NBA Playoffs 2011: Miami Heat’s bench needs to click
With advent of the playoffs, the race to the championship title has narrowed down and one thing will be for sure – there will not be any room for strugglers.
Back in September, when Miami Heat assembled one of the most statistically potent team in the history of the league to pursue the championship, Pat Riley not only
brought in the star cast of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to accompany Dwyane Wade at the South Beach, but he also ensured that the Miami bench also boasts of a bevy of sharp-shooting sensations and blue collared players that can pick up the slack in case the
‘Dream 3’ misfire.
The things though did not turn out as they were supposed to be. There is no doubting the brilliance and sheer dominance of the spirited Big 3. Barring an initial
synchronization struggle, the star troika has been firing on all cylinders this season. The problem though is that whenever any of the three either got sidelined or failed to put up an upright performance, the fringe players failed to fill in the shoes.
Players like Mario Chalmers, Mike Miller, James Jones and Eddie House who were supposed to provide cover on a consistent basis, have failed miserably and the Heat
finished the season standing last in scoring off the bench. With the playoffs looming large, the bench woes have put a serious question mark on whether Miami truly is a formidable unit to clinch the title?
Motivation is certainly not a scarce factor for the team, consistency is. Let’s take Mike Miller as an example. The player, who was crowned as the ‘Sixth Man of the
Year’ last season, has failed to make an impression with the Heat this time around. Although, he has been providing a solid court game, the shooting from the field which is considered to be his forte, seems to have deserted him. Or take James Jones. The reigning
three point champion of the league has consistently failed to produce his downtown magic when it has really mattered this season. His struggles have subsequently led to the reduction of his playing minutes.
Although, the Heat have finished the season on a high note and have clinched the second seed in the East, however the playoffs success will solely be determined by
the depth of their roster. Bench play counts a great deal when competing against the big boys of the league.
Miami will face off the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the postseason. James squad swept the season series comprehensively 3-0 against the Sixers and does
carry a psychological advantage over the Philadelphia. However, the playoff matchup will depict a different scenario as both the teams will be pushing hard.
The Heat’s reserves will be the focal point in the formidable challenge and they need to provide a massive support.
Heat’s final game against the Toronto Raptors clearly suggested that the players have the ability to perform. The inconsistency from the bench is not due to lack
of skills but may be due to their eagerness to make things happen quickly. One more thing that comes to the fore has been the playing time, they have been afforded to them by their coach, Erik Spoelstra. The Miami coach has been bent on providing his stars
much of the minutes and his rotations have been questionable.
Whatever the case maybe, Miami needs to alter their line of attack and come up with a suitable option to support their superstar trio. Its 0-0 now and James, Wade
and Bosh will surely be firing on all cylinders to set the tone. What Miami needs is their bench to catch the spark. If they manage to do so their chances to make a deep run in the playoffs will be a certainty.
Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in the article are the writer’s own personal views and has nothing to do with bettor.com’s editorial policy.
Tags: