After winning the first two games of their series against Boston, the Heat ran into problems on the road, allowing the Celtics to fight their way back and even things out at two games apiece. Their last effort against the Celtics was particularly frustrating, considering the fact the Heat fought back from a 14 point halftime deficit, only to lose in overtime.
Without a doubt, Chris Bosh's absence has played a role in the way things have gone down. Fortunately for Miami fans, the big man might get to suit up for Game 5. Bosh has already indicated his desire to play, but Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is still contemplating the decision.
"He'll get a vote," Spoelstra told reporters about Bosh's status. "Again, everything is heightened right now. These are extreme circumstances. Everybody will be involved in the decision, if and when it happens. But you always have to take the player's opinion with a grain of salt. They all say they're ready. ... He said he was ready 10 days ago."
LeBron James has been huge for the Heat throughout the postseason, and they'll need another MVP worthy performance from him in Game 5. Dwyane Wade has also put up decent numbers in the playoffs, but he has struggled a bit with his jumper against the Celtics.
With the Heat only two wins away from their second consecutive trip to the NBA finals, they can't afford to lose Game 5. Given how poorly they have played on the road during the postseason (and the second half of the 2011/12 NBA season), they certainly don't want to give Boston the opportunity to close out the series at the Garden.
"No one said it was easy," LeBron told reporters. "This is great. This is what the postseason is all about. It's about adversity and ups and downs. Like I said, you never get too high and you never get too low. We look forward to Game 5."
David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.
Sources:
Associated Press, "Celtics-Heat Preview"
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