http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/basketball/8507232.htm Posted on Sat, Apr. 24, 2004 HEAT NOTEBOOK Alston accrues another accolade BY PETE PELEGRIN [email protected] Dallas Mavericks forward Antawn Jamison won the NBA's Sixth Man Award on Friday, but once again Heat guard Rafer Alston earned kudos for his play. Alston finished seventh with 14 points, just days after finishing 11th in voting for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. Alston, who set career highs in virtually every statistic this season, has been a key cog in the Heat's playoff drive. Though most consider his season a breakthrough, coach Stan Van Gundy said all "Skip to My Lou" needed was an opportunity. "Rafer deserved to be very high in those ballots," Van Gundy said. "You wonder sometimes if those guys just would have gotten an opportunity earlier, you may have seen it [improved play] earlier. This wasn't a guy who was playing 30 minutes a night, not playing at a high level and then all of the sudden did. He just got a chance to play." This season Alston averaged career highs in points (10.0), rebounds (2.8), assists (4.5) and steals (1.39). However, unlike his coach Alston says getting a chance to play and an improved game led to his fine season. "I think it's a little of both," said Alston, who finished eighth in the NBA in three-pointers made (161). "I've always worked on my game and been a guy that has stayed in the gym, even during the summer. I don't stop playing basketball, and the fact that [Van Gundy] has given me the opportunity to play 30 minutes a night on a consistent basis helped too. I found my niche with this team." KEY ADJUSTMENTS The Heat expects New Orleans to go inside more to center Jamaal Magloire, which means Brian Grant will need another stout game similar to the one he had in Game 2. Grant had 15 points and 11 rebounds in Wednesday's victory and limited Magloire to nine points and 10 rebounds. Entering his 43rd career playoff game today, Grant doesn't expect to change his game plan, regardless of what the Hornets do. "I just have to take and hit my shots when I get them," said Grant, who averaged a career high 13.3 points in the 1997 postseason for Portland. "Defensively, there's no difference. To be successful, I have to force the bigs that try to come inside into taking lower percentage shots." ‧ Alston hopes to sink higher percentage shots as the Heat guard anticipates a rebound from a 1 for 7 effort in Game 2. "I had good looks in Game 2," said Alston, who shot 5 of 10 for 13 points in the series opener. "I was on in Game 1. I got easier looks in Game 2; I just didn't knock them down. That's the type of shooter I've been all season long. I can go out and go 5 of 9 and the next day go 1 of 8. Hopefully, I can bounce back and go 5 of 9." NO DISTRACTION Bourbon Street in New Orleans has a reputation for getting athletes in trouble, but Alston says the Heat should be fine. "The city of New Orleans presents a challenge of seeing who is disciplined," Alston said. "I think the early game changes the whole thought process of enjoying the city. Plus, we have a chance to go up 3-0 and possibly put the hammer down. "Still, I find there's more to do in South Beach than Bourbon Street, so that eases my mind." --

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