Miami’s “Big Three” was looking like “The Barely 2 ½” for the first two games of this second–round playoff series against Chicago. Chris Bosh, almost a 20 ppg scorer throughout his All-Star career, was averaging 11 points and 5.5 rebounds against Chi-Town’s undermanned hit squad.
With all of the ruckus and technicals and flying fan fingers, you almost had to search for Bosh on the court. He was mixing it up here and there, but his usually long, lean presence was lukewarm and the Bulls had their way – for the most part – in the post.
You had to know it was only a matter of time before Bosh impacted this series. With Wade obviously compromised physically and Lebron James shooting like he had glaucoma, Bosh finally woke up and kept with a big boy game. Big boy like 20 points and 19 rebounds. It was Throwback Bosh.
Then, when LBJ found his magic sneakers, Bosh gladly and humbly handed the reigns over like a starting pitcher getting relieved by Mariano Rivera.
Bosh – who is capable of going off and has been a dope go-to guy in the past – is an invaluable and often overlooked aspect of Miami’s dominance. The Heat have a third option who’s able to acquiesce to two of the most ball-dominant wing players in the game 90 percent of the time and keep his game, ego and mentality sharp enough to transform into a top shotta when needed. That's one of the main reasons why there are teams that can give Miami a run for its pesos, but can’t seem to get the three-count.
Take the Bulls. They are not going to switch up styles. If fact, they can't, really. They are going to be rough and aggressive, and somewhat expendable players like Nazr Mohammed are going to try to instigate and even put hands on LBJ to get Miami out of its rhythm. Bosh would be the main option this Bulls squad.
How quickly teams forget that once upon a time Bosh was the automatic 20-10 anchor for a Raptors team that was low on talent, but twice rode his back to the playoffs. To the public, Bosh has become the Rodney Dangerfield of the NBA. No one really discussed how Bosh’s significant contributions to Miami’s chip last season enhanced his NBA legacy (Bosh himself said he's a Hall of Famer ), but for LeBron it was the end all. All that mattered was that the King was official now and he had Wade to thank for it. Bosh, however, saved the “dynamic duo's” bacon several times and he did it again when Miami needs him most.
It's like his steelo.
He’s the ultimate taunt. A ghost at times, and a dream-killer on other days. A dude like that can rock anybody to sleep.
The only time you really hear about Bosh is when someone is rudely questioning his sexual preference, referring to him as the fortunate third-leg, or moments like Game 3 when you almost forgot he was in the starting lineup and then he reminds you that he not only balls so hard, but gets paid proper max-money to do so.
Bosh’s humility and professionalism is a driving force behind Miami’s dope chemistry. LeBron and Wade still get all the props, but Bosh is the King of picking his spots.
