SPORTS
metronews.ca WEEKEND, November 9-11, 2012
29
How hockey assists are helping turn up the Heat Roundball revolution. Canada’s pastime has helped rev up offence of defending champs
Facing the field head-on Canada’s Sarah Reid takes her second heat in the women’s skeleton World Cup competition on Thursday in Lake Placid, N.Y. Calgary’s Reid and Mellisa Hollingsworth, from Eckville, Alta., were first and second after two heats in the World Cup opener. Mike Groll/The Associated Press
There’s nary a pair of skates visible in the Miami Heat locker-room, no bucket of pucks in the practice facility and no Zamboni following the team around, either. Still, there’s at least one hockey principle that’s in the mind of the reigning NBA champions so far this season. With emphasis on ball movement, the Heat are currently into what’s known as “hockey assists” — essentially, the pass that sets up the pass that sets up the score. It’s not an NBA statistic, but Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is working it into his team’s repertoire regardless. “If anything, it’s a compliment to the game of hockey,” Heat centre Joel Anthony said. “We’re recognizing the different types of ways they reward players for making the extra pass. Hockey acknowledges it
Heat players, from left, Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Ray Allen and Dwyane Wade enjoy a laugh during a pre-season game against the Hawks on Oct. 7 in Atlanta. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images file Quoted
“Making the pass to the guy who makes the pass is just as valuable.” Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh talks about how his team values the concept of the second assist
a lot more. There’s no stat for it in basketball, but we still acknowledge that.”
A GREAT PRICE ON MGD AND YOUR BEER FRIDGE IS EMPTY. COINCIDENCE? Look for specially priced 24 bottle cases and 24 can packs at participating retail locations.
*
Anthony would seem to be the resident Miami expert in this field. After all, he hails from Montreal. “That extra pass, it means a lot for us,” Anthony said. Miami’s ball movement this season is beyond statistically impressive. In their four wins so far, the Heat have 109 assists against only 43 turnovers. Even with their lone loss taken
SAVE 3 *
$
ON A 24-BOTTLE CASE
*Must be legal drinking age. Available for a limited time at The Beer Store and select LCBO stores. While supplies last. Price is subject to change.
into account, the Heat assist-toturnover ratio of 1.98-to-1 led the NBA entering Thursday’s games. As a team, Miami reached the 25-assist mark only 12 times in 66 regular-season games last season. This year, the Heat have gotten there four times in five games. “It’s all about getting somebody the better shot,” Dwyane Wade said. The Associated Press
SAVE $3 *
ON A 24-CAN PACK
MILLERGENUINEDRAFT.CA