http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/ sfl-heatnote25apr25,0,4255594.story?coll=sfla-sports-heat Odom's cut comes at wrong time By Ira Winderman Staff Writer Posted April 25 2004 NEW ORLEANS · This time, Heat forward Lamar Odom brought his own cut man. Ultimately, though, that couldn't stop the bleeding. "I was feeling great and then this happens," Odom said in the wake of Saturday's 77-71 loss to the Hornets. Odom was pointing to his left eye, or more specifically, his left eyelid. Out of rhythm for most of the game, with only three points in the first half, Odom finally hit his stride in the fourth quarter. With four consecutive points early in the period, he moved the Heat within 61-57, as close as it had stood since midway through the second quarter. And then he was gone. No sooner had he converted the 11-foot jumper that made it a four-point game, he caught an elbow from Baron Davis as the Hornets guard made a pass on the ensuing possession. Bleeding above his left eye, he immediately headed to the bench with 7:04 to play and then to the locker room. He did not return until 1:47 remained. "I just hit a shot to get our team back in the game," he said. "I was ready to stay out there." Earlier this season, Odom found himself in a similar situation in a loss in Sacramento. In that game, with a gash in his chin, Odom was unable to get the necessary attention in time to return for what proved to be a four-point loss. This time, with Heat physician Harlan Selesnick traveling with the team during the postseason, Odom received six stitches and was sent back. "Dr. Selesnick took care of me, and he was able to get me back out there," he said. "He numbed it up. It was just the worst time for me." With the Hornets swarming on defense, Odom was unable to make an impact upon his return. "It was blurring my eye," he said, "but I was fine. I wish I could have gotten my hands on the ball to make a play." Overall, it was another uneven performance, with Odom committing seven turnovers for the second time in the series. He scored 18 points, but shot 5 of 18. He said he is aware of the adjustment necessary for Tuesday's Game 4 at New Orleans Arena. "On offense you have to take your time," he said. "Even though the defense is up in you, there's no reason to rush. Stay poised, do everything strong at the rim, two hands." BIG SHOT The Heat's last gasp came off a timeout with 55.2 seconds to play. That's when, down 75-71, coach Stan Van Gundy set up a 3-pointer for Rafer Alston. The reserve point guard told center Brian Grant that he expected to be open, with the Hornets more likely to track shooting guard Eddie Jones. "It was a matter of making it," Alston said. "It was a good look, too. It just hit the front rim. "Coming out of the timeout, when coach drew the play up, I told Brian, 'Watch Baron Davis. He's going to help. I've got to make this shot.' It just came up short." GAME 5 TICKETS The Heat has placed tickets for Friday night's Game 5 on sale, with prices for AmericanAirlines Arena "Game C" the same as the previous two home playoff games. There is a 10-ticket limit per transaction. After gauging initial sales, the Heat will determine at a later date whether to place $10 balcony tickets on sale for the game. Copyright c 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel --

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