LeBron's 38-point scoring burst can't lift Heat over Hawks

With The Replacement gone, the Heat spent Thursday's 98-89 exhibition loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena looking at the replacements for the replacement.

The Heat not only was without guard Dwyane Wade, who has not played since strained his right hamstring in the Oct. 5 preseason opener, but now also Mike Miller, who injured his right thumb during Wednesday's practice.

That had James Jones in the starting lineup at shooting guard, with Eddie House moving into the rotation, after missing the first six exhibitions while recovering from June shoulder surgery.

Of course, the Heat still had LeBron James, and this season that will be what matters most. James led the Heat with 38 points and 11 rebounds, after scoring what then was an NBA-preseason-high 33 in his previous outing, Monday against the Charlotte Bobcats.

"The stat line speaks for itself," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He was just as active defensively."

Said James, "Just trying to take advantage of the opportunities. I don't like to waste opportunities."
House vowed before the game he would convert his first 3-pointer and did just that, making his second and third, as well.

"His value is shooting ability," Spoelstra said. "You spread the floor when Eddie House is on the court. You can't roam the paint or lose sight of him. He's very good on the move.

"But he's also very underrated with his motor, the pace he runs, his cuts, which is great, but also his attention to detail. He's been coached very well. He's very good in halfcourt offense."