How do you beat a zone in the NBA? One with a 7-footer who possesses a wing span of a 747 at the point and two more 7-footers underneath?

Make shots, something the Miami Heat do better than just nine teams in the league.

"The only teams I've seen this year that can attack a zone well are Milwaukee, Sacramento and Minnesota," Heat coach Pat Riley said after Miami's 93-80 loss Sunday to Minnesota. "We had a lot of shots that we missed, and we missed a lot of guys inside. You got to make some outside shots to be able to get some slips inside."'

The Heat shot 40 percent in Sunday's loss, a number skewed by making 11-of-21 during a garbage-time fourth quarter.

Kevin Garnett, listed as 6-feet-11 but actually 7-1, plays the point in Flip Saunders' zone that resembles a 1-2-2. Garnett may have the widest wing span in the league and is one of the most agile 7-footer in league history.

"Realistically, the zone is built for KG," Saunders said. "It's the best defense for how he plays. It's tough for a guard to stand out there and try to go around a guy, as quick as he is."

? Gill concerned: Heat forward Kendall Gill is worried about his friend and former teammate, Jayson Williams, who could be facing charges in the death of a limousine driver.

Police are deciding whether to file charges against Williams, who allegedly fired a gun by accident in his home, killing Costas Christofi, 55.

"I don't know what happened, but I wish him the best," said Gill, who played with Williams for several seasons in New Jersey. "It's tough to see somebody you know, and know well, go through something like that. I haven't talked to him yet, but I'm pretty sure it's an accident. That's what happens when you play around with guns."

? In the House: An MRI on guard Eddie House's right knee revealed no damage but showed the second-year player has a lower leg muscle strain. The Heat waited until warm-ups Sunday to declare House ready to play. He scored 12 points in 22 minutes.