Contrasting styles present conflict in Phoenix Suns-Miami Heat match-up

BY MICHAEL WALLACE


Something has to give.

And if things go according to plan for the Heat, its defense would prevent Steve Nash from being the guard that keeps on giving Tuesday when the two-time league MVP leads the Phoenix Suns into AmericanAirlines Arena.

In addition to owning identical 3-0 records, the Heat and Suns statistically are the NBA's best teams at their contrasting styles.

The Suns bring the league's best shooting team and highest-scoring offense to face the NBA's stingiest defense in field-goal percentage allowed.

``He'll test our defense in so many different ways, and they can stretch us out with their shooting,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of Nash and a Suns offense averaging 117.3 points and shooting 52.4 percent from three-point range. ``It will be a challenging night for our defense. But the fundamental things we've been stressing in training camp, our guys have taken to heart.''

Spoelstra hasn't had to search for reasons why Miami has a chance to match the best start in franchise history with a victory against the Suns. Entering Monday's games, the Heat ranked first in field-goal percentage defense, holding opponents to 38.6 percent from the field and also a league-best 21.6 percent from three-point range.

Perimeter defense, particularly defending the three-point line, had been a Heat weakness throughout last season and in the playoffs. But the offseason focus was to turn that area into a strength.

There also has been a higher level of deterrence at the rim, with reserve center Joel Anthony ranked sixth in the league with two blocks a game despite averaging only 18 minutes.

``That's what we are, a defensive, grind-it-out team, where everybody likes to go in and do their part,'' Anthony said. ``Every possession, we want to get after you and make it difficult.''

NO MASKED MAN

Heat center Jermaine O'Neal had a chip inserted into his nose Tuesday to repair a bone he fractured in Sunday's win against the Bulls.

O'Neal insisted he won't wear a protective mask during games, although the Heat's training staff has advised him of the benefits.

``It probably hurt more to get it pushed back into place than it did when it got broken,'' O'Neal said Monday after sitting out of practice.

O'Neal is expected to play Tuesday, but said he still is in pain and has trouble breathing through his nose. It is the second time in his career O'Neal has broken his nose.

WADE SKIPS PRACTICE

Guard Dwyane Wade was excused from Monday's practice to attend a mediation session stemming from lawsuits over a failed restaurant venture. Wade's attorneys have worked out a schedule that would prevent him from missing games this season.

Wade has been tied up in legal matters, including a pending divorce, for two seasons. He also missed practice time at home and on the road to attend hearings last season.

``Eventually, this will all come to an end,'' Wade said recently. ``The sooner, the better. But right now, it's something you have to go through just to clear your name and reputation.''


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