Eastern Conference Finals Game 4: Chicago Bulls (1-2) vs. Miami Heat (2-1)

This is a game that will set the tone for the series from now.If Bulls win, we are in for a long series, if the Heat win, they will be eager to end the series soon, so that they can get some rest against the Western conference winners.This is a game to determine the heart of a champion. Who will it be?

Game 4 is a game the Bulls do not want to loose for many reasons. Paramount will be wanting to go back to their fans in Chicago with some kind of accomplishment, by possibly splitting the two games in Miami if they win tomorrow.If they split the Games in Miami, they will still remain heroes to their fans and get back their swagger. Which might mean a long series for both teams. The other reason being that the series is getting very personal for some Bulls’ players who vented their frustration last night with trash talks.Expect them to channel those frustration into hustle plays on the court tomorrow.
 
What does this mean for Game 4. I expect them to approach Game 4 with some desperation and urgency in both offense and defense. Expect Derrick to drive more to the rim. The Bulls played better in the 3rd qtr of Game 3 and will likely continue from there tomorrow.Most probably, they will approach Game 4 as a continuation of the 3rd qtr of Game 3 and use the same pieces they used in the 3rd qtr to start Game 4.
The Bulls did every thing I expected them to do in Game 3 but for two things.(1)They played Boozer more and (2) did not bring in Kurt Thomas who has both offensive and defensive mind set unlike other Bulls’ bench players who are either offense oriented or defense oriented but not both. I expect they will go to Boozer early in Game 4. Possibly introduce Kurt Thomas to the series in Game 4.
 
This is going to be a do or die mentality game for the Bulls.
 
For Miami, the concerns will be complacency and fatigue.They have really up-ed the tempo of their energy but can they sustain it. They have put a dent into the ego of the Bulls, can they put in the dagger? A win tomorrow for the Heat will be a great cushion for the Heat and shake the confidence of the coaching crew of the Bulls , which should affect the entire Bulls’ team heading back to Chicago. The Heat needs to see tomorrow’s game as the most important of all games played so far, though each had its significance.
 
The Bulls again dominated on the boards in Game 3 and had more shot attempts at the rim than the Heat.It will be worrisome if they start making those shots tomorrow.The Heat still have to do a better job at reducing second chance opportunities for the Bulls.The Bulls thrive on them and did throughout the regular season.
 
I do hope that D-Wade clicks tomorrow.We have not seen his brilliance at the rim this far.He has contributed significantly though to the defense like the rest of the Heat players.
 
Udonis Haslem presence has ignited the confidence of Miller and I see Miller hustling more and playing like someone who belongs to the team and has a stake in the team. He no longer plays out time as someone on loan from another club.I do hope that he also will start making shots. That will be frightening to the Bulls defense if he does in Game 4.
 
Bibby has stepped up and I hope he continues .Chalmers should continue to attack the rim when the opportunities present.
 
The Heat need to keep their composure tomorrow , keep their energy level up, limit turn-overs, good ball movement, good rotation in defense, cut and slash in offense, reduce second chance opportunites for the Bulls and continue to play Rose very tight (Rose will certainly force issues tomorrow, expect him to drive more to the rim) all of which the Heat did well in Game 3.
 
Go Heat, Go!

Let’s go boys!!!! I really think whatever team wins tonight is going to win the series. We can’t give the Bulls hope and home court advantage back. No mercy!!! Look for D Wade to have a monster game tonight with Bron getting close to a triple double and CB and the rest of the guys contributing nicely. Heat rule!!!!