Miami Heat: Chris Bosh's Moment

When Chris Bosh scored a career high of 41 points back in 2007, everyone chanted “MVP, MVP.” He was the Toronto Raptors’ new hope, after Vince Carter was traded to the New Jersey Nets.

Chris still hears that familiar chant, But he knows it isn’t for him.

From a No. 1 franchise player to becoming the third wheel on Miami’s offense. Chris Bosh has accepted the fact that the Miami Heat can never be his team. He already left that responsibility when he signed with Lebron James last summer. He would never get that prestige and big payday that could secure his future as a franchise player but Bosh holds on to this thought: he would never get a championship if he went elsewhere.

Many criticized Bosh for his decision, but he knows everything comes with a price. This is what happens if you are chasing legacies—a lot of watchful eyes that are quick to judge when you fail to deliver. This is Bosh’s burden ever since he signed with Miami. But like what Kevin Garnet and Clyde Drexler have done in the past, all of those things would die down with redemption in a form of a championship ring.

With talks of Lebron wanting to win his own ring, no one really wanted it more than Bosh. He was criticized when he had a sub-par performance in games 1 and 2. He was criticized on giving Dirk Nowitzki some space for a game winning lay-up. Between Dwayne Wade and James, Bosh struggled early in the season and struggled more so in the playoffs.   

In game 3 with less than a minute to go and overtime fast approaching, Udonis Haslem secured a solid pick as Bosh popped out. James hastily passed the ball and went straight into an open Bosh. As his eyes got bigger, everything seems to move in slow motion. He remembered all the taunts, the criticisms.

 This was his moment, his one big shot and his redemption and Bosh delivered, securing the Heat a 2-1 series advantage. The ball went from Wade to James and ends up with Bosh. From one-two-three it all means they need each other to get a championship.

 From a fan who shouted along the bleachers “Chris Bosh! You’re the man!” Bosh only replied with a smile. He knows it isn’t just him, like that familiar chant of MVP.