
Tony Gonzalez impressed scouts by
holding Dickey Simpkins in check
Wednesday.(AP)
Gonzo is only 6'5...The 6-foot-5 Gonzalez grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds and played stellar defense in leading the Miami Heat's squad of rookies and free agents to a 72-71 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
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Gonzalez missed his first two shots, both mid-range jumpers, but he redeemed himself with solid defense in the paint.
Indiana forward Dickey Simpkins, an NBA veteran with three championship rings, got the ball on the high block and tried to shake Gonzalez with a series of head fakes and body pumps. But the 256-pound Gonzalez held his ground and didn't bite on the fakes, and the taller Simpkins was forced to pass.
Simpkins finished with five points, only one coming in the second half when Gonzalez was on him almost exclusively.
After halftime, Gonzalez dominated as Miami came from behind for the win. He had eight rebounds -- three on one possession -- and was the Heat's defensive stopper.