Eastern Conference Finals Game-2 analysis: LeBron James and Udonis Haslem make the difference
A double-digit winning margin that the Miami Heat eventually inflicted on the Chicago Bulls in game-2 of the Eastern Conference Finals does not depicts a true picture of the night. It wasn’t that kind of a game. It was a battle and a fierce one at that. The low scoring affair was characterized by tenacious defence, physicality, a scramble over every loose ball and overall commitment of both teams to the cause. And for much of the game, the Chicago Bulls were edging ahead in it.
The Bulls and their talisman, league MVP Derrick Rose, struggled with their shooting all night. Chicago shot just 34 percent from the floor and Rose was even worse at 7-of-23. They just couldn’t get their shots to fall. However, it was not for a lack of effort. Chicago’s relentless, energetic; all action style was on display again at the United Center. The difference was that where the Bulls couldn’t catch a break, the Heat caught two.
The first was the return of Udonis Haslem. The game marked Haslem’s come back from a toe injury and he wasn’t expected to have much impact in it. Some would argue that his contribution might not be that significant, but in a game of such fine margins, Haslem made quite a difference. He provided 13 valuable points to the team who had 63 of its 85 scored by the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
With the Big Three made to fight for each point by the tenacious Bulls, his effort took off a load of pressure from their shoulders. Haslem also made some energy plays that charged up his team. He grabbed three rebounds on the offensive end, made a steal and got a block in as well.
The galvanizing effect he had on the Heat cannot be understated.
The second break for Miami was given by a certain fellow named LeBron James. LeBron’s end of game heroics was what finally tipped the balance in Miami’s favour. The gruelling fourth quarter, in which the exhausted teams combined for only 24 points, LeBron seemed like a man possessed as he hit 9. More significantly, those nine points came in the last 12 for Miami and the last 14 of the game overall.
With the game tied at 73 – 73 and less than five minutes left to play, James went on a rampage that silenced the sell-out United Center crowd. He started off with by draining one from beyond the arc and then proceeded to pin three more jumpers that sank Chicago.
The most demoralizing play in the frantic run came with 1:34 left to play. LeBron took a shot that didn’t fall, he grabbed the rebound himself and nailed it on the second attempt. The display of power, finesse and resilience all together, was a smack in Chicago’s face. It also showed that Miami have a truly standout player, one with all the skills and athleticism required by a top player, along with the heart of a real competitor.
The Heat showed great spirit and character to steal home court advantage in game-2. It is now Chicago’s turn to answer.
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