House Showing He Belongs

Tim Hardaway sat at his locker, in the glow of the Heat's fifth straight victory, amused but a little befuddled.  Had Hardaway really seen Heat rookie point guard Eddie House -- he of the high socks and the new 'do -- twist his jersey shoulder strap up after making two critical fourth-quarter shots.

Ummmmm, yes, Hardaway had indeed seen that.  After swishing a three-pointer and then an 18-foot jumper Saturday, House took time during a television time out to "pop his collar," as the brash gesture is known in street basketball lingo.

As Hardaway noted, more seriously, "I told you, that guy can play.  If you can play basketball and have the confidence he has, he's going to make shots."