The Miami Heat are taking the high road when it comes to Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel's comments about them being the biggest floppers in the NBA.
"I could care less. We could care less," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after practice in Miami on Friday.
Vogel told his players and the media Thursday about the Heat's penchant for flopping on defense to draw offensive fouls on the opposition.
"Every drive to the basket, they have guys not making a play on the ball, but sliding in front of drivers," Vogel said. "Oftentimes they're falling down even before contact is even being made."
Vogel made the comments to get the attention of the officials during the series, which begins at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Miami.
"It's (the) playoffs," Heat forward Shane Battier said. "It's about basketball. It doesn't really matter what anyone believes or thinks or writes or spouts on TV. It's decided on the court."
Heat forward Chris Bosh was one of the few players to respond to Vogel's comments.
"It's fantastic motivation because we're at the point now, not many teams are playing," Bosh said. "We're getting to that point where everything is starting to tighten up and you know you're a good team.
"And you can point out reasons why everyone can't win it all. But we know it will come down to heart and determination. Everything else is just motivation, that's all."
Being on the defensive
Pacers center Roy Hibbert hosted his own block party during the first-round series against Orlando. He averaged 3.8 blocks a game during the Pacers' 4-1 series victory.
Hibbert, who dealt with foul trouble his first few seasons, avoided fouls by jumping straight up with his arms extended over his head.
Things could be different against the Heat, though.
Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are always on attack mode to the basket, and like other elite players, they tend to get friendly whistles from the officials.
"I thought about that," Hibbert said, "but my mentality is 'nothing to the paint,' and if I know the ref is calling a foul, I have to make sure I give them a hard (foul) in the process to make sure they have no 'and-ones.' That's what they (thrive) on. I'm going to keep playing my game."
Vogel said he doesn't plan to change his frontcourt rotation, which means Lou Amundson will continue to back up Hibbert. Kyrylo Fesenko will remain on the inactive list.
Playing the role of Wade
The Pacers had a player wearing a red jersey in practice Friday. Guard Lance Stephenson got to play the role of Wade during their scrimmage. That meant a lot of driving to the basket for shots.
"He was tearing our defense up, which is a little bit of a scary sign, but it's an encouraging sign for the Pacers' future, too," Vogel said, laughing. "The optimistic approach."
Call Star reporter Mike Wells at (317) 444-6053.
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