NBA Playoffs 2012: Boston Celtics and Miami Heat Under Fierce Scrutiny in Game 6

Doppler radar could never have predicted the searing heat that will envelop the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston tonight.

The mercury has risen for both the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics, as they meet in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Following three consecutive losses to the Celtics in this series, the Miami Heat will face a giant thermometer of scrutiny broiling around its team as it takes to the hardwood.

For a carefully crafted club filled with incredible expectations, the Heat are dangerously close to becoming the Icarus of professional basketball, scorched by failed ambition and humiliated by excessive hubris. Watching them sweat profusely tonight is a given. However, seeing them emerge victorious is still questionable. 

The Heat have struggled the past three games, especially in the closing moments. Players have fouled out, makeable shots have been missed and defensive stops unrealized, leaving legions of South Florida fans unsatisfied. 

Since all basketball eyes will focus on how the Heat handle tonight’s immense pressure, sunglasses are needed. The blinding lights of an investigator’s lamp will illuminate every move Heat stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh make. This $50 million-per-year trio must not only weather the glaring storm of criticism, but must also produce at a level commensurate with their preposterous paychecks.

The Heat have no choice but to return to South Florida victorious. Otherwise Heat president Pat Riley will be forced to fire Erik Spoelstra as coach after witnessing his team struggle late in games under his leadership. Riley might also tinker with the current Heat roster to alleviate James and Wade of the unprecedented responsibility they carry on their shoulders.

An aged Celtics team, eager for a return to the NBA Finals before Father Time soon calls their number, look to clip, or melt, the “wax wings” of the high-flying Heat and eliminate the soaring set of supremely skilled athletes from the NBA playoffs. 

In addition, the Celtics, facing a probable franchise facelift following this season’s end, will rely heavily on wily veterans Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, as well as electrifying point guard Rajon Rondo, to cool the Heat tonight with their icy confidence and frosty defense.  

In spite of a torrid atmosphere in Boston this evening, expectations abound for another thrilling contest. The Heat and Celtics may swelter in the surreal pressure surrounding their every move. However, neither team will be satisfied until their parched lips drink in another trip to the NBA Finals. 

Straight talk. No static.

MIKE — aka Mike Raffone — thee ultimate talking head on sports!