Marbury a toxic mix for Heat?

Dec. 2--OAKLAND, Calif. -- When it comes to chemistry, Stephon Marbury apparently might prove too toxic for the Miami Heat.

While Heat President Pat Riley declined to comment on the New York Knicks point guard, who is pushing for a buyout, he believes that his team has its best chemistry since P.J. Brown played in South Florida in the late '90s.

Coach Erik Spoelstra, who also declined to speak specifically about Marbury, said the chemistry has been refreshing.

"It's a unique group, it is," Spoelstra said in advance of Monday night's 130-129 overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. "And I think that's probably one of the reasons why we've had some level of success early on for being a young team."

Speculation in New York has linked the Heat to Marbury, with the Heat starting second-round pick Mario Chalmers at point guard and mostly utilizing low-budget Chris Quinn as its primary reserve.

But the sense around the organization is that the growth of the current core might transcend a one-year rental, particularly with a player who has demonstrated an erratic side in recent months. Marbury failed to win his release in a Monday meeting with Knicks President Donnie Walsh.

The Heat then went out and showed just how productive its chemistry can be.

"I don't know how chemistry absolutely translates into winning or losing," Spoelstra said, "but I know this group of guys enjoys being around each other. You don't have to look any further than being on the bus. They're as loud and jovial as any group I've been around. On the airplanes, they're always up and around talking, instead of sleeping, messing around, playing pranks on each other."

Upon reviewSpoelstra confirmed he spoke with league officials Sunday about the errant whistle that affected the closing seconds of Saturday's 97-96 loss to the Clippers.

"I talked to both Stu Jackson and Ron Johnson yesterday for quite a bit of time," he said. "They made their decision. It's very unfortunate. We're not happy about it, but there were many other opportunities for us to win that game before it even got to that spot."

Spoelstra disputed the league's claim that there was clear evidence that the ruling, in the absence of the whistle, otherwise should have been an out-of-bounds call against Dwyane Wade.

Marion's deaf earForward Shawn Marion said he is unaffected by rumors that claim the Heat is making increased efforts to trade him and his expiring contract. "I'm thinking I'm finishing the season here," he said. "There's nothing that's been said to me from anyone here."...