Sun-Sentinal About the Heat: In addition to a bulked-up Shaquille O'Neal, fans will get their first look at several new players. They include point guard Jason Williams and small forward James Posey, both of whom should be in the staring lineup for the regular season; and forward Antoine Walker and guard Gary Payton, veterans who will play major roles. Also debuting is forward Wayne Simien, the team's first-round draft pick last spring. About the Spurs: The defending champions added Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel, players the Heat also pursued, and Argentine star forward Fabrico Oberto. Otherwise this is the same team that beat Detroit for the championship. Source
I know it's only a preseason game, but the Spurs are taking it to the Heat and lead 41-29 halfway through the 2nd quarter. Duncan and Gino are doing whatever they want on the court.
The HEAT played like crap in the 1st quarter. After that we took over. Walker was the best player on the floor and shut down Tim Duncan when they were matched up.
Walker was very good, but if you Heat fans aren't a bit concerned about what went on in the first quarter when the real players were playing, then you should be. I think your biggest concerns will be the play at PG. Neither Williams or Payton did anything against mediocre defensive players in Parker, VE, and Udrih. My biggest concerns were the transition D in the 2nd quarter and just getting the new faces to mesh. Your right though, Walker was looking nice out there, but still lives on the perimeter too much for my taste. That being said, I was very excited with what I saw as a Spurs fan. I just wish we could get rid of Rashlow. BTW, Props to both teams for adding this game to their schedule for Hurricane relief. Fans couldn't have asked for a better matchup, and it was fairly well played for only being together for 6 days of camp. I can definately see this as a Finals preview.
