The Miami Heat are one win away from earning a spot in the 2011 NBA Finals. Led by LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, the Heat took a commanding 3-1 lead by defeating the Chicago Bulls 101-93 in game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Both teams began the game with stifling defense which led to sloppy play, several forced turnovers and ill-advised shots. Wade went 33 minutes without scoring and MVP Derrick Rose missed nine of his first 12 shot attempts. But Rose finally got on track in the second quarter after throwing down a thunderous dunk over Miami’s Joel Anthony.
With aggressive play, Rose kept the Chicago Bulls close throughout the game and played a major role in forcing the game into overtime. But without a consistent scoring option besides Rose, the Bulls suffered in the extra period. James, Wade and Bosh overwhelmed the Bulls in overtime by combining to score the Heat’s final 16 points.
Last summer, James was ridiculed profusely because of his decision to leave his home state of Ohio to play in Miami. He’s now four quarters away from cashing in on his risky gamble and proving his naysayers wrong.
Game 5 will be played Thursday in Chicago. –amir shaw
