5 Things We Learned from the Heat's Christmas Day Win

Pierce FettigDec 25, 2011

As hard as it was for the Miami Heat to be in the building to watch the Dallas Mavericks raise their 2011 Championship banner, they came out and made a strong statement to the Mavs and the rest of the NBA.

While the final score was 105-94 in Miami's Favor, that does not come anywhere close to depicting what was a dominating performance from Miami in a game where they lead by as much as 35 points.

Sunday's game was a classic example of the Heat being able to use their athleticism to their advantage and dominate their opponent in transition.

The Heat Have Put Last Year Behind Them

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Coming into the game on Sunday, there was some talk out there that the Heat might be affected with with thoughts of what could have been last season, especially since they were going up against the team that defeated them in the finals—the Dallas Mavericks.

But it was clear the Heat have last year's crushing final's defeat behind them as they came out firing on all cylinders starting by outscoring the Mavericks 32-17 in the first quarter and stepping on the gas from there.

The Heat were business-like throughout the game with a focus that was second to none. There was no showboating and a small amount of flashy plays, almost flipping the script from last season where those were common.

Miami won their first regular season game in Dallas since 2002, and in doing so, proved they have moved on from last season and are prepared to make a strong title push this year.

Norris Cole Is the Point Guard of the Future for Miami

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When the "Big Three" were assembled last season, it appeared going into the year that one of their biggest weaknesses would be the point guard position. That turned out to be right on point as it was hard for Miami to depend on anyone there last year ranging from Carlos Arroyo to Mike Bibby and Mario Chalmers.

So in this year's draft, the Heat did a great job of addressing this issue by picking up Norris Cole from Cleveland State. Cole was scouted as the type of player who could come in off the bench for the Heat and produce energy and points right away.

Cole did just that Sunday afternoon as he came in during the first quarter and gave the Heat five points along with a steal and plenty of defensive energy.

Things are certainly starting to look brighter for the Heat at the point guard position now with the development of Norris Cole.

This Heat Team Is Much Deeper Than Last Year

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With new acquisition Shane Battier playing only four minutes due to a sore hamstring and key reserve Mike Miller out because of a recent hernia surgery you would expect the Heat to have to rely on the "Big Three" more than ever.

And while LeBron and Wade combined for 63 points Sunday afternoon, Chris Bosh had just four points on just 2-of-9 shooting.

Leading the way for the rest of the team were James Jones and Udonis Haslem each giving Miami nine points, along with Cole adding seven and Joel Anthony with six.

If this Heat squad can consistently rely on guys not named James, Bosh or Wade, then this team is going to be scary good.