Miami Heat's Loss in New Orleans Wasn't Easy But Isn't That Big Either.

This is what the Miami Heat need more of, games where they have to dig down deep to pull out a victory. It's matches and moments like this that develop the kind of confidence and cohesion that is often displayed by championship-caliber squads.

The Heat overcame a very sloppy performance along with a gritty and determined Hornets unit. New Orleans led this game from the tip-off until there was less than a minute left. Chris Paul saw to it that they kept a safe cushion between themselves and Miami the entire time.

Well, that was until Miami decided it was time to take care of business.

That's when LeBron James whispered "lets go" to Dwyane Wade. From that moment on Miami seemed to flip a switch, and despite the Hornets not easing up, they managed to start chipping away at the seemingly insurmountable lead. A pair of James free throws finally put the Heat ahead 90-89.

After a last-second game-tying three-pointer, Miami dominated the overtime period for the win.

Emeka Okafor played like Wilt Chamberlain in the loss, while Paul also had a sensational game with 19 assists. 

Wait what, the Heat lost? Eddie House missed seven threes without making one? They didn't win a game they were determined to pull out?

Yes, Miami lost a hard-fought game, but it's nothing to panic about.

New Orleans played as good as they might this entire season, while Miami seemed to sleep walk until the final 14 minutes.

A big deal will be made every time the Heat lose, but that doesn't matter. This team doesn't need to challenge or strive for 72 wins. This season is one in which they must find a way to fuse in order to hit their peak come playoff time.

This game will actually go a long way in helping Miami more than it will hurt them. This type of challenge is what lets you properly evaluate what you have on your roster. Who can be counted on to do what.

The thing worth taking from this game is that, while Chris Bosh may have great range for a big man, he plays soft and has no hands. This isn't based just on last night's game. It's something that is becoming obvious and is indicative that Miami still needs one more big man to help in the rotation. It remains to be seen whether Dex Pittman can be that guy.

Carlos Arroyo also is starting to look out of place on the court with the rest of the starting unit. Patrick Beverley was definitely worth keeping and taking a look at. Can someone explain where Juwan Howard is being hidden? Why give him a roster spot when it could have gone to a fast and defensive-minded point guard that can create scoring opportunities for teammates off his dribble?

Pat Riley is going to need to consider bringing in some more reinforcements. It is obvious they need an athletic and legitimate seven-footer down low along with a point guard that can actually play defense, or at least one that can consistently hit a mid-range jumper.

This is not a finished product. The question becomes who gets brought in and when, in order to supply James and Wade with the right supporting cast.