NBA Finals Preview

The NBA Finals series between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat should be an exciting, fast paced style of play. While the Mavericks have one superstar and about eight other players who can be effective, the Heat focus on the big three to generate most of their scoring. The Mavs have done a great job this season and playoffs in spreading out the court because of their ability to shoot the long range field goal. The opening of the court has also led to strong penetration from guard JJ Barea and one-one-one matchups for Dirk Nowitzki. The Heat, on the other hand, will look to get into the fast break in order to showcase Lebron James and Dwayne Wade’s explosive and entertaining abilities. The Heat will look to create quick transition opportunities in order to get up court and catch Dallas off guard. When the Heat team is in the half court, they will look to be effective by using pick-and-roll offense with Chris Bosh. Bosh may be the x-factor in this series because of his ability to make the medium range jump shot and open up the court.  Bosh’s jump shot will force the Mavs big’s to come out and open the lane for superstar’s James and Wade. 

The Mavs have gotten a lot stronger on the defensive side of the ball this season because of great play from players like Shawn Marion and Tyson Chandler. Marion, like against Oklahoma City, will have the responsibility of trying to slowing down the opponent’s top scorer. Marion did a phenomenal job in frustrating Kevin Durant and constantly making him uncomfortable. This series, Marion will have a more physical battle with superstar Lebron James. Marion need’s to focus more heavily on James’s ability to attack the basket, rather than his jump shot .Tyson Chandler will also have a difficult assignment against forward Chris Bosh. Nowitzki will help on Bosh as well, but Chandler will be the man getting physical and using the hard fouls. Chandler’s athletic abilities give him the opportunity to slow down Bosh from getting easy buckets on the court. It will also be interesting to see how the Mavs will plan on slowing down Dwayne Wade. The Mavs do not necessarily have a guard who can defensively keep up with the superstar D-Wade. Because of the Mavs strong depth, the team will probably look to throw multiple defenders at him throughout the game. DeShawn Stevenson, Jason Terry and Jason Kidd will all have the responsibility in frustrating D-Wade throughout the series.

Another key matchup will be how the Heat tries to slow down the guard play of JJ Barea, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry. Mike Bibby and Mario Chalmers will have their hands full trying to slow the dangerous scorers the Mavs feature in the back court. If the Mavs guards continue to be aggressive, the Heat will have a lot on their plate defensively. However, the Mavs have not seen a quick defense like the Miami Heat s in the playoffs thus far. The Mavs have seen three teams who do not have the talented defensive players the Heat can constantly throw at you. It will be interesting to see how the Mavs react to the tougher looks and physical style of play.

In the end, the series will come down to defensive execution and help. If the Mavs can continue to play smart offense with little turnovers, the Heat will have a lot of difficulty getting into a fast paced, comfortable rhythm. If the Heat can force the Mavs into continual tough shots and get into transition quickly, the Mavs will have a lot of problems slowing down the explosive Heat squad. The Mavs also need to play great defense, in order to frustrate James and Wade and keep them from getting hot. In the Eastern Conference Finals, Dwayne Wade and Lebron James were just too much for the Bulls team late in games.  The two players got hot and the Bulls inexperience could not stop it. The Western Conference Finals was also very similar to this, because of the Thunder’s inability to slow down Dirk in late game situations. The Thunder youth was showcased late because of their inability to remain consistent on offense. Coming into this series, both Mavs and Heat are veteran groups. Both know what it takes to be effective in crunch time and very rarely does either team look offensively challenged. The Mavs and Heat trust where the ball needs to go because of their veteran leadership and multiple attackers. Because of both team’s veteran and smart style of play, the series should be an electrifying one with constant back-and-forth scoring. Unlike the last series for both teams, I expect strong execution late in game. It will be interesting to see how both teams’ plan on slowing down the other’s strengths. The Mavs will look to slow down the game and find good looks, while also getting Dirk into a nice rhythm. The Heat will look to get into a fast style of play and force the Mavs into a rushed, uncomfortable offense. Whoever can play at their tempo and with strong defense, will most likely be the 2011 NBA Champions.

Tampa vs. Spokane: ArenaBowl XXIII Facelift

On August 20, 2010, the Spokane Shock hosted the Tampa Bay Storm in Arena Bowl XXIII. The game featured two teams with a high powered offense and an experienced defense. While the Storm franchise had been in the ArenaBowl spotlight before, the Shock organization was experiencing the limelight for the first time. Shock quarterback Kyle Rowley and Head Coach Rob Keefe were both in their rookie year of their respective positions. On the other hand, the Storm had quarterback Brett Dietz and Head Coach Tim Marcum, who were both veterans in the League and proven leaders in the AFL world.
The Storm finished the 2010 regular season at 11-5, while the Shock showed no signs of inexperience, as they finished the regular season at 13-3. Both Dietz and Rowley also led their respective squads with strong offensive seasons in 2010. Both notched over 100 touchdowns passes a piece. Heading into the 2010 playoffs, the Shock and Storm were battle tested and serious contenders to bring home the ArenaBowl title. Both teams had a winning formula and focused on playing smart football.
“I think that every coach will tell you this, but being successful in this League has a lot to do with the turnovers and the quarterback play. The Arena League is a possession game. It’s very similar to basketball, in that the team with the most turnovers will probably lose the game. Last year, we were top in the League in not giving the ball away and top in the League in taking the ball away. Tampa was great in these categories, as well. Kyle didn’t throw an interception in the final nine games of the season. Having smart quarterbacks like Rowley and Dietz definitely helped the turnover issues,” Keefe said.
Going into ArenaBowl XXIII, many believed the Storm would triumph over the Shock due to their veteran leadership. However, experience did not prevail and Spokane defeated Tampa Bay 69-57. The Shock offense was nearly perfect, as Rowley threw a new ArenaBowl record nine touchdown passes and earned ArenaBowl MVP honors. The game was tight throughout, but a few late mistakes cost the Storm the victory. The championship was still one to remember because of the exciting, talented offensive and defensive weapons across the field.
After a nine month hiatus, the two franchises will meet again in Week 11, but this time, with very different scripts. During the offseason, the Storm lost their Hall of Fame Head Coach and starting quarterback due to personal reasons and has not looked like the same offensive powerhouse in the 2010 season. Due to trades, retirement, injuries and players signing with another team or league, the Storm only have 10 players from the ArenaBowl squad playing this week. The offseason was tough on the Storm franchise, with changes coming everywhere from Ownership to a new Head Coach. The Storm looked within to find their new Head Coach, Storm long time Assistant Coach Dave Ewart. Ewart understood that the offseason would be difficult, due to all of the moving parts.
“Anytime you have a change like that, it makes it tough, especially on the coaching staff. Marcum and I had about 40-years of experience in the AFL and now I have three other guys who have about 20-years of experience combined. I think there are a lot of components that prevent guys from coming back every year. Coaches only know how to do one thing, and that is coach. It has definitely been a big difference from last year, but we have to keep moving forward and keep teaching these guys,” Ewart said.
The Storm also had to find a replacement at the most important position in the AFL game, the quarterback. Brett Dietz had played three seasons with the Storm franchise and had already proven himself as a smart and precise quarterback in the AFL. However, due to personal reasons, Dietz left the game and is currently working with the DePaul University football team. Because of the AFL style and its pass happy tendencies, Tampa knew that finding a quarterback would be extremely important to their success, but a difficult task to execute.   
“The QB situation this season has been tough,” Ewart said. “First of all, it’s hard to find a kid who has played Arena Football. They don’t play it in college, so the only chance they have to play is, unfortunately, game time. It’s definitely a challenge for the coaches, as well as the players, because it forces you to go out and find older, proven guys, which is not easy to find.”
The Shock, on the other hand, did not lose their Head Coach and starting quarterback coming into the 2011 season. Rowley and Keefe both returned to Spokane, but lost 15-players from the ArenaBowl team. Coach Keefe looked at the transition as a time to rebuild and create a new Spokane Shock identity.
“Right now I am excited with the team we have. I’m excited for the new guys to get a taste of what Arena Football is, and it’s kind of a new era in the Spokane Shock franchise,” Keefe said.
Through nine games this season, the Storm and Shock have still yet to find consistency due to the constant change in personnel. The Storm are on their third quarterback this season because of inconsistent play and has yet to find a smooth rhythm on either side of the ball. Tampa is currently 3-6 and last in the League in the very important turnover margin statistic. Due to the constant change at many positions across the field, Ewart and the Storm have yet to build strong chemistry.
“I think the main concern is taking care of the football. We have to get down to the basic fundamentals by taking care of the football and not making stupid mistakes. When we do that, we win football games. We have had some changes; obviously we don’t have Brett Dietz anymore which was tough. We have a young kid (Zbydniewski) learning his way, and we also have three new receivers basically who are all new together. We only had two weeks of training camp before having to get ready to play games. It takes time for players to gel with one another,” Ewart said.
The Shock are also having difficulty finding consistency on the field in the 2011 season. Spokane will also be on their third starting quarterback in the 2011 season. Both Kyle Rowley and Bill Stull were placed on Injured Reserve this week, after acquiring injuries in last week’s win against Dallas. The team brought in quarterbacks Casey Hansen and Steven Sheffield to step in and learn quickly. With the AFL tight roster space, injuries issues can be very difficult to battle through.
“In Arena Football, there really isn’t very much depth. There isn’t really a deep practice squad, so it’s tough. We know injuries are part of the game. Of course, I am upset for the quarterbacks because they were getting into a good rhythm and were beginning to get into a competitive quarterback controversy. It was pushing them both in practice and to have them both get hurt like that, was very tough to see. On the other hand, the two guys we brought in are more than capable of doing it,” Coach Keefe said.
If the Spokane Shock wants to contend for another ArenaBowl, they must find consistency quickly at the quarterback position. With a 4-5 record and a tough West Division, the Shock squad is getting to a point where it is make or break. The team has little room for error if they plan on catching the Rattlers at the top of the division. Because of the constant change within both teams, finding consistency continues to be the main concern.
One of the few consistent players on the Tampa Bay Storm roster this season has been wide receiver, Huey Whittaker. Whittaker leads the Storm with 80 receptions, 881 yards and 16 touchdowns and has been one of the few bright spots throughout the 2011 Storm season. Whittaker played a vital role in the 2010 Spokane Shock championship run. During the 2010 season, Whittaker led the Shock in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns and developed a strong rapport with quarterback Kyle Rowley. Whittaker caught four touchdown passes against Tampa Bay in ArenaBowl XXIII. Keefe and the Shock not only miss his physical 6’5 frame, but also his leadership and attitude.
“Besides his powerful attributes and physicality at the receiver position, Huey also has great leadership characteristics. He’s an extremely positive person and a total pro. He really helps younger guys understand how to be ready athletic wise and spiritually as well,” Coach Keefe said.
Because of constant change from trades, retirement, injuries and players signing with other teams, the 2011 season has been a very different script from the one from last year for both Spokane and Tampa Bay. Both teams in 2010 played smart football and had found a steady rhythm early in the season. This season, consistency and smart play has been lacking for both squads. With the season halfway gone, finding constant and reliable play will be a difficult task. Because both squads play in tough divisions, Spokane and Tampa Bay are at the point where each game is a must win.

Pittsburgh Power Live Quotes against Dallas Vigilantes

Coach Siegfried

“We need to play smart football against Dallas. We have to play consistent football and take care of the ball on offense. Our offense has had its struggles this year, but that has a lot to do with the injuries we have had this season. We feel pretty good about the group of guys we have tonight against Dallas. We just have to come out and execute.”

“I think the two extra games give us a better chance to gel. Our team doesn’t really think about the amount of games we have in the season. Whether it’s 14, 16 or 18 games in the season, we still have to come out and focus each week.  Being banged up early in the season, definitely gives a chance to come out strong in the second half of the season. Having the injuries early in the season put us in a hole, but we are slowly but surely getting healthy and playing more together. I think we are going to have a strong second half to the season and hopefully we can start it off tonight.”

“I think the main thing is managing injuries through the long season.   I don’t think it’s any more difficult than a 16 game schedule.  I think being an expansion team and having two extra games will help. Some of the veteran teams with older guys might not like the change because it may be harder come the end of the season. Either way, we have to come out and be aggressive and be ready to play anyone each week.”

Bernard Morris

“It’s a very important game tonight. In the playoffs, everyone wants to play at home. Right now, we are trying to put ourselves in a good position in the playoff hunt. We have to take care of business this game and then get ready for a big division matchup against Cleveland who is a game ahead of us. Every game from here on out is extremely important and a must win.”

“I think having two extra games helps. It gives us more of an opportunity to look and study film. Film in this League is very important. Two more games to showcase our talent is great. It gives us more of an opportunity to find out what we are doing well and what we need to work on week to week.”

“Of course injuries suck. But with the addition of two games, we have more of a chance to get healthy. I think the 18-game schedule is great to get everyone on the same page and get healthy before the postseason starts.”

“Dallas has a good record right now, so they must be doing something right. We just have to focus on going out each week and competing. Mccabe and Morelli were able to come in during the season and help out the team. When I got back, I tried to come in and help as quickly as possible. The guys on the team believe in me and now that I am back on the field, I am ready to lead them. I just have to go out and play smart football and not make mistakes.”

“If we want to be successful in the second half of the season, we have to eliminate a lot of our mistakes and not shoot ourselves in the foot. We have to execute and play our smart football game.”

Reggie Gray - I Put On For My City

For the eighteenth edition of Beyond the Wall, we sat down with Chicago Rush wide receiver Reggie Gray. Gray currently leads the team with 38 receptions, 566 yards, and 14 touchdowns this season. He is averaging nearly 115 receiving yards and three touchdowns per game in his first season seeing action in the AFL. He was part of the Chicago Rush team in 2008, but did not see playing time. This season, Gray has jumped off to a hot start and has been one of the top wide receivers in the AFL this season. Gray and the Rush are going up against the Kansas City Command on NFL Network’s “Arena Football Friday” tomorrow night.
Editor: Reggie, thanks for joining us today!  It’s technically your first season playing in the AFL. You were on the Rush in 2008 but did not see playing time. This year you are leading the team in pretty much every wide receiver statistical category. How have you been able to step in right away and make such a huge impact?
Reggie Gray: 2008 was a great year for me, as far as learning. I was playing behind guys like Damian Harrell and Donovan Morgan, so I wasn’t able to see much playing time in games. But practicing with them, taught me a lot. In my mind, 2008 was a rookie season for me because I was able to sit there and learn a lot without actually playing. This year, I am trying to take all of the things I learned from 2008 and incorporate them into my game. With the help of the coaching staff, Russ and a few other key players on the team, I am able to go out there and utilize my talents.
ED: What things do you do differently to prepare for the Arena style?
RG:  At this point in my career, I try to watch a lot of film. I’ve never watched this much film in my entire life. I really have enjoyed watching film. I try to watch as much film as possible, and try to figure out what I have to do in the game to be successful. I’m always trying to get an upper hand and get a good feeling for what the other team’s tendencies are.
ED: IN 2001 you won the High School City Championship in Illinois. You played wide receiver, defensive back, and kick returner. Today if you needed to play defense, would you? And do you enjoy defense or would you rather stick to offense?
RG: I enjoy playing defense. I’ve been preaching to the Defensive Backs Coach to put me in there. Defense is extremely fun to me, but I have tried to focus on my offense at this point in my career. I wouldn’t mind it though if they put me on defense. If they needed me to play defense, wide receiver, and kick returner, I would love to do it. It has always been a dream of mine to play all three positions on the professional level. Maybe I will get my opportunity and make the most of the situation.
ED: In college you played at Western Illinois and with QB Russ Michna. Did having him on the Rush help you get into a quick rhythm on the field?
 RG: I definitely feel that the chemistry has added to my success this season. My first two years at Western Illinois, were his last two seasons. We had very good chemistry during our time there. His first college pass and my first ever snap with Western Illinois went for a 71 yard touchdown. The connection was great during those two seasons, and then in ’08 he was on the Rush as well. I am now extremely comfortable with him at quarterback and I believe he is comfortable with me. With both of us on the same page, it makes the game so much easier.
ED: Being a small receiver, you have to be able to use your quickness and explosiveness on the field. How have you been able to do that in your football career?
RG: Growing up, I was always small. I have always been trying to gain weight and get bigger, but it just never wants to happen. At a certain point, I just had to accept it and focus more on my quickness, speed, and my ability to catch the ball. I always try to play big. I know I can’t control my size, but I can control my quickness, speed and hands. I try to focus on those things and make them as strong as possible.
ED: You grew up and have lived in the state of Illinois your entire life. How has your time been with the Rush and are you comfortable playing in your home state?
RG:  Playing professionally in my home state has always been a dream of mine. To be able to play in front of your home city is just awesome. I was born and raised in Chicago, Ill. and have yet to play out of the state of Illinois, whether it was high school, college or in my pro career. It is a blessing to be able to play in front of your home crowd where you grew up. Playing in Chicago really means a lot to me because I feel that it is my city. It definitely makes me extremely happy to be able to win for my city. It is just great to be able to play in front of my hometown. To be able to produce and be a leader, while we win games in Chicago feels great.
ED: This is now your second game on NFL Network’s “Arena Football Friday”. Does it add any extra motivation playing on the NFL Network?
RG: Playing on TV definitely adds a little incentive because more people are watching you play. You want to be able to play to the best of your ability so people can notice you.  But after the first game on NFL Network, you realize that it’s just another game. Going into this week, I am trying to focus on the game and getting a victory. I know that I am out there to help my team win a football game and if I am seen and noticed, that would be great. But as long as we get the W, I will be happy.
ED: Thanks for joining us today and good luck tomorrow night against Kansas City!

Lakers sign Mike Brown as Head Coach

Yesterday, Mike Brown signed a deal to become the next Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Sources said he agreed to a four year, 18.25 million dollar deal to be signed later this week. Star guard Kobe Bryant was said to be surprised by the hire when he found out yesterday, and frankly I don’t blame him. Brown does not fit the stereotypical Lakers coach. The typical Lakers coach is cool and collected but also has a no nonsense attitude. Coaches like Phil Jackson and Pat Riley both had fiery sides that Lakers fans and players respected and fought for. Earlier in the playoffs, Jackson was seen in the Dallas pushing and yelling at Gasol to be more aggressive and aware.  

During Brown’s tenure with the Cavaliers, I never saw an instance of Brown getting angry at his players. He always seemed to be outgoing and respectful during game time situations. It will be interesting to see how Brown acts in the Staples Center because of the major attention and drama the Lakers franchise attracts. In Cleveland, Brown was able to hide behind Lebron James and never needed to be in the spotlight for any type of controversy, until eventually the end of his tenure. Recent Lakers coaches have all been known to make controversial statements, whether it is about the teams play or referee issues.

I do, however, understand Jerry Buss’s reasoning for the hire. He and the Lakers felt that it was the defense that was the weak point during the 2011 season and playoffs. Buss wanted to find a person who was defensive oriented and who know how to win. Despite his nice guy mentality, Brown does know what it takes to be successful in the NBA. He won Coach of the Year, led the Cavs to a Finals appearance and was considered a serious playoff contender from 2006-2010. Many people, however, accredit much of his success to the talented Lebron James. Many people felt that Brown had it easy with the Cavs because of James ability to take over and run the offense. People still don’t know if Brown can run an intricate offense that takes good floor spacing and passing with multiple scorers.  During his time with Cleveland, Brown was constantly letting Lebron make decisions and find open shooters.

The veteran Lakers players have grown accustom to the triangle offense and floor spacing throughout the last decade. This offensive set has helped Kobe Bryant get the one-on-one matchups and lanes that has made him one of the greatest players in NBA history. It will be interesting to see how Brown uses the floor with the Lakers veteran scorers.  It will be the first head coaching job where he will have more than one person who can generate points on their own.

In the end, I don’t think Jerry Buss found the right person to handle one of best coaching jobs in professional sports. Because of his nice guy attitude and inability to get angry, I don’t think he can handle the attention that goes along with the Lakers top job. Coaches like Phil Jackson and Pat Riley used controversy and anger to push the Lakers team and put a chip on their shoulder. Mike Brown also was a long-time assistant for the Spurs and Coach Gregg Popovich. Poppovich has been known to get angry and share his true feelings with the press and his team. We will see if Brown will use some of the lessons he learned from his experience in San Antonio and apply them to the much flashier LA.

Mavs vs. Thunder Game 5

The Mavericks look to close out the Western Conference Finals in Dallas tonight against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. It will be interesting to see how the Thunder come out tonight, after being completely demoralized by the Mavericks late comeback in Game 4.

If the Thunder intend on getting back into the series, the team needs big performances from James Harden and Daequan Cook. These two players not only help the bench production, but also open the court and create one-on-one matchups for other teammates. After Harden fouled out with about 4:30 left in Game 4, the Thunder could no longer score because of their inability to spread the court and create lanes for stars Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. The Mavericks were able to use help defense and double teams to contain Durant and Westbrook and put the pressure on the supporting cast. OKC players Thabo Sefalosha, Nick Collison and Serg Ibaka are not the ideal players to open up the court and help with double teams. Besides Ibaka at times, these players are solely on the court for defensive purposes. I also noticed Westbrook’s inability to make the medium to long range jumper in the fourth quarter. If the Thunders want to advance, they must get a smart performance out of Russell Westbrook. His turnovers and inability to make long jumpers has affected the way Dallas has played defense in the series. The Mavericks have tried to clog up the lane and force Westbrook into tough shots and bad turnovers, which he tends to do a lot. The Thunder cannot handle turning the ball over 26 times like in Game 4.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, could use another strong and efficient game from old reliable, Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki finished Game 4, 12-20 for 40 points and was perfect from the free throw line. His size and footwork make him one of the greatest big man shooters of all time.  Even with Collison playing lockdown defense, Dirk still looks calm and collected with the ball in his hands.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, struggle very little when it comes to spreading out the court and making long range shots. Mark Cuban has done a great job this season bringing in the right role players, one through around nine. Chandler and Marion are key defensive components to this new-look Mavericks squad. Shawn Marion did a wonderful job slowing down Durant at the end of Game 4 with swarming defense. The Matrix has always been known for great D because of his size and athleticism. It will be interesting to see how Durant comes out against the defensive minded, Marion. Durant needs to be aggressive and try to force Marion into foul trouble early.

In the end, the Mavericks just have more scorers then the Thunder do. The Thunder have two excellent players, but a lot of youth and inexperience as well. With scoring role players like JJ Barea,Peja Stojakovic, Jason Terry and occasionally Jason Kidd, the OKC team just does not have enough  to contend when Durant and Westbrook are not going off. Like in Game 2, a big game from Harden would definitely help the OKC chances. With the Mavs playing so well on the road, winning their last five games, it could be good for Oklahoma City to travel to Dallas and steal a win.

Heat vs. Bulls Game 4

If the Chicago Bulls want to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, the team must win Game 4 in Miami. There is no other way to put it. With the talent Miami has on the court, Chicago has very little to no chance of winning the series being down 3-1. In the two previous Heat wins, the Bulls have lost their confidence on offense because of missed shots and tough defensive play on Bulls star Derrick Rose. If the Bulls want to win Game 4, they must come out hot from the start. The Bulls need to hit deep shots early from either guard Korver or Bogans, in order to spread the court and give more opportunites for Derrick Rose to find openings and drive to the basket. If the Heat team is able to establish themselves and get the fans involved, the Bulls will not be able stop the eventual scoring outburst by either Lebron or D-Wade. The Bulls need to be confident early and take a lead into the second half. The Bulls, in Game 2 and 3, hung around for three and a half quarters before Lebron or Wade eventually took over. The Bulls must get established early and foster a lead late in the game.

The Heat, on the other hand, could use another big performance from Chris Bosh. With Bosh effective, Lebron is passing and using his entire repertoire. When Bosh is aggressive and hitting the mid range jumper, the Heat are very difficult to stop. Throughout the regular season and playoffs, the Bulls have done a great job on help defense and rotating. However, with the explosiveness and speed of Lebron and Wade, the defense of Chicago seems in trouble at times. With three players all capable of creating their own shots, Chicago just doesn’t have enough manpower to keep up. If the Heat gets 25 points from two of the big three and a decent game from the third member, then the Heat will have a great chance of being victorious.   

The emergence of Haslem in the series has not brought just an offensive weapon, but a big defensive body as well. Throughout the playoffs, the big men of Chicago have been abusing the inside and the offensive boards. However, with Joel Anthony playing aggressive and Haslem’s rebounding skills, the Bulls no longer have that advantage. Noah and the bigs for Chicago must win the battle down low and create second chance points to be effective in this game.  

With no one on the Bulls making key long range baskets, the Heat have been able to double Derrick Rose and close the lanes off. Therefore, Rose has not been able to get comfortable and be the explosive and exciting player he can be. He must find shooters early, in order to find openings and keep the second defenders from cheating over.

 Because of both team’s explosive slashers and attackers, the key to the game will focus around defense and fast break opportunities. Lebron James, Derrick Rose and Dwayne Wade may be the three most dangerous players in the League in the fast break. Both teams must focus on good help defense and quick rebounds to push the ball up court. Once the ball is in the fast break, these three players are nearly impossible to contain.

In the NBA, defense is a necessity to be successful and win a championship. However, great offense will always overpower great defense. When a team has more scorers who can create and make shots, defenses can be helpless. We witnessed this last night, as Dirk Nowitzki took over in the fourth quarter. Collison played lockdown defense, but Dirk and his great offensive plays  pulled his team to victory.  With the Heat’s big three, Chicago just doesn’t have the weapons to compete when they aren’t moving the ball and finding openings.

The Bulls also could use major scoring production from Boozer and Deng. These two players are keys to complimenting Derrick Rose. However with their inconsistency, it is hard to gauge their performances.  In the end, it’s going to come down to MVP Derrick Rose and his ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates.  Lebron and Wade both know a lot about being a lone superstar and having complimentary help issues. We will see tonight if Lebron and Wade can complement each other and their teammates and get one step closer to getting to the championship.