NBA Playoffs 2011: LeBron James and the Miami Heat Are in the Driver's Seat
On the eve of the most anticipated NBA playoff game of the season, the Miami Heat are exactly where they want to be heading into their series with the Boston Celtics. Things have aligned right in time for LeBron James and company.
Boston will be a difficult matchup for the Heat, but here are three reasons why it's perfect timing for the Miami Heat to have a successful series against the Celtics.
3. Celtics Are Not in Championship Form
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The Miami Heat were all smiles when it was announced Kendrick Perkins had been shipped out of town by the Boston Celtics. He provided a tough inside presence for the Celtics.
Perkins' departure alone was enough to offset the Celtics; Nate Robinson's departure was icing on the cake. The flawless interior defense once flaunting Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins now has to implement defensively challenged players like Nenad Krstic and Jermaine O'Neal.
Shaq will not be a major factor as he recovers from his calf injury.
Whether physically or mentally, the Celts are definitely out of sync. Despite the first-round sweep of the injury-riddled New York Knicks, the Celtics have not been the same dominant team they were a year ago. The disarray couldn't come at a better time for the Miami Heat.
2. Underdogs
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Coming into the 2011 NBA season, the Miami Heat had lofty expectations. The Heatles were expected to win over 70 games, break records and easily walk away with a title.
How things have changed!
The Heat are not considered to be the first or second-best team in the Eastern Conference. The rise of Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls coupled with the experience of the veteran Boston Celtics have made both teams favorites over the Heat.
The Heatles no longer have to play under ridiculous expectations. They can now relax as the majority of that pressure has shifted to a young Bulls team.
The Heat are now playing without any real pressure, only motivation. Motivation to say "I told you so" to all of their haters. Miami is in the driver's seat and can relax as they get ready to challenge for a title.
1. Heatles Are Finally Clicking
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After a long season of tireless changes, the Miami Heat have finally found consistency. Their lineups are set, and their roles are defined.
Mike Bibby has been a great acquisition. He struggled against the 76ers, but he is a veteran and will respond well against Boston. He has provided comfort for backup Mario Chalmers, who does not have to deal with the pressure of being a starter.
Chalmers provides the spark off the bench that many hoped Mike Miller would. Zydrunas Ilgauskas will provide offense in the middle as well as lure Celtic bigs from the paint.
How about Joel Anthony? He has become a force all his own. Even Kevin Garnett acknowledged Anthony's effectiveness after the Celtics' last meeting with the Heat. Joel will handle all of the Heat's dirty work.
James Jones and Eddie House will continue to provide clutch shooting when called upon.
The Big Three? We know what to expect from them. As they go, so go the Heatles.
