Heat getting defensive at right time of year

In fairness, that doesn’t happen often.

Of the 550 instances in the NBA where a player scored 30 or more points during the regular season, the Heat gave up only 15 of them. By comparison, Miami players scored at least 30 on 55 occasions.

The 19,600 Heat fans who showed up for every home game this season seemed to split their loudest loyalties between Wade and James, serenading them both at times with “M-V-P” chants along the way.

But in the playoffs, Anthony _ the backup center _ is even getting them as well. Bear in mind, he averaged a robust 2.0 points in the regular season, and has added seven points in the two games against Philadelphia.

“He does a lot for that team that goes unnoticed,” Iguodala said.

Defense has more than masked a bit of offensive woe for Miami as well.

Chris Bosh has been strong, with double-doubles in both games of the series and scoring 46 points on 57 percent shooting. James struggled with his shot in Game 1 (4-for-14), but is still averaging 25 points in the series. And Wade _ slowed by headaches _ hasn’t even found a groove yet. He’s scored a total of 31 points so far, his lowest two-game postseason stretch since his initial appearance in 2004.

Nonetheless, the Heat are halfway to the second round.

“Let’s give it to them,” Sixers coach Doug Collins said. “They’re a terrific defensive team.”

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