NBA Playoffs 2011: Miami Heat's Bench Finally Beginning to Prove Its Worth
It had to happen sometime this season. At one time or another, the Miami Heat's oft-injured and inconsistent bench would have to provide some support if the team wanted to achieve its goal of winning a title. Even making it as far as the conference finals would need significant support from a player or two off the bench, just as a means to give the big three some help on the offensive and defensive ends.
James Jones one night. A few Mario Chalmers sightings. The triumphant return of Udonis Haslem. Mike Miller's return to Earth.
Disgustingly inconsistent for the entirety of the season, the Heat's bench has proved to be more detrimental than beneficial at times. Through the postseason thus far, Jones is averaging the most points per game with a little less than seven. However, Jones has been substituted for Miller in the Heat's series against the Bulls for rebounding, hustling and defense rather than for offensive purposes.
At times, coach Erik Spoelstra seemed to be reaching for an answer when it came to picking players off the bench to play. Prior to getting Haslem back in Game 2 of the conference finals, Spoelstra turned to the likes of Juwan Howard and Jamaal Magloire, who had not been given significant minutes in a meaningful game in months, for answers in the middle.
They left more questions than answers.
As inconsistent as the Heat's bench has been, we have seen its best in the postseason. They might not be able to consistently pour in 10 points and a couple of rebounds and assists every game, but they will seemingly step up in moments where the team needs them most. Miller, Jones and Chalmers have all provided the Heat with answers during dire moments of close games.
For examples, take a look at James Jones and his 25 points in the Heat's Game 1, nine-point victory over Boston. Or Chalmers and his 20 points in the Heat's series-clinching victory against Philadelphia. Haslem and his 13 points and five rebounds were key in the Heat's Game 2 road victory against the Chicago Bulls, and most recently Mike Miller had 12 points and nine rebounds in Miami's Game 4 overtime victory against Chicago.
On each occasion, the Heat could have easily given up a victory if not for the support from their bench. All season long, Miami would have to relinquish victories because it couldn't find a player to provide some support alongside the efforts of the big three. Playing without Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller hurt, but playing with James Jones, Mario Chalmers and the myriad of centers would sometimes hurt even more.
For as talented a trio as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh form, they couldn't do it all on their own. It was extremely detrimental to the team when any of these players would attract a double-team and kick out to the open man only to see him miss an easy opportunity for two or three points.
Whether it was the shooters not being able to shoot or the men in the middle playing the part of statues, the big three were suffering because of their supporting cast. Throughout the regular season, Miami struggled because its open players weren't finishing the shots that they were brought in for. Now that we are in the postseason, these players are beginning to thrive, and it's the reason why Miami has advanced so far.
Chalmers is beginning to feature himself as more of a positive than a negative, and the return of Haslem has strengthened the defense and rebounding. Perhaps the most significant sign of progress was Miller's Game 4 against the Bulls, where he scored 12 points and grabbed nine boards. On a night where Wade couldn't get anything going, Miller was there to pick up the pieces by providing enough support to help the Heat win it in overtime.
Unfortunately for the Heat, they probably won't see their team at full strength this season considering Miller is still suffering from various injuries and Haslem is still rehabbing an injury he suffered in November. However, just receiving any help from at least one of these players is significant to a team where three players score 80 percent of the team's points on any given night.
The Heat have done well for a team that has been without its sixth and seventh men for nearly the entire season and most of the postseason, but they'll need those two now if they want to finish off the Chicago Bulls and then compete with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. With three of the top players in the game already in the starting lineup, Miami will still need at least one or two players to step up.
Haslem and Miller have been key components of the Heat's recent success. Their hustle and effort have been a necessity in the Heat's series against the Bulls, and it will be even more if they advance to play the Mavericks. If Miller can also maintain his newly found jump shot, it would space the floor and help his teammates find easier opportunities to score.
We know Haslem is one of the most consistent players on the team, so the most to worry about him is monitoring his minutes and making sure that he doesn't do anything to hurt himself. He could play the part as the most important player on the team thanks to his defense on Dirk Nowitzki. In the 2006 NBA Finals, Haslem held Nowitzki to 39 percent shooting, and he is very well possible of performing the same feat again.
With Udonis and Mike back, the Heat can now look towards a deeper bench with Chalmers, Jones and possibly Erick Dampier to play against Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood as well. They'll need to come alive and provide all the support that the team can use if they want to beat a team as deep as the Mavericks.
For now though, we'll enjoy the Heat's bench actually providing some support and willing the Heat to victories. If Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem are ready to consistently perform, then this team just became a lot more dangerous than anyone could ever have imagined.
