Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Now, in the revealing light of late May, the Heat's blemishes have faded. Miami looks like a squad with championship-worthy credentials and intangibles. No team left in the playoffs is perfect but the Heat are inching closer to that ideal.
This was the naked truth in the overtime period that may end up being moment when the Bulls' backs were broken in this series. The Heat wailed away on the top seed. The Bulls fought back but couldn't overcome the Heat, a microcosm of the past three games.
James had his drives, contested jumpers and his space-hogging defense on a humbled Rose. James scored 35 points on 26 shots, his least efficient game in the series. Rose had 23 points on 27 shots with seven turnovers, his new reality against this team. He can't get past James easily and he can't shoot over him. When Rose does find space, he always encounters other Heat defenders.
"It's hard where a guy, he's running at top speed, he can easily catch up with you," Rose said. "It's extremely hard where a 6-8 guy can easily defend you."
As long as the Heat are playing stifling defense and getting bench production, they will win the NBA title. It's inevitable.
Spare me the Dirk-is-unstoppable talk. The Mavs haven't seen defense like this since the playoffs started. Dirk will be squeezed in the same vice choking the life out of Derrick Rose. And the Dallas role players will wilt in the same fashion as the Bulls role players.
Does anyone else get the dry heaves watching Chris Bosh pound his chest?
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Chad Forde Mock Draft | Yahoo! – Lakers, Brown in serious talks |
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