Miami could have relied on its defense, but its rotations were severely lacking, and Charlotte took advantage. The Bobcats maintained a double-digit lead for most of the second half.
"We just found ourselves out of position a lot on defense," forward Udonis Haslem said.
Miami has to find an identity, but the young Heat also has to figure out what it means to compete at the NBA level.
"Right now," guard Dwyane Wade said, "a lot of it is more mental than physical."
