HEAT Playoff Tony Answers!

Question: Why does the Hawks PA Announcer say "thunder sticks" when a free throw is being shot. GO HEAT!
Christian, Riverside,CA

Tony: Hi Christian. I'll have to take your word for it that the P.A.. announcer for the Hawks says that. I have headphones on while I am broadcasting the HEAT games and cannot hear him. I'm usually describing a replay or talking to the producer, Ted Ballard, during lulls in the action. I can't comment on something I haven't heard. However, if I see the Hawks P.A. announcer - I'll tell him you don't like it!

Question: If Wade is not 100% why does he handle the ball as point guard and create his own plays most of the time. Shouldn't Chalmers or even Quinn handle those duties most of the time?
Tino, Miami Springs, FL

Tony: Hi Tino. There's probably more wear and tear on a player's body having to make sharp cuts to the rim, weaving through the defense using screens to get open while taking shots to the body than running the point. Besides D-Wade is a gamer and is very effective when the ball is in his hands and he is very durable.

Question: James Jones has been hot as of late. Do you look at him as a big contributor to the HEAT and a permanent stay as a starter?
Keivon, West Palm Beach, FL

Tony: Hi Keivon. James Jones is showing why HEAT President Pat Riley signed him as a free agent in the off season last year. He is a very good 3 point shooter, a good defender & rebounder and a very intelligent person who is also a good teammate. There is no doubt he can be a good contributor to the HEAT in the future. We'll have to wait and see if he is to be a starter next year. I don't think he really cares if he starts or not - it's the minutes that's important to him - and who finishes!

Question: Do you think that the HEAT will bounce back after a rough Game 1 in Atlanta?
Brian, Miami,FL

Tony: Hi Brian. The HEAT are well coached and have been resilient all season long so I do expect them to bounce back and play much better in game 2 of the series with the Hawks. Atlanta is a very athletic team and the HEAT have to find a way to neutralize them on the boards and make them play half court offense - limit the Hawks fast break points.

Question: Do you feel that the HEAT has given Dorell Wright enough time to prove himself as a NBA calibur talent or did they miss on that draft pick?
Cortez, Ft. Lauderdale , FL

Tony: Hi Cortez. Dorell Wright has had 2 knee surgeries on the same knee and is not fully healthy yet to play everyday. He has one more year left on his contract and next year will be his sixth with the HEAT. With more rehabbing of his knee in the off season, he will hopefully come back next fall and prove to everyone that selecting him with the 20th pick in 2004 NBA draft was a good idea.

Question: How productive,important ,and effective do you think the bench performance will be for the Miami HEAT in the playoffs? Especially Michael Beasley?
Abbas, Toronto ,Canada

Tony: Hi Abbas. Michael Beasley has shown that playing in pressure situations doesn't bother him and the NBA playoffs is the biggest stage he can play on. I think he will be a very productive scorer for the HEAT vs the Hawks and that will be very important for the HEAT to advance to the second round. The HEAT need others to step up and score when Atlanta double and triple teams Dwyane Wade when he drives to the rim and Michael is a scorer.

HEAT Playoff Ask Tony!

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