The Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls in 5 games to move on to their third straight Eastern Conference Finals. It wasn’t easy though.
“We knew this team wouldn’t just roll over, we had to beat them,” LeBron James said post game.
James finished with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.
Heat guard Dwayne Wade who has been battling a knee issue was huge for the defending champions last night.
Wade poured in 18 points and dished out 8 assists.
“It’s like the candy, sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t,” Wade said referring to his knee.
Miami blew an early 18 point lead, trailing 77-69 going into the fourth.
Chicago ran out of offense by the final period, scoring only 14 points and not being able to get any key stops.
Bulls point guard Nate Robinson finished with 21 points after going scoreless in game 4 on 0-12 shooting.
Robinson had two chances to tie the game at the end of regulation but wasn’t able to convert on either.
“I’m proud of my team, we fought hard. I’m glad I’m a Bull,” Robinson said.
This offseason Bulls All-Star Derrick Rose will face a lot of scrutiny for not playing these playoffs and rightfully so.
While I would never question a player’s heart and toughness, one has to think Rose handled this entire situation poorly.
It’s one thing when you’re cleared by doctors to play, but announce you will sit for the reminder of the season.
On the other side, Miami will be waiting to play either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
