HEAT Getting Rest as Playoffs Near
Home-court advantage is a valuable commodity; it’s a desired asset in every sport. But with a series of decisions the team made over the last few days it’s clear the Heat have put that priority behind getting players rest and focusing on health. Even after their victory over the Bulls had re-opened the door.
It was hard to let go, though. With (Dwyane) Wade in the X-ray room LeBron James was on his own training table getting his ankles taped and stretching. He’d been given the night off, a decision that was overdue, and he didn’t take part in the morning’s shootaround or in pregame warmups.
But with Chris Bosh on the inactive list nursing an injury the Heat are masking by calling it a “minor ailment,” James was sill thinking about that No. 1 seed. He was on the active list and in uniform and the Heat were falling behind a Wizards team they felt they probably could’ve beaten with at least one of their three All-Stars on the floor.
So when James bolted out to the bench there was a cheer from the crowd and a smile across the floor from team owner Micky Arison, who excitedly tweeted, “He’s back.” It’s instinct to want to win, especially when something valuable is on the line. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra even got caught up in it for a moment.
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