Carlos Boozer: Can Boozer Build on Strong Game 6 Against Chris Bosh, Miami Heat?

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Carlos Boozer Finally Shows Up As Bulls Punch Ticket to Conference Finals

The search can be called off, folks. Carlos Boozer has finally shown up.

In case you missed it, Boozer came up with a fine performance in Game 6 of the Chicago Bulls' second-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. He led all scorers with 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, pacing the Bulls to a series-clinching 93-73 win.

Basically, it was just the kind of performance that Bulls fans have been hoping and waiting for ever since the start of the playoffs, and it came not a moment too soon. After all, the Hawks may be gone, but the Bulls are now set to face their toughest challenge yet in the Eastern Conference Finals: the Miami Heat.

Interestingly enough, Boozer will be matched up against Miami's own disappearing/reappearing power forward in Chris Bosh. He scored in single digits in two of the first three games of the Heat's series against the Boston Celtics, but he came on strong to score 20 points in Game 4 and 14 points in Game 5. He also grabbed 23 rebounds in the two games. Not bad for a guy who was matched up against Kevin Garnett.

MUST READ: Dwight Howard and the 50 Greatest Defenders in NBA History

Indeed, what would have looked like a pretty boring and irrelevant matchup a couple days ago now looks like the lynchpin to the entire series.

If Bosh continues to play well and Boozer struggles, there's no way the Bulls are going to be able to overcome the Heat. Derrick Rose was good enough to singlehandedly beat the Pacers and Hawks, but he's not going to be able to beat LeBron James and Dwyane Wade on his own. 

Therefore, Rose is going to need Boozer to get the better of Bosh. If he does, you have to think that this series is not going to be over quickly. Shoot, it might even go seven games.

For the record, Game 7 would be in Chicago, where the Heat did not win a game during the regular season.

Most recent updates:

• San Jose Sharks: No Choke This Time for the Sharks
• Miami Heat: Will Heat Maintain Their Swagger Against Chicago Bulls?
• Charles Barkley: Sir Charles Gives His Two Cents on Gay Athletes
• View all updates

What is the duplicate article?

Why is this article offensive?

Where is this article plagiarized from?

Why is this article poorly edited?