NBA Playoffs 2011: Morning After Reaction to Miami Heat's Dominance in Game 4

Final

Miami 98 Boston 90

Game Ball

LeBron James (35 PTS, 14 REB, 3 ASS, 3 STL, 12/28 FG, 2/6 3FG, 9/9 FT). The kid showed why he’s the most talented player in the world last night. He defended every position possible. He attacked Boston’s interior and then killed them from the outside late. He owned the last two minutes of regulation and threw the Heat on his back. In the words of ESPN’s Mark Jackson, “Mama, there goes that man!”

Stats

Miami outrebounded Boston 45-28 and the Big Three combined for 83 points.

Quote

“I looked at it as one of the most important games of my career. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to just do whatever it took.” – LeBron

It was over when

Chris Bosh tipped in LeBron’s missed jumper with 15 seconds remaining in overtime to put the Heat up five. You better believe there was a dinosaur roar to follow.

Crowd Factor

I finally pinpointed the reason for Miami’s slow starts in Boston. I know no city can match Miami in this area, but how shockingly ugly was that Boiston crowd?

Highlight of the Night

Down 84-81 with just over two minutes remaining, LeBron nailed a monster three to tie it in the grill of Paul Pierce as the shot clock winded down. For all of those who say he can’t hit big shots, last night’s game put an end to that. I become ill when ignorant NBA fans only consider players clutch if they’re making the final shot in the final seconds. Down three with two minutes left on the road in a decisive playoff game is the definition of a clutch moment.

Chris Bosh awakens

For the entirety of Game 3 and the first half of Game 4, Bosh looked defeated, soft, and passive. I don’t know what was said at halftime, but he came out with a newfound confidence in the latter portion of the game as the aged Celtics began to wear down. The Heat needed every one of his 20 points and 12 boards. He should thank the Basketball Gods Kevin Garnett is old.

Haslem’s return

It was incredible to see this warrior return to the court, even with his rare negative impact (2 FLS, 1 TECH, 1 TO, and a missed jumper). He’s going to be a little rusty because no practice scenario can simulate the intensity  and speed of a playoff game. Little by little he will get back to the UD we’ve all grown to love and his defensive intensity will become a major weapon as this team advances.

Up Next

The Eastern Conference champs are on the ropes. They’re worn down physically and mentally. All that’s needed is the one vicious upper cut to send them home for good. Miami needs to throw that blow on Wednesday night at home. No need to revive a sleeping giant.

Delonte West’s comedic video of the day

“Planes, trains, or automobiles, ya better have my do-nuts”