Miami 96, Detroit 78 (Heat clinch series, 4-2)
Maybe Jason Williams deserves a shot at a ring after all. With Dwayne Wade still suffering from the effects of the flu, the Heat needed someone to step up, and “White Chocolate” delivered, scoring 21 points on 10-12 shooting, while also serving up six assists. Shaquille O’Neal had a monster game, posting 28 points (12-14 from the field) along with 16 rebounds and five blocked shots. It was obvious that Wade wasn’t feeling well, but he looked pretty good during a third quarter run where he hit four consecutive shots to give his team a healthy lead going into the fourth quarter. Wade finished with 14 points and 10 dimes. Collectively, the Heat shot a phenomenal 56% from the field and while holding the Pistons to a miserable 33% shooting. In fact, it wasn’t so much the Heat’s defense – Detroit just missed a ton of open shots. For the next few months, the Pistons will have the opportunity to chew on the air of invincibility and condescension that they’ve carried throughout these playoffs. Talk about eating crow.
Meanwhile, the Heat move on to the first Finals in franchise history. The only downside I can see is that we’ve got to endure at least two games at American Airlines Arena, where there is this constant, ear-splitting, high-pitched rattling. Does anyone know what that is?
