The Miami Heat host the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference NBA Final – join us from 10am AEST as LeBron James looks to lead his side over the Celtics Big Four in Rondo, Pierce, Garnett and Allen.
“Now we have a series.” Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra summed it up perfectly after winning game six against the Celtics in Boston.
Before the win-or-go-home game is analysed, the performance of LeBron James in the Heats 98-79 win must be recognised.
It was a one-man band show. Speaking to the media post-game, James was nonchalant yet completely focussed.
“I just try and make plays.”
He certainly did that. The league MVP delivered awesome numbers: 45 points from 19-26 shooting, 15 rebounds and five assists.
The only other player in history to go for those numbers or better in a playoff game was the great Wilt Chamberlain with 50 points, 15 rebounds and six assists.
LeBron put on a breathtaking display of his gifts that kept the Heat alive and a chance of going back to the finals. He played out of his mind. What’s important to note is that Boston couldn’t have defended him any better.
Celtics head coach Doc Rivers was full of praise for James while targeting his men with a challenge: “We’re going to have to play a hell of a game.”
Those words are sure to have an impact on KG, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo.
Game seven is a test of character for both sides, particularly though the Boston outfit that is faced with having to win two road games in this series. An incredibly massive task especially as it is also the final game.
Rivers won’t allow James to single-handedly beat his team in consecutive games. Piece needs to live up to his nickname “The Truth” in game seven. He had an awful game. The 2008 finals MVP failed to record double figures in the point category, shooting 4-18 from the field including 0-6 beyond the three-point line. Boston’s three-point percentage was a dismal 7.1 percent.
Boston had no ball movement and they never really established what they wanted to do.
In a conference call with journalists after landing in Miami, Rivers mentioned that his team is experienced in these situations and that might aid them.
“You can look at all the tweaks and changes that each team has made. But, at the end of the day, you have to go out and perform, you have to make shots, you have to rebound. You have to do all the things that you’ve probably talked about since Game 1 of the regular season, and you have to do it with an urgency.”
For the Celtics to win today Rondo will need to deliver an MVP-type game and they must hit the shots which they normally make but succeeded miserably in game six.
How does Miami close out the series and advance to a meeting with the Oklahoma City Thunder?
LeBron James will once again perform big however the pressure will come down hard on him. Therefore, D-Wade has to step up at both ends, especially offensively – the Heat will need solid numbers from him.
Bosh who will play his third game back from injury also will be required at both ends. Miami’s role players have never been needed more in any other game than today’s. Mario Chalmers will get more open looks and the ball in his hand due to James seeing more Celtic jerseys in front of him. Chalmers will need to hit his shots. As to will Mike Miller and Shane Battier. Battier is important up the other end also as Spoelstra will ask him to stop Ray Allen.
So here it is. Game seven in the Eastern Conference Final. Miami. Boston. It’s game time. Three. Two. One. Let’s play ball gentleman.
Worlds biggest
Guest
As a Celtics fan while disappointed still very proud of the team for going his far. The boys will rue the game 2 loss in OT and of course th drubbing at home in Game 6. We just ran out of gas and couldn't limit LBJ who was a beast. More to the point we couldn't limit the supporting cast particularly this game. It has been a great run for the 3 legends in Boston these past 5 years. 2 Finals appearances ( nearly a 3rd ) and a championship. Thunder to win it in 6. If this is it for the 3 legends in Boston thanks for a great run !
KiwiDave
Roar Guru
Cant see the Heat beating OKC. I am tipping OKC in 6 games
Internal Fixation
Guest
I wonder if one of KG or Ray Allen may find a place in South Beach next year - particularly if the Heat win this year? Sort of like the Laker's of 2000-2002 rolling in Glen Rice, then Horace Grant and then Mitch Richmond for a veteran presence.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
LeBron followed up his awesome game 6 performance with another A-grade rating game. He delivered 31 points and 12 rebounds and simply dominated in the final period. LeBron and Wade combined for 20 4th-qtr points. The Heat bench was excellent including 19 points from Chris Bosh. When did the game change? LeBron went straight by Bass and slammed down a massive dunk. It was a great, see-sawing match. Miami will now go and play OKC. For me, it will be the Thunder in 6.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
It is the Heat @ OKC in he finals.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
LeBron: "everybody had a big part of this win"
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
Great respect being shown after the game. An excellent series. Miami now have the chance to make up for last year.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
Heat win 101-88.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
James and Bosh are subbed out.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
Pierce, Rondo, Allen and KG are subbed out. Get a nice cheer by the crowd.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
Under 1 min to go. Standing ovation.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
The supporting cast delivered 28 points, 5 steals, 8 assists and a block. That'll do.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
KG and Allen - both unrestricted free agents. Last time together?
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
MIA 99 BOS 86. It has truly been a team effort. Battier and Chalmers solid contributions.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
He is the only player to have played the whole game.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
James fouled and will go to the line to increase the lead.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
Boston just wasted 10 secs.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
Tr crowd is on its feet. 1:58 on the clock.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
Miami with 0 turnovers in this period.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Champion players delivered a championship performers, and the support cast did enough, delivering 28 points oputside the Big 3.