The Miami Heat looks like they’ve been playing together for several years as they have taken a commanding 3-0 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers. In reality, this team hasn’t even been together for one full season and yet they are just one game away from advancing to the second round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. It wasn’t always pretty, but the “Heatles” are coming along.
Defence has been the story for the Heat. All season long they were in the top ten in major defensive categories and were actually second in the NBA in opponent field goal percentage. But now, the Heat has taken their D up a notch and they are starting to look like a team that could make a serious run in these playoffs.
Chris Bosh has played a large role in the success of the Heat. While Wade and James receive the bulk of the attention, Bosh has always been the key to Heat’s success. It’s not a stretch to say that the Heat will go only as far as Chris Bosh will take them. When Bosh is on his game and he’s defending, grabbing rebounds and scoring with his back to the basket, the Heat are tough to stop. Bosh doesn’t have to be a superstar, but he does have to play like an all star. Wade and James are going to get theirs, but when Bosh is scoring the Heat looks special.
With the way Boston has struggled with the short-staffed Knicks and the way the Bulls have barely edged victories against the Pacers, the Heat are looking like an attractive pick to make some noise in the playoffs.
There’s just one problem. The 76ers don’t have a dominant big man in their line-up, in fact, their undersized in the post. That’s the main reason Bosh has played so well.
Heat fans can keep their fingers crossed that Bosh’s stellar play will continue past the first round, but I wouldn’t bet on it especially if it’s the Boston Celtics.
