The Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 83-80 in Game 5 and claimed their spot in the Finals once again.
"The Big 3" came together for one reason, and one reason only...to win a championship, and they are now looking at their opportunity.
After the game I couldn't help but think that I just watched the Thunder vs Mavericks Game 5 meltdown all over again. After leading most of the game and all the way up to the final minute of the 4th quarter, the Bulls just lost it. Their offense couldn't score any points, and their defense couldn't prevent a colossal collapse.
Lebron James. What's there to say that hasn't already been said? He has finally taken the pressure and turned it into something that he looks forward to. He was bold, he was precise, but most of all he was clutch. Before this series I would have had some real doubt that he would of made, or even taken most of the shots he so bodly took. Give him credit for stepping up and being the go to guy when the Heat needed someone to step up.
Lebron finished with 28 pts, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Where wasn't he at on the court? This was the one biggest game of Lebron's career, and he more than showed up, he dominated on both sides of the ball.
The side-kick in the Batman and Robin show had yet another less than stellar performance. Dwayne Wade did however show up when it counted the most, in the 4th quarter when the Heat desperately needed a big shot. With 1:30 left in the 4th quarter Dwayne Wade made one of the most unlikely plays, he hit a 3 pt shot and got fouled by Derrick Rose on the shot, giving him a very rare 4 pt play and getting the Heat within 3 points of the Bulls 79-76. Wade looked less than comfortable all game long, and had his left shoulder iced heavily before the game. Even with his rhythm off, Wade scored 21 pts and added 6 rebounds and was a pivotal part in the Heat's run where they wiped out a 12 pt deficit, and clinched the series.
Chris Bosh was steady once again for the Heat, and was more consistent throughout the series than Wade was. Bosh totaled 20 pts and 10 rebounds, while also adding 4 block shots. Bosh earned some praise after his play this series, and should be commended for stepping up and proving that he can be a star when called on. The Heat are definitely going to need this type of play out of him if they plan on winning a championship.
Derrick Rose shot the ball 29 times. That's right, 29. I wrote an article previously about Derrick Rose, and I said then the same thing I say now, no point guard should shoot the ball 29 times and expect his team to win. Especially when you shoot 9-29 from the field and only get to the line 6 times. Was anyone else on the Bulls team shooting particularly well? No, but that doesn't discount the fact the he stopped getting others involved and tried to take over himself. Trust, and experience coming down to the wire were the main factors in the Bulls collapse, much like the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Chicago Bulls had a tremendous season, as well as MVP Derrick Rose, but they weren't ready for the big show quite yet. They'll be back, and maybe this offseason they will look to add a little bit of firepower to a staggering offense. Nothing to be ashamed about in Chicago, the Heat were just a better team this year.
With the Miami heat wrapping their series up over the Bulls, they now have to prepare once again to face the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. 5 years ago we saw the same exact matchup, with a whole different makeup of players and coaches. This matchup is going to be a great one, with so many different stories to go off of.
Who will get their first ring....Lebron or Dirk?
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| Image Source Page: http://rosebudmag.com/top-10-sports-2010 |
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