Timberwolves Luck: 30 Reasons Not to Give Up on Michael Beasley

At this point, if you're a Miami Heat fan, you've heard about the struggles of Michael Beasley, whether you wanted to or not.

For some strange reason, the media of Miami stopped reporting on matters supported by logic and facts. Instead, they have embarked on a much easier way to lure in readers and viewers. Their target: Michael Beasley.

And, no, this isn't some paranoid "Beasley Fanatic" making a case for the 21-year-old. This is a Heat fan who's tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. That is lazy journalism.

Writers like Ira Winderman and Michael Wallace are the two biggest culprits. They want the Heat fan base to believe that the kid didn't improve and did little to nothing to help the Heat win. Yet, if one pays attention to their work, it's easy to see the contradictions in it. It's easy to see why they need to be fired. And it's easy to see why I canceled my subscription!

Anyway, I hope this paints a better picture of this young victim of the media.

1. Where Beasley Stood with his Coach

This is from a article written by Michael Wallace back on November 8, 2009. It touched on why Beasley hadn't played more than 31 minutes in all but one of the teams first six games. The Heat were 5-1 and should have been 6-0. But a late-game collapse by Wade, combined with Spoelstra failing to get Beasley back in when the Heat needed scoring, cost the Heat a game in which they held a big lead.

This is what his coach had to say about his playing time, as featured in Wallace's work:

"We talked the other day, and I worked him out yesterday," Spoelstra said of the one-on-one touch he's extended to Beasley through this process. "The thing about it is—the hard thing for fans and media to objectively evaluate, because everybody wants it to happen right now (in) the whole microwave society—Mike is doing a lot of good things. He's making progress."

Spoelstra went on to say that it's a shame that the only story that gets told is that Beasley hasn't been finishing games recently. But what it boils down to is this: Despite all of the offseason improvement with Beasley's game and frame, he's still haunted at times by the same demons that hounded him last year.

STOP RIGHT THERE—focus on the "he's still haunted at times by the same demons that hounded him last year" line.

So basically the Heat employed a "play perfect or sit" tactic with Beasley. Name one franchise that holds its players to such a standard! Name one player that has to deal with that! Not Kevin Durant, not Derrick Rose, and surely not Dwyane Wade. Wade had already cost the Heat a game at that point of the season, when the Heat lost to Phoenix. Beasley, on the other hand, held Amar'e to just 7 points during his 23 minutes on the floor.

Let's continue:

"Defense. The concepts. The focus. The execution. Those are all things he's being held accountable for. As mentioned in a previous blog topic, it's pretty obvious that Beasley gets three quarters to develop and show that he can be counted on in the fourth. Once the fourth quarter arrives, the focus is exclusively on winning."

STOP RIGHT THERE. Remember, the team was 5-1 at this point, during which NO OPPOSING POWER FORWARD—Al Harrington (16 points), Troy Murphy(12 points), Tim Thomas(4 points), Amar'e Stoudemire(16 points), Andray Blatche(10 points) and Kenyon Martin (0 points)—HAD SCORED MORE THAN 16 POINTS.

Beasley also either led the team or was tied for the lead in steals and blocks in five of the first six games. He was either first or second in rebounding four of the six games. Yet he only played more than 31 minutes ONCE.

LET'S CONTINUE:

Beasley, speaking on the subject for the first time since his second half playing time has dwindled, said Sunday that Coach said "I'm not doing everything I'm supposed to do" to stay on the court in crunch time. Both Spoelstra and Beasley seem determined to not let this ordeal become a bigger issue. Especially since the team is enjoying quite a bit of success early in the season. Is Mike being held to a higher standard of accountability than some others? Perhaps so. Is it fair? Probably not.

STOP RIGHT THERE. Read the last two lines. 'Nuff said.

2. Beasley vs. the Nuggets: November 6, 2009

The Miami Heat held a 23-point lead entering the 4th quarter (78 to 55).

Michael Beasley played 28 of the first 36 minutes of the game; the Heat held the Nuggets to 21, 17, and 17 points.

Beasley would see the first three minutes of the fourth quarter before sitting.

The Nuggets would go on to score 27 of its 33 points from that point on with Beasley on the bench. The Heat would only score 18 points in that quarter.

The game had many fans wondering why Beasley wasn't left in the game. The Heat coach simply replied... "I went with my gut." Classy attitude for a coach.

3. Beasley vs. the Cavaliers: November 12, 2009

In a game that saw the Heat fall to the Cavs 111-104, Dwyane Wade had 36 points, five assists, four rebounds, four turnovers and two blocks, in 38:25 minutes of play. He was 9-21 from the floor and missed six free throws.

Michael Beasley had 24 points, six rebounds, two steals, one block and zero turnovers, in 38:22 minutes of play. He was 9-17 from the floor and made all of his free throw attempts. (Beasley scored nine points in the fourth quarter.)

Beasley had SIX TOTAL rebounds... that was more than any Cavalier player. His two steals and 1 block also matched the efforts of LeBron James.

LATE IN THE THIRD QUARTER... MIAMI HAD THE SCORE 84-79(Cavs way)... Spoelstra decides to sit Beasley after scoring 5 points in the quarter.

Haslem enters the game and gives up the next four points to J.J. Hickson(two at the line and two from an alley oop play).

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

For as much as this is typically a showcase for LeBron's brilliance and Dwyane's dynamics, the difference in this game was determined by their respective supporting casts. While Michael Beasley's season-high 24 points kept the Heat going down the stretch and Jermaine O'Neal's 15 points and nine rebounds allowed Miami to establish a post game early, it wasn't enough to match LeBron's crew.

And it was a crew that, ironically, consisted of players the Heat either wanted but couldn't get or had but no longer wanted.

Mo Williams continued his string of breakout performances against the Heat, the team he spurned two years ago as a free agent to take more money from Milwaukee, which traded him to Cleveland. It was Williams who carried the Cavs to their double-digit lead in the third quarter. He had 25 points on 10 of 15 shooting from the field, including 5 of 7 from three-point range.

It was Jamario Moon, the Heat's starting forward last season acquired in the Jermaine O'Neal trade, who was 4 of 5 from the field had a couple of big-time dunks in addition to spot-duty defense against Wade. Moon got away as a free agent after the Heat declined to match Cleveland's offer sheet.

Former Heat center Shaquille O'Neal did enough damage down low, when adding his 15 points, 6-of-10 free-throw shooting and five hard fouls he delivered. And of course, James closed the show with eight straight points in the fourth and 34 for the game.

SO AS YOU CAN SEE... BEASLEY'S DEFENSE WASN'T THE CAUSE OF THE LOSS IN THIS GAME. IT WAS THAT OF HIS TEAMMATES.

4. Beasley vs Josh Smith: Nov 18, 2009

In a game that the Heat lost 115 to 90, Beasley was the lone bright spot.

Beasley had 21 points (8-15 from the field), 9 rebounds, and 1 block in 33 minutes.

In a game where the Heat were without Udonis Haslem because of injuries, Beasley got the Heat off to an 8-4 lead in the first, when he scored the Heat's first four baskets and grabbed three of the teams first five rebounds.

HIS teammates decided that they had enough of him getting the spot-light and proceeded to zone him out for the next four minutes of the game. They would shoot 1 of 5.

Score: 14-11 Hawks...Heat take a timeout.

Beasley scores 3 points over the next 3 possessions before being called to the bench...Score 17-14, Miami way.

End of the first...Atlanta is back ahead 26-23.

Beasley, despite his 11 first quarter points and four rebounds in seven minutes of play, isn't brought back in until the 6:48 marker of the 2nd...Heat still down...40-35.

Beasley would go 1-3 in the second, while grabbing 2 rebounds and getting a block...score at the HALF is 60-43, Hawks way!!!

Joe Johnson has 18 points at the half...Dwyane Wade has 4 points and 3 turnovers!!!

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

Wade knows he's struggling. He didn't need to be reminded of his stats from recent games. On Wednesday, he was 6 of 18 from the field. On Tuesday, he was 6 of 19. The game before that, Wade tossed up an 8 of 17 effort. And the one before that, he was 9 of 17. "I got some real good looks, shots that I normally make in my sleep," Wade said. "I have to play through this and get myself back." The shooting slump hasn't been Wade's only problem. He's also committed 10 turnovers in the past two games. That's another product of facing taller, athletic defenders. Joe Johnson picked up where Thabo Sefolosha and Jamario Moon left off. Wade went through this before. He bounced back. There's a really, really, really good chance he will do so again.

TURNING POINT: The Hawks closed the second quarter out on a 28-8 run. There were Josh Smith dunks. There were Joe Johnson threes. There was even a moment when 6-11 Al Horford led a fastbreak that led to another basket by Johnson. The Hawks have the Heat's number right now. This was the same team that knocked the Heat out of the playoffs in seven games last season. Scratch that. These Hawks are better. Last year's team didn't have Jamal Crawford or Joe Smith, proven vets off the bench.

LOSING EDGE: The Heat were destroyed at times on the glass, especially the offensive glass. The Hawks held a 15-9 edge in offensive rebounding. They cashed in to outscore the Heat 27-11 in second-chance points. This, again, is where height and length are huge advantages for the Hawks and disadvantages for the Heat.

HEAD SCRATCHER: Heat coach Erik Spoelstra's search for answers, a spark, anything took him to the depths of the roster in the second quarter of Wednesday's game. Yes, the second quarter. One such five-man collection consisted of Carlos Arroyo, Daequan Cook, James Jones, and Shavlik Randolph. Yes, Shavlik Randolph. And Joel Anthony. The best five at your local Y might give that squad a decent run. The Heat might have had more offensive punch on that squad of D-League players who were called up to finish Miami's dismal 15-67 season a couple of years ago. I might take my chances with Kasib Powell and Co.

KEY CONTRIBUTION: Beasley bounced back from his zero-rebound performance against OKC last night to finish with nine boards and a team-high 21 points. He couldn't take much comfort in the effort because it came in a loss. It's the second time in a week that Beasley had a productive game that didn't result in a win for the Heat. He had 24 points and six rebounds in last Thursday's loss to the Cavaliers. Still, these kind of numbers from Beasley aren't only encouraging, they're a necessity if the Heat are to be a threat.

SO IF JOSH SMITH GOES 6/16 vs BEASLEY, FOR 16 POINTS...AND JOE JOHNSON GOES 11/21 vs WADE, FOR 30 POINTS...just who needed to be benched for their defense?

5. Beasley vs Chris Bosh on Nov 20, 2009

The Heat lost 120 to 113...

In a game that the Heat entered with Haslem and Richardson being injured.

Beasley finished with 21 points (8/18), 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block, in 39 minutes.

Wade and Chalmers both scored 30 points.

Beasley did a nice job on Bosh, but being that the game was in Toronto, he was being called for much of what was being allowed on the other end of the floor. Beasley scored 12 of his 21 in the second half (7 in the 3rd and 5 in the 4th...where he fouled out).

The game was 89-83 after three...the Heat scored 30 points in the 4th quarter (Led by Beasley and Chalmers' 16 points in the quarter).

Wade would give up 15 points to back-up SG Jarret Jack in the 4th quarter...this ultimately was the cause for the Heat losing the game.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

TURNING POINT: This game was truly a tale of two halves. But the biggest twist came at the finish, when the Raptors used a 14-3 run to pull away after Miami pulled to 102-101 with less than four minutes left. Four different Raptors scored during that decisive run, with Andrea Bargnani putting his team ahead to stay. Miami simply expended too much energy to get back and had nothing left to finish.

LOSING EDGE: A Heat defense that once ranked among the league's stingiest teams surrendered 43 points in the second quarter and was outscored by 18 points. Toronto set the tone with its penetration and kick-outs to open shooters. The Raptors shot 79 percent in that quarter, including 67 percent from three-point range. Seven Toronto players had at least four points in the quarter.

HEAD-SCRATCHER: Joel Anthony played less than half as many minutes as Jermaine O'Neal, yet had nearly twice as many rebounds. This on a night when the Heat needed all hands on deck to compensate for the injuries to Haslem and Richardson, two of the team's top defenders and rebounders. O'Neal did add 17 points and was a factor when the offense flowed through him, which wasn't enough in stretches.

KEY CONTRIBUTION: Mario Chalmers scored a career-high 30 points, including 24 in the second half and 16 in the fourth quarter. It was an encouraging outing, albeit in a loss, from Chalmers. He needed a game like this. Wade needed help in the backcourt. He also needed the balance and aggressive play from Michael Beasley, who finished with a solid double-double. The question, as Spoelstra posed to the media—and presumably his team—after the game, is who is going to continue to step up and play with consistency?

SO AS YOU CAN SEE...TAKE AWAY THE 15 POINTS THAT JARRET JACK SCORES IN THE 4th VS WADE AND THE HEAT MANAGE TO WIN THIS GAME.

6. Beasley vs David West: Nov 22, 2009

Coming off a strong performance in his previous game against Bosh, Beasley had another stellar night.

He had 17 points (7-13), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block (2 fouls)...in 28 minutes.

Why did he play only 28 minutes???? It sure wasn't because of All-Star forward David West. That guy was 6-15 from the floor, for 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 turnovers.

The reason why Beasley sat was because Haslem returned after missing 2 consecutive games...what was odd is that 4 of the 6 buckets made by West came with Haslem on him. West was 4 of 9 vs Haslem and grabbed 6 rebounds(12 minutes)...vs Beasley, he was 2 of 6 and grabbed 3 rebounds (20 minutes).

Yet still, the head coach went with Haslem when he had no reason to not go with Beasley. The Heat were (+8) with Beasley on the court and (+4) with Haslem.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

It's a shame that the guy has so many near-haters out there. As I've said all along, you can love Michael Beasley without having to bash on Udonis Haslem. Can't we all just get along?

Haslem's jumper with 15 seconds left lifted the Heat to a 102-101 victory over the feisty New Orleans Hornets on Sunday at AmericanAirlines Arena. The Heat snapped a three game skid, with Haslem missing two of those games with a shoulder strain.

No, it wasn't all about UD. He simply delivered the final dagger on a night when the Heat's balance boosted the team to a much-needed victory. There was another solid effort from Michael Beasley (17 points, nine rebounds), aggressive play from Mario Chalmers (12 points, nine assists, one turnover), an impressive start from Jermaine O'Neal (15 points), who also provided the defense that forced David West to miss in the final seconds.

In other words, an all around effort from the Heat, which squandered an 11-point lead late in the third quarter and trailed 95-91 with six minutes left. Miami needed this one. Really needed this one.

D. WADE'S DOING: He was efficient. Wade's 12 of 21 effort from the field was his most accurate night in weeks. He was aggressive. The 31 points are right where he's supposed to be. It's possible for Wade to score 30 a night and still get plenty of help from his supporting cast. Wade had his stroke from three-point range working. He was 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. He was also effective when the time came to get off the ball. He had three assists, but there were plenty of times when he beat the traps by delivering the pass that set up the assist for open shots. The four fouls were a bit troubling, because Wade hardly gets those. And the four turnovers were a product of facing double and triple team defenses all night.

TURNING POINT: That came with 45.7 seconds left, when Haslem hit the first of his two jumpers to seal the win. That first jumper tied it at 100. He then hit another to provide the final margin. The Heat's defense was also solid. It helps when New Orleans misses shots that it once made to get back into the game. But to hold the Hornets to only one field goal in the final six minutes was huge for the Heat.

EDGE: Miami shot 52.1 percent from the field and 53.8 percent from three-point range. It's hard to lose games when the percentages are that high. Still, the Heat gave away 21 points on 15 turnovers. Those miscues allowed the Hornets to get back into the game.

HEAD-SCRATCHER: Why oh why didn't the Heat find a way to hold onto those draft rights to Hornets rookie guard Marcus Thornton? Instead, the Heat grabbed Thornton with the 43rd overall pick in last June's draft and traded his rights to New Orleans for future second-round picks in 2010 and 2012. Thornton went shot for shot with Wade for much of the game and finished with a team-high 24 points off the bench. It was also a career high for Thornton. The Heat were hurt, too, by another player it let get away. James Posey, a key reserve on Miami's 2006 title team, scored 8 of his 14 in the second half and was 4 of 8 from three-point range.

KEY CONTRIBUTION: Because the Heat have come to expect these kinds of games from Haslem, and because Beasley is certain to be a double-double producer if he gets the minutes, I have to come back to Mario Chalmers here for a second consecutive game. Chalmers actually looked like an attacking point guard. "This is what D. Wade told me I should be doing every night," Chalmers said after handing out nine assists against only one turnover to go with 12 points. And that was Chalmers, by the way, who turned the corner on a pick-and-roll and finished with a flush in the first half. Now if he can just keep this up, those faint whispers for Allen Iverson might soon fade into complete silence. Perhaps.

LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE WANTED TO DOWNPLAY THE EFFORTS OF BEASLEY.

7. Beasley vs Rahard Lewis: Nov 25, 2009

The Heat won the game on a last second effort by Michael Beasley, as he dunked in an AIR BALL miss from Dwyane Wade.

Beasley had 15 points (7/16 from the field, 0/3 from deep) and 12 rebounds in 34 minutes.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAS TO SAY:

Ohhh, that's right. The clown had nothing to say...FIRST TIME ALL SEASON that he didn't bother to write a post game article. And it just so happened, it came on a night Beasley had a game winner.

8. Beasley vs Kevin Garnett: Nov 29, 2009

The Heat would lose this game 92-85.

Michael Beasley would go on to finish with 18 points (7/14), 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block.

This was a strange game. The Heat were down 67-65 after 3 quarters.

Michael Beasley, over the first 4 minutes of the 4th quarter, would score the first 11 points...Miami would go ahead of the Celtics 76-72...while Wade was on the bench.

Wade get's subbed in...

From that point on...which was the 7:44 mark of the 4th...Beasley wouldn't take another shot the rest of the game.

Wade would take five of the teams next eight shots...going 1/5.

Beasley kept playing, even though his teammates had forgotten what (or should I say who) had given them the lead. He would grab three rebounds, one block, and one steal through the remaining seven minutes of the game.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE GAME:

Welcome dear readers to the Miami Herald's Heat Live-Blog for tonight's matchup against the visiting Boston Celtics. This is Herald writer David Quinones, and I'll be bringing you updates on the action during the course of the night, so shut off that NFL game you're watching and glue yourself to your computer screen instead of your television screen.

The Celtics come in to the game with a firm hold on first place in the Atlantic Division. Boston coach Doc Rivers has a healthy Kevin Garnett and his team playing like they did in 2007 when they won the franchise's 17th championship.

Boston is first in the league in point differential and third in points allowed. If the Heat allow the Celtics to get a run going at any time it could be lights out, because Boston is one of the toughest teams to play catch-up against.

Doc Rivers, pregame: "There is no way to stop Dwyane Wade. The bottom line with great players is to just hope they miss shots and if they miss shots then you did a good job."

Lineups:

Heat: Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers, Jermaine O'Neal, Michael Beasley, Quentin Richardson.

Celtics: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce.

In the stands: The Heat keeps its record of subpar early-season early-game attendance. Lower bowl is about one-third full.

COMMENTS, COMMENTS, COMMENTS -- Post 'em early and often! Don't let me get bored doing this, cause I start to write weird stuff when that happens.

FIRST QUARTER -- Heat fans: Ever wonder what it would be like to have three superstars in your lineup? Take a look at the Celtics. While Miami has the best player on the court, Boston has the second through fifth best players, and basketball is still something of a team game. After a disappointing loss to Washington here at the AmericanAirlines Arena, they need to win a tough one like this.

Jermaine O'Neal with a few quick ones, to the bench. This is a trap the Heat have to avoid.

JO leaves the game, doesn't seem to be hurting. But everybody hurts. Sometimes.

And just like that, Kendrick Perkins is the greatest center in the history of the game, or at least the Heat are treating him like it, fouling him four times in the first three minutes.

Wade gets his first bucket on a spin move, Garnett comes back on the other end.

If Garnett is 6-11, I'm 4-9. (Full disclosure: I am not 4-9.)

Wade throws one down through the lane, Miami 16-15.

Ray Allen does what Ray Allens do, and hits a long jumper to give Boston the lead.

Hot shooting to start. Hot pizza courtside. I REALLY want some pizza.

Udonis is in and he still doesn't look right since going scoreless the other night. Misses a 16-footer badly.

Beasley goes all John Starks over Kendrick Perkins. Of course, Beasley is actually left handed.

This pace is frenetic (to use one of my fave words) and neither DWade nor Pierce have really gotten involved. Don't forget that Pierce is a Heat-killer.

DWade with a leaner, plus the foul. Maybe he's ready to impose himself on this game?

Anybody out there? Don't forget, this is called "social" media for a reason. Drop me a line at [e-mail] or post your comments below, if you dare...

Pierce fouled on a dunk attempt and talks a little smack to Beas. Haha, okay...

So we can now officially begin our running count of how many times tonight I will get kicked off the internet. Just spent five minutes getting back on. Mind you, I am not on wireless. The AmericanAirlines and Heat have me on an actual ethernet cable and I still constantly lose my connection.

Wade with a step back jumper puts the Heat up 2 points after the first quarter. Stay tuned!

SECOND QUARTER -- "In West Philadelphia, born and raised, getting t-ed up is how Rasheed spends most of his days..."

The thing about Udonis is that he doesn't need to be a big scorer to have an impact on the game. It sure would help, but at least he's rebounding. But it would help...Udonis with a steal, Heat up four.

A very mature move by Daequan Cook, baiting his man into the air and making the short baseline jumper while taking the foul. Free throw is missed.

Sheed scores, Marquis Daniels for three, Celtics lead by one.

Time out. Keep your browsers tuned in to MIamiHerald.com/Sports, later tonight we'll have a game story by the legendary Barry Jackson as well as postgame video by yours, truly.

Sheed is doing a little bit of everything, scoring on a power move. JO answers on the other end with a lay in of his own.

Udonis still looks lost on offense. Blocked by Shelden Williams, who left Duke five years ago and has not been seen since. (Just kidding, he's married to Candace Parker, I think.)

"Rio" (ugh) scores, Heat lead.

Heat get a break when the refs call a foul on Mario instead of JO (woulda been the big man's third).

Setting the over/under at five for times I get disconnected from the web. We are at two right now.

Chalmers fouls Rondo. Point guard is the biggest disparity in talent levels between these two teams. Rondo is twice the player with half the jump shot of Chalmers.

Rondo with a nifty reverse, misses, KG cleans it up to get into double digits. Wade answers, gets himself to double-digits.

As much talent as the "Big 3" on Boston have, Rondo is the only one who can just score whenever he wants. He blows by Mario to cap a 9-2 run.

The run continues as Rondo finds Pierce on the break. Celtics up 51-45.

Wade is putting himself in some tough spots and getting forced into bad shots and turnovers. On the other end, Boston is getting whatever it wants. Pierce finds Perkins for the layup.

Heat fall apart to end the half, allow a KG putback and turn over the ball. Go into halftime down 55-48.

THIRD QUARTER RECAP -- While Miami Heat techies worked on my computer, the Heat made a run by isolating DWade and playing tough defense. They finished the quarter down 2.

FOURTH QUARTER -- Holy cow Brian Scalabrine is in the game. Get your sunblock ready.

Beasley gets his third dunk, then gets a foul. In the third he brought the crowd to its feet with a dunk, then proceeded to miss two long jumpers and go to the bench.

Arroyo and Cook in the backcourt while Dwyane sits, not a lot of offense on the court.

Beas finally tunes in from long range, nailing a three over Sheed on the baseline. Beas continues to dominate the ball for the Heat, scoring while getting fouled, getting his own miss and getting fouled again. Wow.

With Wade on the bench the Heat (Beasley) have opened a six point lead. Boston does not know what to do with Beas when he sets up on the elbows.

Scalabrine hits a three and Rondo gets a couple of twisting layups and the game is tied.

Chalmers with a drive and Pierce answers with a pair of free throws.

Ray Allen's three opens up a six point lead for the Celtics. Things are quickly falling apart for Miami.

A KG jumper, Miami misses and the game is over. An 82-78 lead evaporates and the Heat fall 92-85.

I'm off to the postgame, don't forget to check back for the Herald's coverage of a tough game, the Heat falling to the Celtics going away.

ANOTHER GREAT EFFORT BY BEASLEY IN A BIG GAME...AND ONCE AGAIN, HIS TEAMMATES DON'T COME THROUGH!!!

9. Beasley vs Portland: Dec 1, 2009

Beasley would lead the Heat in scoring in this 107-100 victory over Portland.

He finished with 27 points (8/15), eight rebounds (Haslem had just two in 21 minutes), one steal, and one block in 36 minutes.

Beasley was benched with the Heat in favor of Haslem...the Heat were up 98-87 and only three minutes remaining in the game.

Haslem would turn the ball over two possessions later... but unlike with Beasley, he was not called to the bench.

10. Beasley vs Kenyon Martin: Dec 3, 2009

The Heat were destroyed this game...114-96.

Beasley finished with 17 points (7-19), 7 rebounds, and 1 steal.

Beasley scored 4 of the Heat's first 15 points before being subbed with the Heat ahead 15-14.

When Beasley returned, the Heat were down 25-23.

Beasley began the second quarter scoring the Heat's first 6 points and finished the quarter scoring 9 of the Heat's 20 total points.

His teammates would make just THREE baskets in the quarter...that's crazy...The Nuggets would go into the half up 58-42... and that basically put the game away.

Beasley would take just five shots after half-time...going 2/5 (11 minutes of play)

With Affalo having 17 points vs Wade in just 23 minutes on the floor (15 points between the 2nd and 3rd quarter)...JR Smith had 15 (29 minutes)...Nene 17 points (27 minutes)...Billups 13 points (26 minutes and 11 free-throws).

11. Beasley vs Pau Gasol: Dec 4, 2009

This is the game that Wade missed the late free-throw and turned and allowed Kobe to hit the game winning three over him.

The Heat would lose 102-101...in LA

Beasley had 12 points (6/8), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block in 28 minutes.

It was a weird game...Beasley was 2 for 2 for 4 points and 3 rebounds and 1 foul through the first 5 minutes of the game. Gasol only had 4 points and 1 rebound...Yet the head coach subbed Beasley out with the Heat ahead 14-13.

The Lakers would finish the quarter ahead of the Heat 23 - 21.

Beasley opened the 2nd with a missed shot and then he grabbed his own rebound and found Dorrel for a jumper. He followed that possession eight plays later with a jumper of his own.

With the Heat ahead...Beasley is called for an offensive goaltend and is immediately called to the bench. Heat are down 37-41 at the 2:33 marker.

Heat down at the half...51-48.

Gasol has 12 points...four against Beasley and eight against Haslem.

Beasley with six points in 12 minutes in the first half...would score six of the Heat's first 10 points of the 3rd.

The Heat are down 62-66 at this stage of the game...6:02 marker of the third (Beasley won't take another shot the rest of the game).

Beasley is benched one minute later with the score 70-62.

The Lakers had scored 19 points at that point...Pau Gasol only had TWO of those points.

Beasley would only see five of the 18 remaining minutes....GASOL wouldn't score a single point over that time frame and Beasley out-rebounded him 2 to 1.

THIS LOSS WAS ON THE COACH...BEASLEY CAME TO PLAY AND HE DIDN'T KEEP HIM ON THE FLOOR.

12. Beasley vs Dirk Nowitzki: Dec 11, 2009

The Heat lost this game...106-93.

Jermaine O'Neal missed the game.

Beasley had 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists in 39 minutes.

The game was decided in the first when Dallas took a 30-18 lead...Dirk had 7 points and Dampier had 6 points.

The Heat would actually out-score the Mavs 76 to 75 over the remaining three quarters.

Beasley and the Heat did a good job on Dirk...he only scored 25 points and had 5 rebounds in 38 minutes.

Dampier, on the other hand, had 20 points...that's where the Heat lost the game.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

KEY CONTRIBUTION: Miami started to rally when Haslem entered the game. After the 0-for-10 start, the Heat then made 15 of 22 field goals. Michael Beasley gave the Heat its first field goal with a jumper at 6:26 of the first quarter. Haslem then followed with a layup. The Heat went from trailing 24-7 to pulling to within 38-35. Haslem finished 9 of 10 from the field for 22 points and 10 rebounds. Beasley added his own double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Unfortunately, Wade, Beasley, Haslem, and a pinch of Joel Anthony (four blocks) were forced to play 3-and-a-half against six.

THIS GAME WAS LOST BECAUSE THE HEAD COACH ELECTED TO START ANTHONY OVER MAGLOIRE...PLUS THE HEAT MISSED THEIR FIRST 10 SHOTS FROM THE FLOOR.

13. Beasley vs Chris Bosh: Dec 15, 2009

The Heat won 115-95.

Beasley had 28 points (11/18), 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, and 0 turnovers in 36 minutes.

Bosh had 29 points and 2 rebounds in 31 minutes of play.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

After having his streak of double-figure scoring games snapped at 11 with a six-point performance in Sunday's embarrassing loss to Memphis, Michael Beasley bounced back and nearly produced a double-double in the first half alone (18 points, 8 rebounds) Tuesday against the Raptors. It was only a few weeks ago when Wade said it would only be a matter of time before Beasley would "be a 20-10 guy on a bad night" in terms of his production. The impressive thing about his play Tuesday was that Beas got the job done on both ends. He was aggressive on defense. And when Beasley is scoring, offense seems to come easy for the Heat. When Miami scores at least 100 points, you can bank on Beasley providing at least 25 percent of the scoring. Tuesday was no different. The key now is carrying that level of performance and execution from one game to the next, to the next.

IF YOU ARE GONNA COMPLAIN ABOUT BEASLEY BEING A POOR DEFENDER IN HIS SECOND SEASON...WHY WASN'T MUCH BEING SAID ABOUT BOSH IN HIS 7TH SEASON.

14. Beasley vs Rashard Lewis: Dec 17, 2009

Look at Beasley playing poor defense, blocking Paul Pierce's shot...LOL...he should have left Richardson by himself...Anyway, back to the Orlando game.

The Heat won 104 to 86.

Beasley had 22 points (8/15), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal in 34 minutes
of play.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE GAME:

Quentin Richardson came back after missing time with a hamstring injury. Yes, Beasley had 22 points and eight rebounds. And he was huge once again. These types of games are expected of him now. He's that type of talent. So having said that, Beasley has surrendered his X-factor status to Richardson. When Q-Rich scores in double figures, the Heat are now 6-2. He got the offense going with a huge first quarter. Richardson scored eight in the opening period, including two three-pointers. He finished with 11 points and four rebounds. Carlos Arroyo was also huge, with seven assists and zero turnovers in his second start.

YES RICHARDSON HAD 8 POINTS IN THE 1st...BUT BEASLEY ACTUALLY SET THE TONE WHEN HE GRABBED WADE'S MISSED LAY-UPSHOT(blocked by Howard) AND DROPPED IT RIGHT BACK IN...BEASLEY WOULD GO ON TO GRAB THREE OF THE FIRST FIVE MISSES OF THE GAME.

15. Beasley vs Lamarcus Aldridge: Dec 20, 2009

Beasley being doubled...making the perfect read...Anyway, back to the Portland game.

Beasley had 17 points (7/13), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 1 turnover in 29 minutes.

The Heat lost this game 102-95...the Heat were down 71-69 after 3 quarters.

Beasley got the Heat off to a fast start in the 4th by scoring seven of the Heat's first 12 points...the Heat were ahead 79-74.

Beasley would take one more shot over the remaining eight minutes of the game...ARE YOU SERIOUS?...17 points in 21 minutes of play and you don't keep going to him.

Beasley would be benched with four minutes remaining and the Heat ahead 85-84.

Can't pin this one on Beasley...poor coaching and Wade allowing Roy to explode for 11 points over the last 4 minutes of the game.

The Heat scored two buckets once Beasley went out...an O'Neal lay-up and a Richardson three pointer.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

How can a team that had just turned a corner at home play so well for 42 minutes, carry a six-point lead with five minutes left, shoot 50 percent from the field, hold a sizable edge in points in the paint and have even a diminished Dwyane Wade down the stretch let this one slip away?

How? Easy.

Brandon Roy caught whatever hot flash Quentin Richardson was dealing with Sunday. As a result, Roy led the Blazers back to snatch a victory from the Heat's grasp in a 102-95 come-from-behind clinic at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Roy scored 11 points in the final four minutes and finished with 28 to match Wade's output. His perfect touch on five three-pointers also offset Quentin Richardson's 7-for-7 performance as the Blazers dropped the Heat to 2-3 on its six-game homestand.

D. WADE'S DOINGS: It was evident that Wade was a bit off from the outset. He missed five of his first six shots from the field, including three shots in the lane and an airball on a short baseline jumper. The back spasms that kept him out of Saturday's practice "kept coming back and leaving" during the game Sunday. He still managed 28 points on 13-of-31 shooting and 10 assists. But without much lift, many of his shots fell short and he also went without a rebound for just the fourth time in his career. First it was the wrist. Now it's the back. Wade is 25 games into the season and is already banged up to mid-season levels. He'll have two days to rest before the Heat close out the homestand on Wednesday. He'll need every bit of it.

TURNING POINT: Let's see. The Heat were ahead 87-81 with 5:28 left. Over the next five minutes, Portland would rally to go ahead 99-92 with 28 seconds left. That's an 18-5 run that sucked the life out of the Heat. Brandon Roy had 11 during the spurt, but he got plenty of help from LaMarcus Aldridge inside, Martell Webster outside, and Andre Miller's veteran savvy, ability to hit tough shots, and penchant to draw fouls.

LOSING EDGE: The Heat didn't really find a way to lose this one as much as the Blazers just came from behind to snatch victory away. But if there was one critical stat that stands out, it was Portland's 15-9 edge in made free throws.

HEAD-SCRATCHER: In a game where there was no shortage of three-point threats, it remains puzzling as to why Daequan Cook continues to be in such a deep freeze. Cook, reigning 3-point shootout champ from All-Star Weekend, is buried so deep in the rotation these days that he might as well sit alongside special assistant Keith Askins behind the Heat bench. Cook is a great kid with an even better attitude and a solid work ethic, which is why it's so tough to see him struggle. Meanwhile, Richardson has so clearly taken over as the Heat's resident three-point specialist. That means Miami spent a first-round draft pick (Cook) and majority of its 2008 mid-level exception money (James Jones) on something it essentially acquired in what many dismissed as a throw-away trade (Richardson-for-Mark-Blount).

KEY CONTRIBUTION: It's all about the Q. Richardson tied a franchise record for most consecutive made three-pointers without a miss when he finished 7 of 7 from beyond the arc. He closed with a season-high 22 points. As good as that effort was, Roy found a way to upstage it and get the win. But the Heat have found a scoring sidekick to complement Wade and Beasley. If Q plays, he's almost good for 20 every time he steps onto the court. He's been that consistent lately. He's also been battling nagging injuries.

IT TOOK ALDRIDGE 42 minutes and 10-23 shooting to get 23 points and 8 rebounds against the Heat...He was 5 for 13 while Beasley was on the floor and had 4 rebounds.

16. Beasley vs Carlos Boozer: Dec 23, 2009

Beasley skying for the put back of a Wade miss...back to the game.

In a game the Heat won 80-70, J.O. left the game three minutes into it.

Beasley would not have his best offensive night...going 2/10. But it was the things he did on the defensive end.

He played 29 minutes...had 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.

Beasley did a great job on the defensive end on Boozer...14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 turnovers in 34 minutes of play.

17. Beasley vs Al Harrington: Dec 25, 2009

The Heat won 93-87.

Beasley had 19 points in 35 minutes...he would finish with just two rebounds in a game where he spent most of his time covering the perimeter oriented Al Harrington.

In the 32 minutes that Al Harrington played...he would go 5-20 for 12 points...he also ended up on a highlight play where Beasley broke him down on a series of crossovers.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

HEAD-SCRATCHER: For all of Wade's late-game highlights, the Heat actually established their largest lead with Beasley carrying the scoring load and Wade resting on the bench at the start of the fourth. When Wade came back in, the offense was all about him. And just when the Knicks started to overload on Wade, he dished the biggest assist of the game on Jermaine's jumper. You have to scratch your head and wonder if it was pure coincidence that this team was more efficient when running the offense through Beasley than through Wade for that stretch. Other than that, I also scratched my head after the game when Wade ended his media session amid laughter by saying he could no longer talk about LeBron James and free agency "because that's tampering." Wow. So now, all of a sudden, that's the case?

KEY CONTRIBUTION: Beasley's two rebounds in more than 34 minutes of action left a lot to be desired in that category, but he was there yet again to carry the offense when Wade was out. He also did a decent job of scoring with Wade on the floor. It was especially encouraging to see Beasley stop settling for long jumpers. His shot-fake and drive from the three-point line against Al Harrington in the fourth quarter was a thing of beauty. He's 6-9, with handles and a crafty dude around the basket. He only limits himself when he bails the defense out by pulling up for jumpers. Beasley closed with 19 points and was 7 of 16 overall, but 5 of 8 in the decisive second half.

BEASLEY COULD HAVE DONE MORE BUT LET'S GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR DOING ENOUGH.

December 29, 2009: Michael Wallace grades Beasley after 28 games

This is what Michael Wallace (Miami Herald) had to say in his December 29, 2009 article on grading the Heat...he gave him a B as a grade.

"There are some out there who will give Beas an "A" no matter what he does. But the truth his, the kid is coming around nicely this season after showing flashes last season. Beas still has a few more levels to go before he reaches the peak of his game. That's not a knock on him. That speaks to how much of a star he could be in this league if he continues to develop (and be allowed to develop). But he is on course to be that "20-10 guy even on a bad night" D. Wade believes he soon will become."

19. Beasley vs Tim Duncan: Dec 31, 2009

The Heat were blown out...108-78.

Beasley had 26 points (12/21), 8 rebounds, and 1 assist...he should have had 40 this game, but whatever.

Beasley started the game by scoring 14 of the Heat's first 18 points...on 6/8 shooting.

He would be benched at the 3:17 mark...Miami ahead 20-17.

When he returned to the game the score was 26-26...He would miss his first shot and make his next three.

That gave Beasley 20 points on 9/12 shooting...the Heat were down 38-41.

Wade enters the game...5 minutes remaining in the quarter...Beasley doesn't see another shot the rest of the half.

Heat give up 11 points to Jefferson, Manu, and Parker over the next 5 minutes and go into the half down 55-49.

Beasley gets 1 FG attempt in the first 7 minutes of the 3rd...Heat down 66-49...Wade three missed shots and had two turnovers.

GAME OVER...HEAT WERE (-30) with Haslem on the court and (+1) with Beasley, before letting him play garbage minutes in the 4th.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

D. WADE'S DOINGS: There was nothing productive about Wade's night. He missed 12 of 18 shots from the field and 4 of 5 from three-point range. He also squandered half of his free-throw attempts. And that wasn't even the worst part of his night. He had a season-high seven turnovers, unable to force his way through an opponent's trapping defense. And to top off the night, he tipped the ball into the Spurs basket on a bucket that had to be credited to Tim Duncan. He closed with 16 points in 29 minutes, tossing in the white flag after the third quarter.

TURNING POINT: The Spurs used a 8-0 run to open the third quarter and would outscore the Heat 28-13 to build on their nine-point halftime lead. Balance was the key for San Antonio, with Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili all shooting well above 50 percent from the field. The Heat had no answers. And then when Roger Mason and George Hill started to get going, it turned into a rout.

LOSING EDGE: Through three quarters, the Spurs were 18 of 20 from the free-throw line. The Heat were 4 of 8. The attempts sort of evened out at the finish. But this was clearly a case of two things. The Spurs got plenty of calls early and the Heat just weren't as aggressive.

HEAD-SCRATCHER: It's hard to fathom. But after scoring 20 points in the first 20 minutes of the game, Michael Beasley might have gotten a bit of the Michael Jordan treatment from that 1985 All-Star Game. Remember the Freeze Out? It's hard to argue against the evidence for a stretch in the second quarter of Thursday's game. After opening 7 of 12 from the field in the best half of his career, Beasley didn't attempt another shot over the final five minutes once Wade re-entered with 5:01 left. Wade, Jermaine O'Neal, Carlos Arroyo, and Quentin Richardson shared all eight field goal attempts the rest of the half. Beasley swung the ball to the weak side, rebounded and ran plays. But he didn't shoot, or really get a chance to shoot. This comes just hours after Beasley said he'll take a more selective approach to the advice he accepts from teammates and speak his mind more amid Wednesday's on-court feud with Richardson in the loss at New Orleans. I'm no conspiracy theorist. But you had to scratch your head at how the half played out. San Antonio didn't defend Beasley any differently. I still say it's all coincidence. I think. Right? But file this under Arsenio Hall's category of Things That Make You Go Hmmm. Full disclosure, Wade passed to Beas on the first play of the second half for a missed jumper. So there goes that theory, right?

KEY CONTRIBUTION: It's a shame Beasley's night had to end like this. He honestly had no clue why things sort of went away from him after this one. But he was 12 of 21 from the field for one of his most productive and efficient efforts of his two-year career. There's gotta be an explanation coming somewhere.

SURE ISN'T EASY BEING BEASLEY!!! SPORTSCENTER DIDN'T TALK ABOUT HOW THIS PLAYED OUT EITHER... NOTICE HOW WALLACE LIES ABOUT BEASLEY GOING 7-12 IN THE FIRST.

20. Beasley vs Josh Smith: Jan 4, 2010

Heat won 92-75.

Beasley had 22 points (10/21), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks in 39 minutes.

More impressing was his defensive effort vs Josh Smith...8 points(3/9) and 6 rebounds in 35 minutes.

Beasley got the Heat off to a quick start, scoring 11 of the team's first 15 points.

The Heat were ahead 19-12 before Beasley was sent to the bench with his 11 points and 4 rebounds in 9 minutes of work...they would never trail in this game.

21. Beasley vs Amar'e Stoudemire: Jan 8, 2010

The Heat won 109-105...at Phoenix.

Beasley had 21 points (8/18), 10 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 assist in 37 minutes.

This was a very biased game on the part of the officials...Amar'e was allowed to shove and push Heat players at will.

But in the end, Amar'e could only score 18 points in 40+ minutes and Beasley scored 21 in 37 minutes...Heat won by 4...go figure!!!

22. Beasley vs Marcus Camby: Jan 10, 2010

Heat lost 94-84 to the Clippers...SMH!!!

Beasley had 20 points (7-15), 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 and 1 block in 39 minutes of play.

The Heat were (+1) with Beasley on the floor...that means they got outscored by 11 points in the 9 minutes he wasn't on the floor.

His teammates combined to go 26/69(38%) from the floor.

Jermaine O'Neal had 2 points and 2 rebounds in 19 minutes...Kaman had 22 points and 14 rebounds in 37 minutes.

23. Beasley vs Carlos Boozer: Jan 11, 2010

Look at Beasley playing solid 1-on-1 defense versus Smith... anyway, back to the Jazz game.

Heat got blown out...118-89.

Beasley had 20 points (9/ 17), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in 22 minutes.

This game was 30-22 when Beasley picked up his 3rd foul at the 10:27 mark of the 2nd quarter...Boozer had just 4 points.

Over the rest of the half...Boozer would score ELEVEN points the rest of the way...high-lighted by a dunk on Haslem for an and one.

The score was 58-47 at the half...go figure.

3rd quarter starts and Beasley is hit with a quick foul...4 for the game...gotta sit...score 58-47 still.

He'd return at the 3 minute mark...score 83-64...Beasley proceeded to score eight points on 3/3 shooting in the last 3 minutes...score 90-71.

The rest of the Heat were 26-67 (38.8%) for the game.

24. Beasley vs Golden State: Jan 13, 2010

The Heat won the game 115-102.

Beasley had 19 points (8/13), 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in 32 minutes.

Beasley got the Heat rolling...scoring eight of the first 12 points for the Heat...they never looked back once they got going.

WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

KEY CONTRIBUTION: These type of games out in the run-and-gun west are made for Michael Beasley. With Wade limited in part to the role of distributor, Beasley stepped up early and carried the offense. He made six of his first seven field goals and had 14 points and four rebounds in the first half. Beasley even figured out that it's OK to back a smaller defender down into the post every now and then. The kid has all of the offensive tools to be an elite scorer in this league. He's figured out how to take over at the start of games. Now, he just has to work on finishing as well as he starts. And that, in part, is on Spoelstra. As the coach is fond of saying, "it's gotta be a collective" thing. Beasley's hot start cleared the way for Wade and O'Neal to eventually get going midway through the game.

25. Michael Beasley vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Jan 16, 2010

Heat lost this game 98-80.

Beasley had 28 points (13/ 24), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 turnover in 39 minutes.

Beasley got the Heat off to a good start by scoring six of the teams first 12 points (4 points on offensive rebounds).

The score was 17-14 at the 4:23 mark of the first when Beasley got subbed out for Udonis Haslem...the Thunder would go on a run and finish the quarter ahead of the Heat 29-19.

Beasley got going in the second. Playing the first 9 minutes of the quarter...He would score 11 points on 5/7 shooting... 49-39 OKC.

The Heat would score 26 points in the second...same as OKC.

Durant had 18 points in the first half...Beasley had 18 points in the first half...score was 55-45.

Beasley would open the 3rd by scoring eight of the Heat's 20 points before being benched for Haslem...Durant scored 14 points in the quarter...32 for the game (11/14 from the floor).

The Thunder out-scored the Heat 29-22...while Beasley was on the bench, the Thunder would go on a 8-2 run to close the quarter. And that's the game folks.

Beasley shot 54 percent from the floor (13/24)...the rest of the Heat shot 36 percent (21-58).

The Heat missed nine FREE-THROWS...five of them by Wade.

Quentin Richardson scored ZERO points and did nothing to contain Durant.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

OKC simply had the combination of Heat killer Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade stall-er Thabo Sefalosha. Durant had 36 points and 10 rebounds on 14 of 18 shooting, and Sefolosha limited Wade to 24 points and three turnovers on 10 of 21 shooting.

"I try to give him a little space and also try to crowd his dribble," Sefolosha said of preventing a breakout game from Wade for the second time this season. "Just make it tough for him."

D. WADE'S DOINGS: Wade and his team played like they were very much ready to end the season's longest road trip Saturday. There was little sustained energy and even less cohesion on the eve of Wade's 28th birthday. There was one milestone, however. Wade passed Tim Hardaway for the all-time franchise lead in assists when he connected with Michael Beasley on a beautiful lob pass that led to a dunk midway through the third quarter. Other than that, Saturday was all about getting the team's chartered plane on the runway headed to Florida as quickly as possible.

TURNING POINT: The Heat never had a chance, really. Durant didn't give Miami much of one. OKC led 29-19 at the end of the first quarter and Durant made 11 of his first 12 shots. There was no looking back. Quentin Richardson, Dorell Wright, and Wade were all victims of Durant's blossoming greatness Saturday. He's simply a bad match-up for Miami, as well as many other teams.

LOSING EDGE: You can't win if you can't score. Miami had only 80 points, and matched it's second-lowest scoring total of the season. The Heat also barely shot 40 percent from the field. It didn't help that they went 1 of 8 from three-point range and were only 55 percent from the foul line.

HEAD-SCRATCHER: Another blowout loss brings the total to 11 games this season Miami has lost by a double-digit margin. It continues a disturbing trend in which the Heat either win or don't show up at all and get blown out. And it's become predictable. You pretty much know which version of the Heat team you're going to get by the midway point of the first quarter. This team has to shake this stigma. It basically goes back to the first-round series against Atlanta last season, when the Heat cruised in three victories and were crushed in the other four losses.

KEY CONTRIBUTION: The 28-point plateau has become a brick wall for Beasley, who reached his career high in points for the third time this season and couldn't get one more bucket to set a new personal scoring standard. Beasley's routine of quick starts and quiet finishes continued against the Thunder. He held his own early in the shootout with Durant, but ran out of steam—or shot attempts—down the stretch. Beasley still closed with a game-high 28 points to go with six rebounds and two assists in 39 minutes. I might be looking too deep into something here, but it appeared that Mario Chalmers sort of froze Beasley out of one final attempt in the last seconds of the game. Beasley looked as if he called for the ball as the seconds ticked away. Mario instead missed a jumper on the final possession.

26. Beasley vs Troy Murphy: Jan 19, 2009

The Heat won this game.

Beasley finished with 21 points (9/15), 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist, and 1 turnover in 40 minutes of play.

He held Troy Murphy to 11 points on 3/11 shooting.

Beasley got the Heat off to a quick start...he scored seven of the first 15 points and had four first quarter rebounds before sitting at the four minute mark...score was 21-15.

Beasley would sit for the next eight minutes...Why? I do not know...he returned at the 8 minute mark and would go 1-3...then, with the Heat ahead 60-37, Beasley would get benched in favor of Dorrel Wright...three minutes remained in the quarter and Beasley had only one foul.

Halftime...score 62-43...Heat up big!!!

3rd quarter...Beasley goes 3 for 3 to start the quarter and then gets benched in favor of Haslem.

Beasley had 15 points and six rebounds at this point.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

KEY CONTRIBUTION: When Michael Beasley gets 20 and 10 and you hardly notice, it says a lot about how smooth Beasley's game is becoming. He's getting almost 20 every night. And he's always right around 6, 7, 8 rebounds a game, too. If I've blogged it once, I've blogged it a thousand times. Wade's words say it all when it comes to Mike. He'll soon be good enough to get 20 and 10 on a bad night. He finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds against the Pacers. The three offensive rebounds might have been his most impressive work on the night. The 2 of 3 shooting on threes wasn't too shabby, either.

27. Beasley vs Antawn Jamison: Jan 22, 2010

The Heat won this game.

Beasley had 15 points (7/15), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks.

What was most impressing is that he finally has gotten some pub for his defense.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

TURNING POINT: After the Wizards cut it to 61-51 midway through the third quarter, the Heat responded with a 21-6 run to extend the lead to 25 points. Miami's six-minute spurt was started by Joel Anthony's dunk on a lob from Wade, who then nailed two jumpers. Alston, Beasley, Anthony, and Wade kept it going. The run included three 3s and two dunks. Washington withered.

WINNING EDGE: The 45 field goals on 29 assists showed a commitment to ball-movement and finding the open man. Wade and Alston had a combined 19 assists and set the tone. The guards were actively trying to keep the big men involved. That kept Jermaine O'Neal happy. It led to Miami holding a 42-28 edge in points in the paint.

HEAD-SCRATCHER: Again, how can this roster be so great one game and so awful the next? These are the same players, right? More important, will these be the same players who show up at home Saturday to face the Kings? I'll also clarify a comment made in the previous blog breakdown after the loss in Charlotte when it comes to who is responsible for how this team has performed. I suggested that this can't all fall on Spoelstra's shoulders and that Wade and the players should step up and be accountable for the nightly effort. I also mentioned that Wade and Spoelstra have the responsibility of answering for the shortcomings and frustrating efforts every night, while Pat Riley only has to come out every once in a while to face the music for the roster he assembled. Riley has been outspoken and accountable for the team this season. He has not been in hiding. Some took it that way. In fact, he's probably been more visible and outspoken than expected in some cases. That said, my point is accountability is an all-inclusive obligation.

KEY CONTRIBUTION: This had to be the most impressive 15-point, 8-rebound performance of Beasley's season. Know why? Because his best work was actually on the defensive end, where he limited Antawn Jamison to just eight points on 4 of 14 shooting. Beasley took the defensive challenge from the outset. Basically, he had no choice. Jamison had scored 25 or more points in eight of his previous 10 games. Beasley was intent on making a statement from the start. "I'm just tired of everybody just going at me to start the game," Beasley said. "That's it. Every game since last year, the first three, four, five plays are right at me. It's time I take a stand. I'm getting sick of it." 'Nough said young fella.

YET THIS IS THE SAME MICHAEL WALLACE WHO WOULD CLAIM LATER IN THE SEASON THAT BEASLEY DOESN'T CARE AND HADN'T DONE ANYTHING TO IMPROVE HIS DEFENSE.

28. Beasley vs Sacramento: Jan 23, 2010

The Heat won this game.

Beasley had 21 points (8/15), 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.

He held fellow second year forward, Jason Thompson, to 6 points and then proceeded to lock down Delonte Greene (a quicker and taller SF).

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

KEY CONTRIBUTION: Beasley's 21 and 13 made it a solid night for the second-year power forward. These are the kind of numbers he put up in his lone remarkable season at Kansas State. It's been back-to-back encouraging performances for Beasley, who displayed his improved defense in Friday's win at Washington by slowing Antawn Jamison. On Saturday, he did it at both ends again. He was 8 of 15 from the field, with four assists, two steals, and a block in 35 minutes.

29: Beasley vs J.J. Hickson: Jan 25, 2010

The Heat lost 91-92...the famous Wade turnover...SMH!!!

Beasley had 16 points (7-14), 7 rebounds, and 2 assists.

The Heat jumped on the Cavs in the first quarter, 34-24...Beasley got the Heat going with his hustle. He grabbed offensive rebounds on the Heat's first two misses (converting one for a score).

Beasley took four attempts in the first half and had three points and three rebounds in 12 first half minutes.

Beasley would hold the Cavs starting forward, J.J. Hickson to ZERO points and one rebound.

Halftime...54-50 Miami lead.

Beasley got the Heat going in the 3rd by scoring the first eight points of the quarter for the Heat.

Heat were ahead 65-54 when they decided at the seven minute mark that Beasley had taken enough shots...for the next five minutes his teammates would not give him a look.

The Heat would then reward him by benching him for Haslem at the 2:48 marker of the 3rd...score 67-67 Heat.

The Heat would end the quarter up 69-67.

Beasley would start the 4th quarter scoring five of the Heat's first eight points (five consecutive)...the score was 77-76, with the Heat up at the 7:39 mark of the 4th.

Beasley commits his 4th foul while trying to prevent Parker from getting a lay-up after he beat Wright on a baseline drive...Beasley is placed on the bench and will remain there for the rest of the game...score 79-79.

Beasley would go on to score 13 second half points in just 13 minutes...Cavs coach Mike Brown would go on to thank the Heat's coaching staff for taking out Beasley. He said: "I don't know why they took that guy out, he was killing us in the second half".

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

You knew it would come down to those two. LeBron James. Dwyane Wade.

And in a strange way, the 21st showdown between the big-time rivals and close friends was not decided as much by which of them would do something to win the game as it was who would find a way to lose it.

Turns out, it was Wade who had the Brett Favre moment Monday night.

"Came down to one play," James said. "I'm glad it was us."

Two missed free throws and a key turnover in the final seconds came back to haunt Wade as the Heat fell 92-91 to James and the Cavaliers at AmericanAirlines Arena. Chalk this one up as another big game at home that got away from the Heat after it seemed in control.

Miami was ahead 87-81 with four minutes left and watched the Cavs steal the victory. It went down like this against Boston. It went down like this against Portland. It's gone down like this seemingly one too many times.

"We had two or three chances to win the game," forward Michael Beasley said. "After a loss like this, it hurts. Like I said, up in the fourth quarter with a couple of chances to win the game. It's tough."

Wade and James both finished with 32.

D. WADE'S DOINGS: Wade had 30 points in the first half, a career high for a first half. It was a point shy of Sherman Douglas' franchise record of 31 points in the first half. LeBron had 24. But the second half was a totally different story for Wade, who was 1 of 8 in the last two quarters. He missed two key free throws in the final seconds, then turned it over to James, and then missed what would have been the game-winner on a pull-up over James as time expired. Credit coach Mike Brown for making the adjustment and doubling Wade every time he touched the ball down the stretch. There was no double-team in the final minute, though. It was just straight-up defense from James on the final two possessions. Wade finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three steals. He was 10 of 21 from the field, but missed 7 free throws.

TURNING POINT: The final turn took the toll. After Wade missed two free throws, with the Heat in position to extend its lead by three, James took over and made the biggest two plays of the game. He forced Wade into a turnover on a play where Wade might have tried to be a bit too fancy on the failed behind-the-back pass. James then hit two free throws for the final margin. It came down to Wade missing his two free throws in the final seconds and James nailing his attempts from the charity stripe. Simple as that.

LOSING EDGE: In a game decided by the slimmest of margins, the Cavaliers got a bit more lift from their reserves. Cleveland got 24 points, 19 rebounds, and five assists from its bench, with Anderson Varejao's energy leading the way. The Heat got 13 points and 14 rebounds off the bench, with Udonis Haslem going for 10 points and nine boards.

HEAD-SCRATCHER: There was an ovation from the crowd when Mike Brown and Erik Spoelstra came to their senses and stopped torturing the fans with the lineups that started the second quarter. The Heat had Mario Chalmers, Dorell Wright, Michael Beasley, Udonis Haslem and Joel Anthony out there. Cleveland had Boobie Gibson, Anthony Parker, Jawad Williams, Anderson Varejao and Shaquille O'Neal. As expected, the statistics plummeted. Ever wondered what these teams would look like without Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, respectively? We saw it in the opening six minutes of the second quarter. It wasn't a pretty picture. Until order was restored. D. Wade and Bron-Bron re-entered together midway through the second and went off, which each scoring at least 12 consecutive points for during one of the most prolific six-minute stretches of the NBA season. Why not just let them play one-on-one, full-court the entire game?

KEY CONTRIBUTION: Jermaine O'Neal had another solid game and was key for the Heat at the start and early in the fourth quarter. J.O. seemed motivated by his match-up with the previous O'Neal that donned a Heat uniform. Jermaine was 7 of 14 from the field for 18 points. He also added eight rebounds and two blocks. There was a key missed free throw in the final minutes that could have capped a three-point play. But this was the kind of production the Heat need from J.O. every night.Beasley also had a key stretch in the third quarter when he kept the team rolling once Wade started to struggle.

CHALK THIS ONE UP TO WADE AND HIS HEAD COACH.

30. Beasley vs Chris Bosh: Jan 27, 2010... turning point of his season

The Heat would lose this game 111-103...after being up 34-23 in the first.

Beasley would finish with 6 points (3/ 5), 6 rebounds, and 1 steal in 8:28 seconds of play.

Beasley got the Heat off to a quick start...he grabbed a Wade brick and passed it to O'Neal for a jumper...game on.

Beasley would go on to score six of the Heat's first 13 points and grabbing 4 of the teams first 6 rebounds...Heat up 13-4.

Chris Bosh was 0-3 vs Beasley at that point...then BANG!!! Beasley gets injured.

He would go to the locker room and would remain for the next 12 minutes of the game...he came back at the 7:12 marker of the 2nd and would grab two more rebounds but wouldn't take a shot. The Heat would shut him down after 2 minutes on the court.

The rest is history.

HERE'S WHAT MICHAEL WALLACE HAD TO SAY:

This is what happens when Michael Beasley isn't on the court. The Heat got 35 points from Dwyane Wade, 22 from Jermaine O'Neal and 16 from Udonis Haslem. But each one of them had to burn extra energy and play extra minutes just to keep up. The rotation was out of whack. And the team ran out of gas at the end.

The Heat had only four field goals over the final eight minutes of the game. It didn't have enough left to respond to Toronto's final push at the end. Beasley hyper-extended his right knee minutes into the game and had six points and six rebounds in eight minutes. He did not play the second half.

"We stall," center Jermaine O'Neal said of the Heat's struggles down the stretch. "We go on some serious droughts. Some teams are built to go through challenges like that. We haven't been able to do that. We get gassed a little bit. We need more than two, three, or four guys. We need everybody."

D. WADE'S DOINGS: Wade took the loss to Cleveland pretty hard and vowed that he would come out and try to remove the bitter taste from his mouth in his return to the court. He came out on a mission against the Raptors. Wade had 21 points in the first half and 31 through three quarters before he shifted gears, assumed the point guard duties and set the Heat up for another close finish. After missing 7 of 16 free throws, including two in the final minute, against Cleveland, Wade came out and hit his first eight from the line. He also made 11 of his first 19 shots entering the fourth quarter. But Wade missed four of his final six shots from the field and was 1 of 6 from three-point range. He played the entire second half. He said he felt good after the game and that the added minutes didn't bother him. But he was encased in ice packs.

TURNING POINT: After the Heat cut it to 106-103 with 1:07 left, the Raptors supporting cast put the game away. Jose Calderon hit a free throw and Antoine Wright nailed a huge three-pointer from the corner to push the lead to 110-103. The Heat had a combination of turnovers and missed shots along the way.

WINNING/LOSING EDGE: Toronto shot 61 percent in the second half. Meanwhile, the Heat were 35.6 percent.

HEAD-SCRATCHER: You have to wonder how serious Michael Beasley's knee injury might be, considering the way things shook out Wednesday. Beasley got his right leg tangled with Raptors swingman Sonny Weems with seven minutes left in the first quarter as Beasley was about to jump to catch a lob pass at the rim from Rafer Alston. Instead, Beasley crashed to the ground, yelled and immediately grabbed his right knee as he rolled on the court in pain. It was initially diagnosed as a hyper-extended knee and Beasley was treated in the locker room. He returned midway through the second quarter, played another four minutes, and then went back to the bench. He came back out with the team after halftime, but sat on the bench as Udonis Haslem opened the third quarter at power forward. Beasley did not play the rest of the game. You'd have to hope, for the Heat's sake, that Beasley didn't do any further damage when he was allowed back into the game in the second quarter. The Heat are off Thursday and play at Detroit on Friday.

KEY CONTRIBUTION: With Beasley out, Haslem opened the second half at power forward. He closed with another double-double. Haslem entered Wednesday's game tied with Rony Seikaly for first place in franchise history with 14 double-doubles off the bench. Haslem moved into the lead with 16 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.

YET THIS IS THE SAME MICHAEL WALLACE THAT WOULD GO ON TO SAY THAT THE HEAT ARE BETTER WITH HASLEM THEN BEASLEY. THIS GUY NEEDS TO BE HANDED HIS PINK SLIP!!! ASAP!!!

In Conclusion

So if a picture is worth a thousand words...it seems that many of you don't know the entire story about Beasley.

I just elected to focus on 30 moments prior to his Jan 27 injury vs the Raptors. It was the game that changed the direction of Beasley's season.

He went from being regarded as a player that had turned the corner to a guy that is regarded as a bust. Mainly because of lazy media personalities not focusing on anything else but him...Wade averaged 20 points in the month of February, but no one will tell you that.

You've also heard that he's to small to play the PF position..well for the record, he's bigger than Udonis Haslem. Haslem is just nine years older and his body is more mature. But I hope the pictures show you how his body has developed over the season.

I also hope you took note on how he fared vs other top PFs in the game...don't let folks fool you into thinking he was to blame for the Heat losing so many games.

Anyway, here's to hoping the Heat hold on to Beasley this off-season.

And if they decide not to...you'll know why he has a breakout season next year.