FINAL PUSH

With 15 games left in their regular season schedule, the Miami Heat are closely battling it out with five other teams for the last four playoff slots in the Eastern Conference. They have won 11 of their last 16 games including the last three to occupy the sixth position (35-32) in the East in a tie with the Charlotte Bobcats.

What is remarkable in this final stretch run is that Miami is winning despite some turmoil the past week. Currently on the suspension list of the team were Rafer Alston (out indefinitely) and Dorell Wright (2 games). Sophomore sensation Michael Beasly is also out of commission with an injury (deep thigh bruise). The current three-game winning streak saw the Heat posting impressive victories over the Los Angles Clippers (108-97), the Chicago Bulls (108-95) and the Philadelphia 76ers (104-91). Likewise, Miami is playing tremendous defense lately as evidenced by their last five outings wherein the Heat limited their opponents to below 100 points.

Aside from the consistent play of resident superstar Dwyane Wade, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has maximized the use of his bench players most notably Quintin Richardson and Jermaine O’Neal. In the last six games Richardson is 25 for 50 on 3-pointers. During the Heat's current five-game home winning streak he's 23 for 43, a .535 percentage. "Q has been shooting the ball amazingly for this stretch we've been playing well," Wade said. The Heat needs everything Richardson has in these final 15 games. "I'm really getting comfortable in the arena and starting to feel like I'm used to the building," Richardson uttered. One of Richardson’s most memorable games was during the Heat’s 114-111 overtime win over the Los Angles Lakers wherein he drained a season-best seven 3-pointers. "He's sensing the moment right now," Spoelstra said. "He's one of the guys in that locker room I call a 'Big Moment' player."

O’Neal is playing splendidly this season after battling various injuries during the past seasons. He has become once again a dominant force inside the paint. Spoelstra has crafted a role that would benefit the 6-11 South Carolina native and has also called plays for him this season. The Filipino-American mentor has made O’Neal the offensive anchor of a second-quarter unit filled mostly with reserves. “Sometimes it takes a while to get comfortable,'' O'Neal said. “Sometimes you don't quite understand your situation as far as position. Also, you got a coach trying to figure out a way to get you involved without breaking down the system. That took a while.''

Spoelstra has commended O’Neal’s big improvement this season. “He's one of the better centers in the Eastern Conference. All I know is he's helping us win. And it's establishing a game that we need. We need to play inside out. It helps us control tempo, getting easier opportunities playing through him.”

Wade, Udonis Haslem and Wright are the only remaining members of the 2005-06 Heat championship team. It will be another uphill climb for Miami to duplicate such feat. But who knows, maybe another surprise run is awaiting Spoelstra and the Heat in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

At the moment, the Heat can not afford to think beyond the final 15 games of the regular season wars before entertaining any thoughts on a possible post-season appearance.

It must be first things first.

*****

Herewith are the completed transaction for the period March 2 to 14:

Sunday, March 14

Utah signed guard Othyus Jeffers to a second 10-day contract.

Saturday, March 13

Charlotte signed guard Larry Hughes for the remainder of the season.

San Antonio signed guard Garrett Temple to a 10-day contract.

Friday, March 12

Golden State signed guard Reggie Williams to a second 10-day contract.

Wednesday, March 10

San Antonio signed guard Cedric Jackson to a 10-day contract.

Tuesday, March 9

Los Angeles Clippers fired general manager Mike Dunleavy and and named Neil Olshey general manager.

Washington signed guard Shaun Livingston to a second 10-day contract.

Sunday, March 7

Washington signed guard Alonzo Gee to a 10-day contract.

Saturday, March 6

Boston signed guard Michael Finley for the remainder of the season.

Friday, March 5

Oklahoma City signed guard Antonio Anderson to a second 10-day contract.

Wednesday, March 3

Portland signed guard Travis Diener.

Sacramento signed guard Garrett Temple to a 10-day contract.

Utah signed guard Othyus Jeffers to a 10-day contract.

Tuesday, March 2

Chicago signed forward Chris Richard for the rest of the season and waived guard Lindsey Hunter.

Golden State signed guard Reggie Williams to a 10-day contract.

Houston signed guard Will Conroy to a second 10-day contract.