I am so happy for the Heat, and I was so impressed with how many supporting players had big games in these playoffs:
Shane Battier: was huge in several games, not just
because of his 3-ball (which I loved how accurate he was, despite the
rapid-fire release he has - the definition of a "feel shooter."), but
because of his energy and defense. Being a Miami boy, I was never a
Duke or UNC fan, but I was always impressed with the talent pool they
accumulated. Battier is one of Duke's best all-time players, and I am
pleased when the all around good guy players in the NBA get their just
deserves. I've always wished another Duke all time great alum, Grant
Hill, would get that chance as well.
Mario Chalmers: I know he has a lot of haters,
especially within the local fan base, but I have liked this guy ever
since he took over the championship game when he was at Kentucky.
That's when you know someone is a winner. As a point guard, Chalmers
has been spotty for the Heat because he was young and learning (it's
tough to be the play maker/creator, and then go to a team that already
has that and still be expected to play your game - how do you do that
when Wade plays your game too?) Then the last couple of years it got
stranger, because Lebron is like Wade - how does a guy like Chalmers -
The Man on any other team - make yet another adjustment to his game to
accommodate a second star play maker? I think Mario was unjustly
ridiculed for the inconsistency that was bound to happen, considering
the responsibility he was assuming. But the winner in a player never
goes away, and when an opportunity arises, the winner will take over.
And boy did Chalmers the winner flex his muscles in Game 4. What a
thunderous (pun intended) punch to the throat he threw down! I was so
proud of him. I really hope the Heat keep this guy - he has more than
proved his worth, and what an exclamation point to that statement made
on the grandest stage in basketball. Kudos Mario!
Norris Cole: Not many opportunities, but he never
squandered them. He was high energy, got steals, great passing, and
drilled some timely threes when OKC forgot where he was and left him
open. Awesome learning experience for him, and he didn't shy away from
the Finals pressure (which would have been understandable from a
rookie). His maturity from 4 years of college is a major plus for the
Heat, and he really came through for them, even in things as simple as
managing the game efficiently and protecting the ball on offense while
the stars were on the bench. The trust Spoelstra showed in him at a few
critical points (rookies rarely get that) was huge. What a confidence
booster for a guy expected to be a solid contributor in the years
ahead. Great job, Rook!
Udonis Haslem: He took less money to stay with the Heat, and then took a supporting role to allow Bosh into the mix. It cost him playing time, and the lowest stats in his career. Sacrifice all the way around. But how do you say no to three guys who gave up millions of dollars to ensure financially that you can stay? There's real love between Haslem and Wade, never more apparent than his taking a suspension for a viscous hit, defending Wade being roughed up in the Indiana series. He was happy to do it, and would do it over and over if he had to - he said as much after learning of the punishment. Said it with extreme pride, actually. Lebron said that was the perfect example of why his respect for Haslem was enormous, and he was glad that Wade talked him into giving up money to keep him - best money he never got. But Haslem played his part in these playoffs, and in the Finals, superbly. Massive defensive force, and even got some of his shooting touch back. After being injured last year, and struggling for consistency this year, it was great to see him get it going a little.
Mike Miller: Argh! Poor MM. How many times can
fate and bad luck kick a guy in the groin? From the worry about his
child to the incessant injuries, I can imagine running face first
through plate glass with no helmet would be a welcome and less painful
distraction. But, like Chalmers, MM has always been a winner, and he's
been one of the top 3-point shooters in the league for years. If you've
never had severe back pain, you'll never know just how great a
performance MM had in Game 5. Every time he shot, I knew exactly when
the pinch of the pain was hitting him - I've felt it myself before. And
the abandon that he played with just screamed of a guy not sure of his
future - this injury could end his career - he clearly said "I'm
fighting until my back gives out, whatever happens, happens..." I'm so
glad his back held up long enough (thanks to the adrenaline, probably)
to allow him to shine once more. What a time to get the touch and feel
of your shot going! I hope his career can continue, but if not, I'd
just like to say that - even though he's a Gator - Mike Miller has
always been one of my favorite players, and I wish him and his family
the best. What a great retirement present to earn yourself...
I am proud of Wade, Bosh and Lebron. Lebron never deserved the ridicule
- he's young, he made a mistake with The Decision - but he's always
seemed like a pretty humble guy, who does a mountain of charity work
(even The Decision raised a fortune for the Boys and Girls Club). And
he's always been one of the best all-around players skill wise. He
needed a team that could support his game, and after 7 seasons, he
decided that Cleveland wasn't it. Dan Gilbert could have fixed that,
but he didn't. I'm glad the Heat had what he needed (Riley has secured
his place among the greatest executives in the league's history). But
Wade is the soul of the Heat, he leads the team in the direction it
goes. He did it in 2010 to get this team together (especially finding a
way to financially keep Haslem), and Lebron couldn't have had the
freedom to take over the team if Wade hadn't relinquished his grip on
it. And the rest of the players followed his lead. These guys all show what sacrifice
is, and teams like the Knicks should pay attention (eyes and ears open,
Carmelo). They may have gotten ridiculed for how they came together,
but it was with a goal and a singular focus in mind - and every member of the team bought into it.
And major kudos to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is a supremely
talented team, just a little too young still (frustration, causing a
lack of defensive focus, was a major downfall for them, never more
obvious than Game 5 - that comes with maturity). But their stars and
role players are fantastic. Durant may end up being the best pure
shooter ever, and Westbrook looks like a 23 year old Wade - his speed on
the court is really something to see. And Darden is Anthony
Mason/Charles Oakley tough. What a competitor he is. But overall, mad
respect to a group of youngsters who made the Finals one of the most fun
to watch in years. They will be back several more times, I think, if
the team stays together long enough. And I do think they will win
eventually, probably sooner than later. I hope the Heat can prevent it
for a few more years, though.
