"LeBron James established position in the low block during the second quarter of Tuesday's game in Miami. Or, at least he thought he did.

Cavaliers' reserve Alonzo Gee would not surrender the spot without a joust. As James waited for an entry pass, he was uprooted by the 6-6, 219-pound swingman, who used his powerful frame to push and maneuver the superstar about eight feet from the basket.

By the time James turned to shoot a contested jumper, he resembled a man falling backward into a swimming pool -- attempting to create space for a fade-away which clanged off the rim.

The Heat won, 92-85, but the former Cavaliers forward had an ineffective shooting night (8-of-21) thanks to the work of Gee and Anthony Parker. The play offered just a snapshot of the developing defensive prowess of Gee.

"I was just trying to be as physical as I can," Gee said. "LeBron is a good post-up player. He's very physical and I was trying to be physical with him."

Gee has gained notoriety for his offensive contributions off the bench and his occasional SportsCenter-worthy dunks. What might keep him in the NBA, however, is his defense. He has the strength to defend small forwards and the quickness and length to stick with shooting guards.

A season ago, the 24-year-old was sitting at the end of benches in Washington and San Antonio before Cavaliers management signed him. In the past two weeks, he has guarded Kobe Bryant, James and Carmelo Anthony. "