The Miami Heat are in a position very few thought was possible; in a do-or-die scenario before the NBA Finals. The Indiana Pacers, led by their massive frontline and ferocious perimeter defense have forced Game 7, and may have caused some cracks in the team's framework.
Against the Pacers, Dwyane Wade is averaging just 14.5 points per game, while big man Chris Bosh is at 11.3 points per game with a mere 3.7 rebounds. Bosh, Udonis Haslem, and Chris Andersen are averaging a combined 12.3 boards a night in the Eastern Conference Finals; David West and Roy Hibbert alone are besting them by nearly eight a game.
After getting pounded by Indiana in Game 6, Wade made curious comments in the media that seemed to indicate unhappiness with his role in the offense. "We have to do a good job of getting opportunities for me and Chris [Bosh] to succeed," Wade said. "It's something we're going to have to look at as a team. We've got to figure it out in this locker room," he continued. "And not leave it to an individual to self-will it."
Wade is not delusional; LeBron James has appeared to be on a mission to will this Miami team to another title. As Wade and Bosh's scoring has gone down, James' shot attempts have risen, despite having his best regular season ever by limiting how much he shoots, and maximizing the quality of his attempts.
Through the first six games against the Pacers LeBron is shooting 51 percent on 21 shots per night. He's averaging 28 points per game to go with seven rebounds and five assists. Still, it doesn't seem as if Wade is criticizing what James is doing with the shots. Rather, he just wants more for himself and the struggling big.
In Game 7, the Pacers will no doubt come out strong in a difficult road environment. It may very well be possible for James to strap the team and city on his back and carry them to the Finals. They stand a far better chance with Wade and Bosh contributing though.
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