2011 NBA Playoffs: The Miami Heat 2 Wins Away from the Finals, Bulls Struggling

The easiest way to describe the series between the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls is talent versus hustle.

The Bulls took the first game in surprising fashion, in what was thought to be a damaging 21-point loss for Miami. Game 2 looked more like what was expected as Miami evened the series 1-1 with spectacular closing defense and a determined LeBron James.

In Game 1, hustle and energy destroyed Miami. In Game 2, the Heat’s talent was to much for the Bulls, so it should have been no surprise that Game 3 would follow suit.

Once again talent has defeated hustle. It's not to say that the Bulls are completely void of talent, it’s just that the Heat have more. The closing minutes of Game 2 and Game 3 have been decided by the most talented player on the floor—LeBron James.

Throughout the game, LeBron James played the role of creator, as he controlled the tempo and made sure the rest of the Heat got involved. Chris Bosh was on point, going 13 of 15 during one stretch and finished with 34 for the game. Dwyane Wade finished with 17 points and nine rebounds. But it was LeBron James who once again delivered.

LeBron James only scored 22 points for the game, but he racked up 10 assists for a double double. At times during the third quarter, James seemed a little lazy on some of his passes as he was bringing the ball up court and Mike Bibby hung around the parameter.  Smart call by Coach Erik Spoelstra, as Bibby has been struggling to find his shot. Putting the ball in James’ hands for the second half of the game allowed Bibby to play at the 2-guard position and focus more on his shot.

The two things the Bulls had going for them have been taken away. Derrick Rose has not been allowed to roam free to the basket, and when Rose is not able to break down the defense, the Bulls struggle. The Heat have been shading off of Joakim Noah, and when Noah heads to the perimeter to set a pic for Rose, the Heat defender stays for the double team.

The Bulls tried to answer by running the offense through Joakim Noah off the pic, trying to draw the attention of the defenders so Noah could find an open man. This worked for a few plays, as Chicago brought it to within three at the end of the third.

At the start of the fourth, Miami clamped down and the game was out of reach from there.

In the last two games Miami has looked more energetic and seemingly out-hustled the Bulls on many plays. During the third quarter Chicago touched the ball many times while Miami was handling, but Miami was a step quicker getting to the loose balls.

The Bulls are also struggling moving the ball around and finding the open man. As Miami collapses on Rose, it becomes difficult for Rose to see beyond the defenders, and Miami has been doing a good job at closing the passing lanes. The Bulls finished the game with 15 assists. 

The Bulls are still out-rebounding the Heat, pulling down 13 offensive rebounds to Miami’s five. The Bulls must continue to attack the glass and use their size to weigh down the Heat. The issue is the Bulls have lost the biggest advantages they had over Miami.

In order for the Chicago Bulls to recover they must use they’re energy and out-hustle the Miami Heat. Coach Tom Thibodeau will have to create plays that will free up Derrick Rose, not take the ball out of his hands.

Miami has the momentum, they’ve stolen home court advantage and the Heat are up two games to one. The Heat have looked like the fresher team, as Chicago seems to be tiring. The Chicago Bulls have a rough road ahead as Miami looks to go up 3-1 on Tuesday night.