LeBron: Bosh Is Most Important Heat Player
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – When the Miami Heat took the court Saturday night, the entire team was fired up to start their playoff run. But, one player who will be key to the Heat's playoff hopes came up big in the first game.
Heat forward Chris Bosh played lights out throughout the game. His role increased as the game went on; and he responded with 25 points and 12 rebounds for the game, which helped keep the Heat settled, despite the 76ers quick start.
"Everybody just had to settle down," Bosh said after the game. "We missed some easy shots and that got to us on the defensive end."
But what was readily evident in comments by Heat guard Dwyane Wade and forward LeBron James, was as James put it, "Chris is the most important guy on our team."
While Wade got into foul trouble, and LeBron was starting slowly, Bosh helped steady the ship and began attacking the basket in the second and third quarter.
Combined with an increase in team defense; this helped spur the Heat to a massive rally in the second and third that effectively put the game out of reach.
And while it is only the first of sixteen victories the Heat need to capture the NBA title, Bosh and the Heat think they'll be around for awhile in the playoffs.
"We expect to make a long run," Bosh said. "I just wanna go out there and keep doing what I've been doing."
Given his performance in game 1 against the 76ers, if Bosh continues playing at this level, it's easy to see why D-Wade, LeBron, and the rest of the Heat players are confident heading into game two Monday night.
Game 2 is set for a 7 p.m. tipoff Monday night at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
