Don't Call It A Comeback

In an absolutely stunning sequence of events, the Miami Heat made an incredible turnaround to eliminate the Chicago Bulls tonight. With the win, the Heat have reached their first NBA Title Game since 2005 where they will coincidentally have a rematch with the Dallas Mavericks. Miami looked to be down and out in their Game 5 meeting in Chicago, but thanks to an amazing run late in the 4th quarter, they were able to send the Bulls packing and punch their own ticket in the process. The Heat scored 18 points down the stretch compared to the Bull's three points to shock the United Center crowd. So was this an incredible comeback by Miami or an astounding choke job by Chicago?

Despite holding a 12 point lead with just three minutes to go in the game, the Bulls could not close this one out. You know what? I'm not surprised. Chicago has shown the last four games that they aren't capable of pulling out these close games...at least not against Miami. During the regular season, the Bulls were able to beat the Heat in all three meetings because of MVP Derrick Rose's ability to make big buckets when it counted. Rose didn't look like an MVP at all during this series though. Not only did he not show up in the 4th quarter, he also missed a crucial free throw that would have tied the game. He definitely didn't have the help that he needed (when Ronnie Brewer is playing like your second option, you know you're in trouble), but even when you discount that fact Rose still came up short.

I do have to give props to the Heat though. A little less than a month ago, I predicted on this blog that they would win the NBA Championship. Right now, they're making me look like Nostradamus (ok maybe that's overdoing it.) Miami is just playing phenomenal basketball right now and they definitely look like the best team in the league. Lebron James has done everything that he didn't do last year when his Cavs coughed away their chances against the Celtics in the playoffs. All facets of his game are working perfectly. His defense is stifling. He's nailing shot behind the arc. He's cutting to the hoop like a runaway train. Even when he doesn't convert his drives, he usually gets fouled and cashes in his free throws. Lebron is proving once again why he's the most talented player on the planet. With D Wade, Bosh, and the rest of the role players doing their parts as well I don't see how Miami can be stopped.

by Andy Adamson