- Game info: 8:30 pm EST Mon Nov 3, 2003
- TV: SUN, FSSW
Stan Van Gundy has been Pat Riley’s replacement for all of three games, and this already looks like a lost season.
Things won’t get any easier for Van Gundy when the injury-riddled Heat take on the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center.
Injuries and poor shooting have taken their toll on Miami.
The Heat topped 75 points for the first time and shot only 36 percent in a 93-81 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
“This is an old story here,” Van Gundy said after his team went 1-for-9 from 3-point range. “When you shoot 36 percent, it’s going to be hard to win games.”
The Heat fell to 0-3 for the first time since 1994. They’re alone in last place in the Atlantic Division under Van Gundy, who took over after Riley abruptly resigned last week.
“Your job as a coach is to win games,” Van Gundy said. “I haven’t gotten that done.”
Heat newcomer Lamar Odom returned Friday after missing one game and most of the season opener with a sprained ankle. He shot 4-for-15 and had six turnovers.
Odom was the centerpiece of Miami’s offseason overhaul, signing a $65 million, six-year contract. He averaged 15.9 points in his first four NBA seasons, all with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Miami rookie Dwyane Wade, bothered by a sore hip, played only three minutes in the second half Friday and is listed as day-to-day. The Heat are also without Caron and Rasual Butler, on the injured list with knee and hand injuries, respectively.
Point guard Rafer Alston will start in Wade’s place and undrafted rookie Udonis Haslem will start at the forward spot in place of Caron Butler. Haslem had 16 points and 11 rebounds against Detroit.
While injuries have decimated the Heat, the Mavericks’ deep and talented squad is starting to find its rhythm.
Dallas has won two straight since suffering a 109-93 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in its season opener on Tuesday.
Newcomers Antoine Walker, Antawn Jamison and Tony Delk all had big games in their home debut, a 127-102 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday. Delk led the way with 22 points, including 14 in the third quarter as Dallas scored 41 points in the period.
Walker scored 10 in the third and finished with 16 points and six assists. Jamison overcame an 0-for-6 start to his shooting night to finish with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Walker is second on the Mavericks with 18.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.

Currently:
Peninsula is Mightier
Mavs Moneyball
