I just wanna give props to Zo. The guy was awesome last night. He has been one of my favorite players and thought he would only be a bench warmer playing 4-5 minutes b/c Stan van gundy was reluctant to play him when he first signed. I didn't want him winning a meaningless title by not being a contributor but how sweet it is to seem him being a legitimate contributor. He has had some big games so far. Hopefully they can get past the Pistons, but their starting 5 is so good it is going to be tough. Oh well just wanted to give props to him (It's amazing especially coming off a kidney translplant less than a year and half ago!!!). ZO: In Middle of Big Change No Shaq, No Problem
Sorry the Miami Herald article needs subscription so here it is: Posted on Fri, May. 13, 2005 ALONZO MOURNING In middle of big change Alonzo Mourning replaced an injured Shaquille O'Neal and had 14 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks to provide energy and a lift in the Heat's 102-95 victory. BY STEPHEN F. HOLDER sholder@herald.com WASHINGTON - When the Heat acquired Alonzo Mourning in early March, the intention was simple: augment the team as it prepared for the postseason. No one said anything about taking on Shaquille O'Neal's load at the most critical point of the season. And no one said anything about playing some of his longest stretches of the season against one of the league's most energetic young teams though just a year and a half removed from a kidney transplant. But those were the tasks Mourning was asked to perform Thursday night at MCI Center in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Mourning was caught a bit off guard when he learned O'Neal's status for the game was in doubt, but the Heat's other big man would not shrink in the face of a big challenge. 'At the shootaround [Thursday] morning, Shaq pulled me aside and said, `Big fella, I'm going to need you tonight,' '' Mourning said. 'I said, `Say no more.' '' GOT SHAQ'S BACK Said O'Neal: 'Zo told me, `I got your back. You don't have to worry about nothing. . . . I've been waiting for this moment all my life.' When he was talking to me, I was looking in his eyes, and I believe him.'' But even at that moment, Mourning probably could not have predicted he would produce 14 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots, all while playing 35 minutes and -- arguably most important of all -- avoiding foul trouble. Mourning, playing across town from where he first rose to basketball fame at Georgetown University, a place he said he spent ''four of the best years of my life,'' looked a lot like that young baby-faced player who used to run the floor with abandon for coach John Thompson's Hoyas. His energy was crucial for the Heat on both ends of the floor. On offense, Wizards center Brendan Haywood proved incapable of slowing the 35-year-old Mourning. And on defense, Mourning was inescapable, using his long reach to block shots and change many he didn't. And to think, this was the guy who was brought in as an insurance policy. ZO ENERGETIC ''He was changing shots all over the place, rebounding the ball [and] he had some timely baskets,'' Heat coach Stan Van Gundy said. ``He was tremendous.'' Mourning was the ultimate safety valve Thursday. It wasn't until just before pregame warmups that a final decision was made on O'Neal's status. ''I just noticed the Big Fella [O'Neal] wasn't changing his clothes,'' was how Udonis Haslem learned of the decision to sit O'Neal. Not that Haslem was especially concerned. ''We knew Zo was going to come in and have an impact,'' Haslem said. ``Don't forget, I grew up in Miami watching him play.'' During that first stint in Miami, Mourning never achieved a championship. But he feels this might be his best opportunity. That's why he was running out to the top of the key on defensive assignments Thursday, or zeroing on the rim from 15 feet away to bury a big jump shot. His intention is to seize this moment. ''I see this as a moment each and every one of us can take advantage of,'' Mourning said.
I believe Zo and Haslem will be the key to beating detroit. Last year when Detroit played the lakers they could really frustrate shaq into tough shots and mistakes by doubling him with the wallace boys because their PF position was so weak. I wouldn't be surprised to see some mourning and shaq in at the same time for a few mins against them to counter-act the doubles. Haslem will need to step up as well. He's been playing pretty well so far so Detroit won't be able to exploit that as much as they did in the finals against shaq. That's going to be my favorite series IF both teams make it. It'll be pretty much a repeat of the finals last year.
I'm really excited about how zo is playing. I loved Zo before his injury. He is one of the reasons i would like to see the heat win. I also like haslem alot. I like those hard working players, who know their role in a team. The heat will have a very good chance at winning the titel. Wade is fantastic, and shaq has not been trying to play hard. he will be serious when the importent games are their. And they have Zo to back him up.
Yeah since the Rox have been knocked out I hope the Heat win it all so Zo can get a ring. I only wish Zo had someone of D-Wade's talents when he was in his prime. Zo never had that second solid star to compliment him as most great big men have (well Olajuwon never had it but Dream is from another planet in terms of skills). Hey arno_ed, any news in Holland on whether Dennis Berhkamp will play one more season with Arsenal. They guy is amazing, his field vision and skills are unbelievable and I love watching him play. I hope he comes back one more season.... I only wish he could play one more World cup, maybe limited to 30-45 minutes...any talk about that in Holland? He would be a great leader to the young guys on the team.
Sorry but I am the biggest Heat bandwagon fan right now. Zo shouldnt even be alive right now, muchless playing his ass off. Heat over Spurs.
Yeah, I've always loved Zo's honesty and intensity. Unlike Payton and Malone, he has certainly earned his spot in Miami.
Zo is a courageous man. His effort is second to none. He is doing a great job in helping the Heat. I would be glad to see him win a ring even though my choices after we lost to the Mavs have been the Pistons and the Pacers.
