NBA
Not long ago, the Miami Heat’s run at the playoffs was eyed with great scrutiny. Most predicted the Miami Heat would collapse under Chris Bosh’s absence. The Miami Heat weren’t doing much to prove critics wrong by trailing the Indiana Pacers with a 2-1 deficit. That’s when every eye turned towards Dwyane Wade and the MVP LeBron James, to play true to their star status and lead the Miami Heat all the way through Eastern Conference Semifinals."I don't know if they've been required to shoulder as much responsibility as they've had to now, particularly now that Chris is out," declared Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
While LeBron James single-handedly shouldered the load in Game 5, Game 6 was Dwayne Wade’s moment to shine. The Miami Heat made a comeback from an 11-point deficit all credited to Dwayne Wade’s incredible performance in the first-half. By half-time, Dwayne Wade had scored 26 points; and the fire was still not put out near the end of Game 6. With every forthcoming opportunity, Dwayne Wade did not quit on a single dash at the basket.
"He got in a rhythm early and just kept going," said LeBron James.
LeBron James too did not prefer to be left behind in Game 6, and hence contributed 28 points to Miami Heat’s 105-93 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
“You play against good competition in this league and it brings out the best in you,” observed Erik Spoelstra.
The duo had great chemistry in the final three games of Eastern Conference Semifinals, and earned a combined score of 197 points. Comparatively, the Indian Pacers stars made a combined 184.
With ever so rare breathers in the games, LeBron James is finally ready to stretch those legs and commit to some light workout as he awaits the next contenders.
Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics will battle it out on Saturday to determine who will qualify for the next round of playoffs. A decision will land the victors a spot in the East finals against the Miami Heat. But as yet, that day is far away.
"We can use it," stated LeBron James. "Any team in the postseason, any extra day that you can get, it definitely helps us. So we're going to take advantage of it."
An overall victory in the best of seven Eastern Conference Semifinals series also implies that Dwyane Wade, who was flying across the court in Game 6, breaking through the lanes and making some powerful drives, will be finally able to feel the ground beneath his feet.
"I appreciate extra rest… I feel like it's well-deserved,” said Dwyane Wade. “I'm never going to cross my eye on that at all. I thought this was a very physical series ... so the rest will do us some (good).”
Let’s hope that the extra rest helps the Miami Heat to achieve their goals. Who knows what mayhem a well rested Dwayne Wade or LeBron James can unleash on the court!
