As is the case anytime Boozer plays against someone significantly taller, Bosh’s height and lankiness bothers him.
Although Bosh’s worst game of the season came against the Bulls—that 1-for-18 aberration, a game that Miami only lost by four by the way— he was far more effective in the other two games.
In those two games, Bosh averaged 20 points on 47% shooting.
His rebounding, though, is another issue altogether. In each of the three games against the Bulls, he only grabbed five rebounds.
And that is a cause for concern.
Bosh needs to be a force on the glass and get close to the ten rebounds he’s been averaging in the playoffs or Miami will simply get crushed in the rebounding department.
You can’t expect Joel Anthony to be as effective as he has been against a taller, yet just as energetic, Joakim Noah.
STOPPING DERRICK ROSE
Obviously, beyond all else, it will come down to how Wade and James are able to matchup with Derrick Rose.
For all of the Heat’s flaws and Chicago’s depth, the Bulls have very much been a one-man show this postseason, something you can get away with when that one man happens to be Rose.
Outside of Rose, no Chicago player is averaging more than 20 points per game in the playoffs. Luol Deng is the closest, averaging just about 16.
If you’ve watched the Bulls at all in the playoffs, it’s no secret where the ball is going in the last four minutes of a game.
Stop Rose, you stop the Bulls. It’s really as simple as that.
So far, no one has been able to. Rose makes quick defenders like Jeff Teague look like hung-over intramural players on an early Saturday morning. He’s that fast.
Part of what will make this series so captivating is that Miami actually has two players with the combination of athleticism and foot speed to stay in front of Rose.
If you go back to the Heat’s last regular season game against the Bulls, there were stretches in the last few minutes of the game when Wade simply did not allow Rose to catch the ball.
Wade played Rose about as well as anyone could.
Considering how much energy and effort Wade and James put in defending Allen and Pierce last round, it’s clear that they are up to the challenge of making an impact on both ends of the floor.
Both players will have their chances to slow down the MVP.
You also can’t discount the added motivation both will have when they see Rose take the floor for the first time tonight.
James can’t be too pleased to have missed out on a third-straight MVP for largely non-basketball reasons.
Wade has often said how overlooked he feels in regards to annual awards and certainly can’t be thrilled to see a fellow Chicagoan, seven years younger, already win an award that Wade is yet to own.
Don't think Wade forgot getting booed in Chicago earlier this season after falling to the floor, holding his knee, either.
The best don't let any added motivation, however slight, go to waste.
Some might think it’s silly to put too much stock in such intangibles.
But if you were watching the Heat at all last round, you know just how devastating Wade and James can be.
Now imagine them playing with significantly-sized chips on their respective shoulders.
Let the games begin.
Final prediction: Heat in six.
As always, feel free to leave any thoughts or feelings below.
You can follow Thomas on Twitter @tjohnsonwriter
Contact Thomas at: thomasheatbeat@gmail.com
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