18-3 Run Sends Miami To NBA Finals
With 3:14 to play in game five of the Eastern Conference finals the Bulls were up 77-65. Most Bulls fans would have been looking forward to game six in Miami.
It was not to be. Perhaps thinking of the tight game four loss the Bulls crumbled under an 18-3 run that saw Miami win the game 83-80. Crucially for the Heat Ronnie Brewer missed the second of two free throws at 3:14 and Derrick Rose was to later repeat the dose.
Dywane Wade hit back-to-back baskets to start the comeback along with a three-point play. At 2:07 LeBron James hit a three-point shot to make the score 77-72 to the Bulls. Wade was having a poor night by his standards including nine turnovers but when it matter the most he stepped up.
Wade hit a three-point shot with 1:30 left on the clock to take the score to 79-75. A few more plays and then another three, this time from James locked up the scores at 79.
A Rose turnover was followed by a James basket and the Miami Heat had hit the lead 81-79. Rose next found himself at the line and he missed the second of two free-throws to leave the Heat up 81-80.
Some late Chris Bosh free-throws took the score to 83-80 with Chicago in possession. Rose had a tough three-point shot to tie the score but it was blocked and the game and series was over.
For the Miami Heat they return to the NBA finals for the first time since they won in 2006, also against the Dallas Mavericks. It was all about working as a team, and of course LeBron James who so often lifted the team when they looked down and out.
The Chicago Bulls can be proud of the effort they put in this season. They are of course hurting right now but they will learn from the tough series loss and move on to next season.
The NBA finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat tip off on Tuesday at 9.00pm ET in Miami.
Who will you be cheering for?
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