By Josh Baumgard (@MiaSportsGuy)

I’m about to outline a pretty simple theory for how the Heat should utilize their offensive sets from here on out without Christopher Wesson Bosh.

Play inside out.

Embrace remnants of the enigmatic, now seemingly extinct Triangle Offense. The Shaq-and-Kobe Lakers and the Jordan-and-Pippen Bulls thrived under this system under Phil Jackson. Both teams were constructed with two superstars and mere role players around them. Sound familiar?

Although asking this team to fully master the most complex offensive scheme arguably in sports history in the middle of a playoff run is an act of insanity, it doesn’t mean they can’t embrace its core principles and philosophy. For the most part, there are some very bright basketball minds on this team.

Movement. Post position. Five playing as one. That’s the triangle in a nut shell.

As Grantland’s Chuck Klosterman tells us, it’s main strength is “What it does for players with less ability.”

Do tell Chuck…

“Most NBA sets are static; they require perimeter players to create their own shot, usually off the dribble. The Triangle’s relentless off-the-ball movement allows standing jump shooters to contribute within their own preexisting skill set. This is why it worked so well for John Paxson and Steve Kerr, and even for guys like Sasha Vujacic and Luke Walton. You don’t need four or five athletic scorers to make the Triangle work. Two is plenty, because it amplifies the value of role players.”

- Chuck Klosterman of Grantland

Am I in fantasy land or is everything mentioned in the previous paragraph applicable to this team?

Sometimes I call the Heat the Pocket Offense, with one or two players actively involved in the play and the rest of the unit “spacing the floor”, hands in their pockets.

There’s no movement away from the ball on the weak side.

It’s time to play your stars closer to the post. Work your horses inside from the start. Get them on the block, and play off the double and triple teams with your shooters interchanging on the perimeter.

There will be less dribbling and more passing, which in theory should exhaust the defense while creating more efficient shot opportunities.

Without Bosh providing an interior presence, LeBron and D-Wade must embrace a new style. The fact LeBron just may be the best passer on earth makes it all the more appealing.

LeBron should filet the Pacers like fish from the low block. With his strength and court vision? Come on now.

Below is a video showing a glimpse into the triangle offense…

According to ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh and Synergy Sports, LeBron James posted up a career high 13.8 percent of the time during the regular season. That number is down to 7.3 in the playoffs.

If I’m Spo, I make sure it’s up to beyond 30 percent from here on out without Bosh. Get the world’s best player within ten feet of the rim to BEGIN every possession. He soaks up defenders like a sponge, creating plenty of easy opportunities for his teammates.

The key is creating easier possessions offensively.

The amount of energy being exerted by James and Wade right now is high because most of their scoring is coming off dribble penetration. LeBron is especially exhausting himself because he’s guarding anyone and everyone while also initiating the break and mopping up the boards in 40-plus minutes of intense playoff basketball.

When was the last time the Heat ran a give-and-go with LeBron on the block and Wade slashing off the ball? It’s happened, I’m sure of it but it’s time to bring it back.

The Heat’s two superstars should run a clinic on the weak side, moving off the ball. For whatever reason, they don’t.

Dribble less. Move the rock more. Post up Wade and James and have them play a two-man game early and often. They’re too good not to both be utilized simultaneously on nearly every play.

“The real advantage of the Triangle is what it does for players with less ability,” Klosterman said. Right now, the Heat’s supporting cast should be defined as “less ability” with the way they’ve been contributing lately. Make it easier on them and the stars.

Again, I’m not advocating the Heat abandon everything and throw in this ridiculously complicated offense and all of the combinations that come along with it. But the Heat certainly have some remnants already built in. We’ve seen it.

It’s time to truly unleash it.

Josh Baumgard (@MiaSportsGuy)

It’s rare an NBA Champion is crowned after a season of smooth sailing. Somewhere along this perpetual journey there usually comes a time of extreme adversity, a time where the odds are against you, a time where failure appears likely.

The 2011 Dallas Mavericks faced this challenge in game two of last year’s NBA Finals.

It was the 7:15 mark in the fourth quarter when Dwyane Wade rocketed in a deep three near the opposing bench to put the Heat up 88-73. It was an absolute dagger, or so it seemed at the time.

The rest was history as Dallas went on a 22-5 run, winning game two and eventually taking home the NBA title in six games, ripping it from the grasps of Wade, LeBron James and a Heat team on the verge of greatness. Remember, only 14 teams in NBA history have come back from a 0-2 deficit in a best-of-seven series.

We don’t know how many of those moments the eventual champion will face, but Chris Bosh (abdominal strain) suffering what could be a significant injury is test one for a team with championship-or-bust expectations.

The following are some role players who need to be ready to step up and soften the blow.

Mike Miller

Outside of the Heat’s big three, Mike Miller is the sole remaining facilitator on the roster. And by facilitator, I’m referencing both the ability to create for yourself and for others. Mike hasn’t had to do much of either, because they haven’t needed him to do much more than catch-and-shoot offensively.

With LeBron most likely sliding to the post more, Miller should have more opportunities to create. His usage rate will certainly rise and hopefully his productivity along with it.

James Jones

He may start or he may not play the rest of the playoffs. We never know with Spo and James Jones, the most consistent long-range bomber on the Heat roster who rarely gets burn.

The Heat will desperately need consistent floor spacing with Bosh out. The defense’s sole goal will be to pack the paint and prevent dribble penetration from Wade and James.  Keeping those two away from the rim and off the line will be top priority, as it should be. Shane Battier and Mario Chalmers are erratic shooters so Jones may just get his chance in game two and beyond.

I could care less whether the only thing he really does well is shoot.

The Heat need specialists more than ever and they really are going to need some shooting to carry them forward. He also adds some toughness, which I’d say is a playoff-necessary attribute.

He will win this team a playoff game. I smell it.

Rony Turiaf

This is the perfect series for Rony, because the Pacers are beefy and elbow-prone inside (Tyler Hansbrough). Rony happens to be the Heat’s most physical big and he showed it in game one. His energy and rebounding will be pivotal.

Expect the Pacers to give Turiaf generous space, daring him to shoot. He will have his opportunities.

Also when Hansbrough gleams that bug-eyed look of his as he’s ready to go into Tasmanian Devil mode, the Heat need a counter. Turiaf, you’re up.

Nuggets

• Obviously the usage rate for James and Wade should both increase, as will the pressure on those two to score. This team is constructed that way. If they don’t combine for 60 or more the Heat will probably be in trouble.
• Joel Anthony was heroic for Joel Anthony in game one, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the field with 7 boards in 24 minutes. I still think he’s best utilized off the bench, and I think he himself would agree.
• What has happened to Udonis Haslem? The man who once was ice from the elbow is shooting 32 percent from the field in the postseason, becoming a downright liability offensively. In six playoff games, he’s shot a horrifying 3-for-12 (25%) in in the 10-23 feet range. For comparison, he’s in the mid-40′s his entire career in that area. Will the old UD please stand up?

First off, throw out the Heat’s 3-1 record against the Pacers this year. As we learned last year, “analyzing” regular season outcomes to predict playoff series are about as useful as Charles Barkley using shampoo. Worthless.

However we can take certain realizations about those matchups and apply them in the playoffs. Let’s take a look at three issues in this series.

1. The Impact of Roy Hibbert

ESPN’s John Hollinger tells us…

When LeBron James was on the court against Hibbert in the four regular-season games, Miami was plus-17 in 128 minutes — not good for the Pacers, obviously, but manageable. When LeBron played and Hibbert didn’t? The Heat were plus-30 in 31 minutes.

Analysis: To nobody’s surprise, the 7’2″ behemoth inside is an impact player for the Pacers against the Heat. Despite the fact Miami sliced through Indiana regardless of his presence, they were that much worse with him on the bench.

With Miami lacking a beefy, physical center who actually plays, this could be of some concern. We saw what a solid Dallas perimeter defense with Tyson Chandler did against Miami in the finals last year. The Pacers have some adequate defensive wing players with length in Paul George and Danny Granger. Expect Rony Turiaf to get some burn against the physical Indiana front court.

If  the Heat consistently get Hibbert in foul trouble, this one will be over quickly.

2. No Stars, No Problem?

Everyone’s favorite argument for why the Pacers are not a formidable presence is their lack of star power. That they don’t have an individual who strikes fear into a defense.

In my eyes that makes them more dangerous against a team like the Heat.

The only type of team that can beat the Heat four times is a true team. A top-heavy team with two main stars who try to go head-to-head with Miami will always fail.

But a true team, a five-man presence on a string, scares me. The Pacers should scare Heat fans a little because of the fact they defend and they’re not as offensively inept as the New York Knicks. Their offensive philosophy is light-years ahead of Mike Woodson’s isolation-heavy “system” the Heat sawed through in round one.

The Pacers are a well coached group on both ends and you see it in their movement. They move the ball and they move off the ball. For this reason they’re more enjoyable to watch than Miami for basketball purists.

I still question Indiana’s ability to consistently get good looks in crunch time without a dominant playmaker against a ferociously quick Miami defense. Indiana’s only chance is if they go nuts from three.

3. Talent Wins Out, Usually

While the Pacers are an impressive collection of team over self, they just aren’t in the same realm as far as firepower is concerned. The playoffs often rely on stars taking over series and simply put the Pacers have nobody who emits that type of fear.

They’re a good story and clearly will be the general fan favorite, but they don’t pose a legitimate threat to the Heat. They aren’t good enough defensively to survive without a dominant offensive presence. Can Danny Granger put this team on his back? Doubtful when he’s going against the best wing defender in the game in James.

I’d be absolutely shocked if the Heat swept because Indy is well coached and they play as one, but they don’t have a chance in this series because the big dogs win in the playoffs. Miami has several, and Indy doesn’t. Not yet anyways with the supremely gifted George still a couple of years away from stardom.

While this series will be more entertaining than the last, look for the Heat to sail.

Prediction: Heat in 5

LeBron James officially took home his third MVP Saturday afternoon in Miami for a season that will go down in history as one of his all-time greats.

It marks the first time a Miami Heat player was awarded with the regular season MVP. LeBron was awfully impressive through out his speech, and he was genuinely refreshing speaking from the heart while at times showing some vulnerability. Watch below…

Born in Miami, the 29-year-old actress has had a moderately successful career on the big screen. You may have seen her birthday suit in the classic Wedding Crashers or as she graced the cover of Playboy in 2005.

She has also appeared in Shameless, Two and a Half Men, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning. Diora Baird is this week’s MIA Hottie, born and raised in the county of Dade. Her acting skills on display below…

Part 4 of 5 in a series ranking the NBA’s Top 25 players. The list was compiled on merit alone and my intense hatred for players on teams like the Knicks or Celtics was painfully kept in check. Every week, I’ll be releasing a new set of players…

(NOTE: PER denotes Player Efficiency Rating, the best measure we have for accumulating individual stats in regards to efficiency)

NBA Top 25: 25-21, 20-16, 15-11

10. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks

PER: 21.81 (20th), 21.6 PTS, 6.7 REB, 46% FG, 37% 3FG, 90% FT

Although Dirk’s midrange game took a dive this year (Dropped nine percentage points in the 10-15 feet range), he’s still one of the game’s elite offensive players. Amazingly Dallas dropped 12 spots in offensive efficiency this year, but Dirk and the defending champs will resurge next year behind Deron Williams at the point.

9. Russell Westbrook, Thunder

PER: 23.0 (9th), 23.6 PTS, 46% FG, 82% FT, 32% 3FG, 4.6 REB, 5.5 ASS, 1.7 STL

He’s the most physically gifted point guard in basketball and that includes Derrick Rose. Nobody offers a more impressive combination of strength, speed, and explosiveness among the “little guys”. Where Westbrook must improve, to take that next step, is in his point guard instincts. This includes knowing when to get his teammates involved over taking it himself and shooting less from the perimeter (32% on threes). Increasing his 1.51 assist-to-turnover ratio is another area where he needs to get better. Endless potential.

8. Derrick Rose, Bulls

PER: 23.10 (5th), 21.8 PTS, 7.9 ASS, 44% FG, 31% 3FG, 81% FT

Rose gets “it” more than Westbrook and It’d be frightening to see the reigning MVP get the opportunity to play with another legitimate superstar like Kevin Durant. His achilles heel remains his long ball (31% threes) and his inability to stay healthy (Missed over 20 games this year) having to carry the load on a team lacking other playmakers.

7. Kobe Bryant, Lakers

PER: 21.95 (17th), 27.9 PTS, 5.4 REB, 4.6 ASS, 43% FG 30% 3FG, 85% FT

While 33 may not seem that old for an NBA vet, don’t forget his career includes 15 seasons, and most of those seasons ended in June due to deep playoff runs. Despite all of those miles (most of them as the Lakers’ horse) Kobe has remained an impact player. However, for the sake of his team and his own health he’s going to have to pass the torch to the drastically more efficient Andrew Bynum inside.

6. Kevin Love, T-Wolves

PER: 25.41 (5th), 26.0 PTS, 13.3 REB, 45% FG, 37% 3FG, 82% FT

At 6’10, 260, Love possesses a remarkable array of skills. He can’t jump yet he’s the best rebounder in the game. He’s slow-footed yet he racks up an efficient 25-plus points a night with a good chunk of them coming from the perimeter. Mr. Fundamental is going to be a force in this league for a very long time. Hopefully his teammates step it up, or he will be gone before his next fat contract.

Joy Taylor (@queennef) and I (@miasportsguy) hosted our first show of “The Sports Nuts” on 560 WQAM this past Sunday.

Former Miami Herald writer and current ESPN NBA columnist Israel Guitierrez joined us in the first hour to talk Heat-Knicks, while future Miami Hurricane defensive back and former Miami Columbus star Deon Bush hopped on with us to talk workouts, national championships, and some ballet.

You can listen to the two interviews below…

Deon Bush, Miami Hurricanes DB

Israel Guitierrez, ESPN

It was a battle of uglies Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. For the most part.

The Miami Heat and New York Knicks shot a hopeless 39 percent and 33 percent, respectively, through the game’s first three quarters. It was in those three quarters where Miami was bad from three (6 of 21 for 29 percent) and New York was even worse (3 of 13 for 23 percent).

Just as Chris Bosh welcomed his baby boy into the world the night before, the fourth quarter was a game reborn – for the Heat that is.

As the Knicks offense continued to drown with poor execution against a suffocating Heat defense, Miami’s offense blossomed, especially from the perimeter. A rested LeBron James, who missed most of the third quarter with foul trouble, erupted in the final 12 minutes on 6 of 12 shooting, connecting on 2 of 3 from beyond the arc. Mario Chalmers’ trio of threes didn’t hurt either.

Key Difference in Core Players

Considering no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit this was most likely the final blow to the chin of a franchise in turmoil.

While the Knicks have star-power with names like Stoudemire, Anthony, and Chandler, there is a notable defense between the trio and that of their more talented counterpart over enemy lines.

What makes Dwyane Wade and LeBron James elite is not their ability to score the basketball. Although they are among the league’s most feared offensive players, it’s their impact on the defensive end that places them a tier above their one-sided foes clothed in blue and orange. Even Miami’s third star in Chris Bosh is an active defender and one of the better rotating big men in the league, although he clearly has trouble with the beefier bigs.

Tyson Chandler is a defensive ace, arguable the best in basketball after winning this year’s award for top defensive player, but his offensive game is casper-like beyond six feet. Carmelo Anthony can flat out score, but the word “defense” isn’t in his vocabulary and he thinks “rebound” is in reference to a female. The same goes for Amare Stoudemire, an early nominee for worst contract of 2013, as his athleticism continues to decline further exposing his hollow skill set.

You win titles with two-way players. Players like LeBron who can defend any position on the court. Players like Wade who have shutdown capability.

It’s why Michael and Scottie have more rings than a hand can fit. The playoffs are about stringing together runs against the league’s top defenses while at the same time trying to stifle the runs of their opponent. New York isn’t built to win when it matters.

Miami is.

Chalmers Thriving

Mario Chalmers, the man whose game plummeted after the all-star break, has come alive in the playoffs. His efficiency is back up across the board as you can see below.

2011-12 Playoffs: 3 GMS… 14.3 PTS, 54% FG, 50% 3FG, 5.o ASS, 2.0 STL, 2.3 TO

If Rio is connecting at an efficient clip from the outside, Shane Battier and Mike Miller (Combined for 1-10 from three in game three) don’t have to be on for the Heat to win. A major luxury for the Heat supporting cast and a burden off the shoulders of Bosh, James, and Wade.

Miami’s Advantage Inside

In game three, the Heat shot a near perfect 12 of 14 (86%) around the rim while the Knicks were an abysmal 9 of 23 (39 %). This shows us the precision of the Heat’s interior defense, especially on rotations from the bigs.

Miami has been swarming on the defensive end, and they’ve done an excellent job at contesting shots without fouling inside. Even when Melo gets to the rim, which he will do because he’s highly skilled with the ball, they’re making him earn his two points.

Thus far, the Heat look as focused as I’ve ever seen them. The question is whether this team is that dominant or New York is just that bad. Time will tell.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit God Kate Upton has earned today’s MIA Hottie honors. Ms. Upton is appearing all over the place of late.

Through hard work, generous natural gifts, and South Florida ties, Kate has worked her way up to the top. Enjoy the sophisticated film below.

*Did You Know? Upton actually got her first gig in Miami…

Part 3 of 5 in a series ranking the NBA’s Top 25 players. The list was compiled on merit alone and my intense hatred for players on teams like the Knicks or Celtics was painfully kept in check. Every week, I’ll be releasing a new set of players…

(NOTE: PER denotes Player Efficiency Rating, the best measure we have for accumulating individual stats in regards to efficiency)

NBA Top 25: 25-21, 20-16

15. Rajon Rondo, Celtics

PER: 17.55 (78th), 11.9 PTS, 11.7 ASS, 45% FG, 60% FT

While his jumper may never strike fear into the opponent, he’s exceptional in every other facet of the game. A pure playmaker on both ends, Rondo doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Will he be as good when his grandfather teammates pass over into the NBA afterlife?

14. Steve Nash, Suns

PER: 20.29 (29th), 12.5 PTS, 10.7 ASS, 53% FG, 39% 3FG, 89% FT

38 years young and he’s still slithering through defenses at will. It’s not a matter whether he can still play, but rather for how long and whether he will evacuate the Phoenix Suns for a shot at his first NBA title. Nash on the Heat would be just unfair. Remove my Heat favoritism from the equation and I’d love to see him on a young, rising team like the Pacers or Grizzlies.

13. Carmelo Anthony, Knicks

PER: 21.15 (28th), 22.6 PTS, 6.3 REB, 43% FG, 80% FT

One of the best pure scorers in the game who doesn’t play great defense but is a beastly rebounder when he wants to be. The fact he only averages 6.3 boards a game for his career is absurd. Melo will forever remain outside my top ten because he is simply not a two-way player. One of the most talented players in the game, yet he consistently underachieves and doesn’t make his teammates significantly better.

12. Deron Williams, Nets

PER: 20.34 (35th), 21.0 PTS, 8.7 ASS, 41% FG, 34% 3FG, 84% FT 

His efficiency from the field is down this year, but that’s because he has rocks for teammates. If he bolts for Dallas, expect an MVP-caliber year and a legitimate chance at a title for the first time in his fine six-year career.

11. Andrew Bynum, Lakers

PER: 23.0 (11th), 18.7 PTS, 11.8 REB, 56% FG, 69% FT, 1.9 BLK

Based off of this season he should be top five, but this is his first year consistently playing at this level. He has the best post moves in basketball. And he hasn’t had the injury bug while playing a career high 35 minutes a night. Yet.