Fresh off their surprising (to say the least) victory over the Houston Rockets last night at the AAA, the Heat now get to the opportunity to really show if the resurgence they showed on Tuesday night is for real, or if it was just an isolated win in the midst of the loss-filled February.  Now despite that they didn't win any of the recent games, Miami has fared well against the better teams in the Eastern Conference.  They just haven't had anyone step up during crunch time and generally fizzle out.

If Miami can play the same type of game that did last night against the Rockets, they are going to a win a lot more games.  I can't remember the last time I saw the Heat hustling so much on offense.  Usually there is a guy with the ball moving around and everyone else is standing still, waiting for a pass.  Not last night though, as every Heat play was incredibly active. 

The ball movement was great, which will happen when the guys without the ball are running full speed to get to a spot.  Also, credit to the Heat big guys; they were racing to the outside and setting much quicker picks then usual, which keeps the defenders moving and doesn't allow the vacated areas to be covered as quickly. 

GAME NOTES

• The Heat and Hawks have played twice this year with both teams getting a win on their home court.  That is much more impressive for Miami, who has struggled at home.  Atlanta on the other hand has been sick at home, coming into tonight with a 21-5 record at Phillips. 
• Miami had 9 players score at least 5 points last night against Houston. 
• Speaking of last night, I forgot to mention that James Jones hit his only shot, a trey, in the 4 minutes of garbage time he played. Considering that the Heat had backups playing the majority of the 4^th quarter, what does it say about Jones' position on this team when he only gets the final 4 minutes of a blowout? 
• Miami has lost 4-straight regular season visits to Atlanta. 
• They are also just 2-8 on the 2^nd night of back-to-backs. 
• For the Heat, Mario Chalmers will be out with his thumb boo boo.  On the Atlanta side, Zaza Pachulia will sit out with a hip injury and Joe Johnson is listed as probable as he is dealing with the flu. 

This will be the last game before the All-Star break for Miami.  They better get plenty of rest because when the break is over, the Heat get going by playing 4 games in 5 nights, all on the road.  Tipoff tonight from Phillips Arena will be at 7.  Lets go Heat!!