Heat demoralize Bulls in Game 4

The Miami Heat remain undefeated at home in the 2011 NBA Playoffs, defeating the Chicago Bulls 101-93 in Game 4. The Bulls who were held in such high regards by so-called experts like TNT's Charles Barkley, have found themselves outmatched, outhustled and outplayed by the Heat, who are clearly the better basketball team.

With the game tied at 85 apiece, the Heat were poised to take the final shot of the game, when a questionable offensive foul called on LeBron James, gave the Bulls possession of the ball with eight seconds to go. The Heat kept their composure, denying the Bulls and forcing the game into overtime.

In overtime, it was all about the Heat and LeBron as they pulled away from the Bulls. With their victory in Game 4, the Heat have virtually guaranteed themselves a spot in the NBA finals. The last time a team came back from a 3-1 deficit in the eastern finals was in 1981.

Game 4 was all about LeBron James who finished with a game high 35 points, along with six rebounds and six assists. Chris Bosh played a major role for the Heat as well, finishing with 22 points and 6 rebounds against the Bulls. Dwyane Wade's shooting problems continued in Game 4. Wade converted on only 5 of his 16 field goal attempts, finishing the game with 14 points and 5 rebounds for the Heat.

Mike Miller was only one rebound away from a double-double, giving the Heat some much needed support off the bench. Miller finished the game with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Udonis Haslem wasn't as successful as he has been in previous games, going 0-5 from the field. Haslem was still effective on the glass, finishing the game with 9 rebounds for Miami.

The way things are going right now, the NBA Finals will probably be a rematch of the 2006 championship series between the Heat and the Dallas Mavericks. Last time around the Heat made a remarkable comeback against the Mavericks and this year's potential encounter should be just as exciting. No one thought the Mavericks would sweep the Los Angeles Lakers and many said the Heat wouldn't make it out of the east. On May 26, the Heat will try to prove them all wrong and put the Bulls out of their misery.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years.

Sources:

Associated Press,"LeBron James nets 35 as Heat win in OT to push Bulls to brink"

Player and game information from espn.com