Playoffs 2000:Heat playbook: Doing the Mash

Heat playbook: Doing the Mash
Coach's Edge

Latrell Sprewell vs. Jamal Mashburn -- that's the matchup to watch in this series. Each lit up his opponent on the way to a Round 1 sweep. Mashburn has three inches and 50 pounds on Sprewell, but Spree is much quicker, and if he gets a step on Mashburn, it's two points.

On the other side of the court, look for the Monster Mash to show his all-around skills and take Spree into the paint.

ANIMATE THIS PLAY DIAGRAM WITH SHOCKWAVE

(A) Jamal Mashburn (24) sets up outside while Anthony Carter (25) initiates the action. Don't expect Mash to remain outside because Latrell Sprewell (8) has a quickness advantage against him on the perimeter.

(B) Carter (25) enters to P.J. Brown (42) and clears to the wing while Mashburn (24) slides down to the block. Alonzo Mourning (33) picks off Sprewell (8) and Mashburn flashes inside for the easy deuce.