Defeat-a-Bull!

Filet Mignon For Dinner

Miami enters tonight's game in Chicago on a three game playoff winning streak and looks to defeat the Bulls in the house that Jordan built. Miami' defense has been the catalyst for all three wins in this series. The story line's are plentiful in this series as they have been all season. Mike Miller showing up in game four for 12 points, 9 boards, and several key plays all while dealing with the birth of his daughter that is in an ICU unit. Miami wishes the Miller family nothing but blessings and our prayers are with your angel. Udonis Haslem's return  to the court was also key in the Miami Heat' resurgence on the boards and on defense in game two, his year was lost, until Spoelstra called his number and he performed in typical UD fashion, like he was never gone. Mario "Lucky Chalms" Chalmers also came through with key plays, both defensively and offensively. Lucky Chalms must get ready for the finals by establishing his game tonight, Miami will need him to play well and focused.


Despite Dwayne Wade' poor shooting and really non aggressive style in game four that lead me to believe that he was hurt, but his OT play eliminated that thought quickly. Wade is the key in this game five for the Heat, they need him to be more war like and getting him started is important tonight. Wade' blocks on Rose and Deng in game 4, let everyone know he has more in the tank. Getting Wade open using screens and feeding him will be Haslem and James' job, James, I expect he will be the facilitator again for this game and get the role players hot and going. James was spectacular in game four with 35 points, 6 boards, and 3 huge blocks, but his defense on Rose in the fourth will not show up in the box score. He was everywhere and on everyone all game, his one lapse cost the Heat 3 points when Deng hit a three. Other than that, James was brilliant like Guinness beer on defense.


Game five will be no easy task, but if it was easy every team would close out. Miami' experienced core players know they cannot give the Bulls any momentum at all. Miami' bench players must show and place in this horse race. The Bulls bench will be fired up and very physical, they have to be. It will be good experience for them to step up in these types of games and learn to play with pressure. Chicago will be looking to put Roe on an island versus Bibby or Chalmers and probably abandon the pick and roll that Miami defends so well. The boards tonight will be key for the Bulls, so expect a lot of banging down low and hard fouls near the rim. Miami must stretch the floor more tonight than ever, the three point shooters must hit some shots. Miami can finish this tonight, but if they do not, Miami comes home and takes care of business anyway. Nothing but Net...............