A Dream Fulfilled

Chris Bosh and Lebron James joined Dwayne Wade down in Miami with one common goal in mind, to win a Championship. Thursday night, that dream became a reality as the Heat finished off the Thunder in game 5 121-106. Miami was a team on a mission and smelled the blood after game 4 and seized the opportunity left before them putting together an impressive win. Oklahoma City was hoping to finally put together a complete game and extend this series, but it was simply too much Heat for them to handle. Led by James with 26 points, all of the starting five scored double digits for the Miami. Not only was it the starters stepping up last night, but Mike Miller was CASH MONEY last night going 7-8 from downtown for 23 points, his lone miss being a little too strong and rolling off the rim. Last night he was the extra spark for the Heat and helped carry them to victory. OKC finally saw some production out of Harden who dropped 19 and Fisher who added 11, but Miller's hot hand and Miami's determination to finish the job was too much for the Thunder to overcome.

Even as an "anti-Lebron" sports fan, it is very hard, basically ignorant, to not give the man his respect after this. He put the team on his back and led like a true veteran all series long. Without James, Miami doesn't even make it pass the Pacers, who at first, gave the Heat headaches. LBJ would simply not be denied this year and again last night had that crazed, yet focused look in his eyes. When that happens and you have Mike Miller shooting like his life depends on it, you're in trouble. When asked by Stuart Scott during post game what his initial feelings were when the clock struck 0:00 James replied, after a short pause, "It's about damn time....its about damn time!!" Durant, who scored 32 to lead all scores, and his Thunder just didn't have enough left in the tank. A close wire to wire series had worn down the Thunder who almost appeared to ease off the gas in the 2nd half as it seemed almost inevitable that the Heat would prevail Thursday night in front of a sellout Miami crowd.

The good news for OKC is that they are a very, very young team with the top 6 guys on the roster still under the age of 30. They will be a force again next year especially if they are able to make some solid additions to the roster that can provide Battier, Chalmers, and Miller type performances during crunch time. With the exception of last night, this series kept you on the edge of your seat and provides hope for more finals like it in the future. The Thunder and Heat are the face of the NBA now and the younger generation is taking over the game. I saw someone tweet last night that the Thunder/Heat are in position to become my generations Lakers/Celtics. That is quite the statement, but after watching one of the greatest series in NBA history, it definitely makes for a solid argument.







After a close out performance like last night, there is not much left for me to say without beating a dead horse. Some games speak for themselves and if you have half of a brain and watched the game last night, you understand. It was LBJ's and Miami's time to shine. No more Lebron "No Ring" James jokes now, though Chris Bosh didn't do himself any favors with his locker room celebrations. (pictured below) In my eyes Miami will be even more dangerous next year. With another season under their belt of playing together and with James knocking the Championship Monkey off his back, he will be focused and hungry for greater things. A healthy Rose and Bulls team could be a potential roadblock for Miami, but unless they are to add some role players to the roster, the threat won't stand. Rose can't do it alone, especially against the Heat. The Celtics are old, so who will step up to challenge the Miami in the East? We will have to see.  But for now, Miami reins as Champions.


I leave you with some shots recapping last night's Miami win to clinch the NBA title!