Heat Gain Momentum Coming Home
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – After getting demolished in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Miami Heat had to answer the bell in Game 2 and deliver a strong counter-punch to the Chicago Bulls.
After knocking out the Bulls 85-75 in Game 2, the Heat landed quite an uppercut to the jaw of the Bulls.
It was a victory predicated on two things: hustle and defense. Sparked by 23 plus minutes from Udonis Haslem, the Heat crashed the boards for rebounds and played a much more physical style of game throughout the second half of the game.
"That fourth quarter is going to epitomize this entire series," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said after his team outscored Chicago 14-10 in the period. "It's an absolute street fight for both teams."
Heat forward LeBron James came back from a dismal Game 1 and led the Heat in scoring and poured in nine of those points in the final 4:27 of the game. He closed the game out for the Heat and once again showed that when it comes to MVP's, he's still the top of the food chain.
"That fourth quarter is going to epitomize this entire series," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said after his team outscored Chicago 14-10 in the period. "It's an absolute street fight for both teams."
Even with Chris Bosh scoring just 10 points, the combination of LeBron and Heat guard Dwyane Wade accounted for more than 50 points in the game. Wade scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the game.
"We got that one that we needed," Wade said. "Now, we go home and we've got to take care of business. This team right here is like us. They can win at home and on the road."
For Udonis Haslem, it was all about getting back into the game, but not to score.
"I was seeing guys running to the basket without anyone putting a body on them," he said. "My focus wasn't on scoring tonight, it was defense and rebounding."
The series now returns to the AmericanAirlines Arena for Games 3 and 4. So far this postseason, the Heat hasn't lost at home. If the Heat keep that streak up, the Bulls are in deep trouble and could be on the outside looking in when the NBA Finals roll around.
