The defending champion Miami Heat, in their third consecutive NBA Finals, evened up this year's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs Sunday night in dominating fashion, despite an off night from LeBron James from the field.
Despite his 7-of-17 showing, LeBron contributes across the board, so he's the least of head coach Erik Spoelstra's concerns. The bigger deal was the lack of scoring punch from Dwyane Wade and the passive play of de facto big man Chris Bosh.
Before Sunday's victory, Bosh hadn't notched double-digit rebounds since Game 5 of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Bosh was bullied down low in the Eastern Conference Finals, and held to five boards in Game 1 against the Spurs.
His scoring has been plummeting as well, thanks largely to his increasing affinity for jacking up shots behind the 3-point line, meaning more and more responsibility has been getting heaped on James' broad shoulders.
In Game 2 though, Bosh brought the intensity and grabbed 10 rebounds, posting his first double-double in what seemed like forever, but really was 10 games. Not surprisingly, the Heat blasted through San Antonio for a 19-point win that wasn't even as close as the wide gap would indicate.
With Wade clearly bothered by bone bruises on his knees, Bosh will need to put forth more performances like the one he had in Game 2, because James can't will Miami to victory alone.
"I think the supporting cast is really why both teams are here," James said. "They've been making an impact all year long, and they feel like their supporting cast is better. We feel like our supporting cast is better. It's who goes out and do it each and every night to help seal wins."
While Bosh's rebounding will be crucial, and some scoring efficiency from Wade would surely be welcomed, San Antonio's number one goal will be, of course, halting "King" James.
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