The Deuce In South Beach

Wow... Just wow. That's how a game 7 is supposed to be played. We saw fantastic competition and for the most part shaky basketball. Both teams were noticeably weathered, and not at their tip top shape. Nonetheless, this was one of the grittiest games I've seen in a long time. You could see the heart and soul being left on the court. Win or lose both teams were dead set on this game, and as sports fans we got exactly what we wanted. So it's all over and we have to say goodbye to our beloved ballers, but first: The Aftermath.

The Aftermath

So the Heat have won their second ring - as I predicted they would - live it up Miami, live it up!

I am still of the opinion that they need to make some offseason moves, more specifically Chris Bosh.  You can't convince me otherwise.  I don't think he's the exact fit Miami needs in a big man.  He's extremely talented, but boy I feel like he's lost something since coming to South Beach.  Call it intimidation,  or self-esteem issues but this dude is not the same guy.  To call this trio a "Big 3" as it stands, is a little far fetched right now.  

Dwayne Wade... Man, I said this guy might be done, but tonight he showed that he's not done.  I don't think he'll be back to old Dwayne status, but perhaps he's just adapting his game to his current level of physicality.  That's not a bad thing either; when players reach a certain point in their careers they have no choice but to change their game up a little bit.  They can't be the high flyers they once were, but they can still be a difference maker on teams.  I think D-Wade might just be transitioning his game now, and I give him mad props for it.  If he can stay in the league for a while longer all the better for us fans.

James is still James and will continue to be.  Next year we'll all be talking about the third ring and of course we'll ask the, "Is he as good as Mike?", but I think most people know and understand that answer.  James is still the best in the world currently and that's not changing, at least not any time soon.

The Spurs will be in the playoffs again next year, and they'll continue to be a consistent team, I have no doubt in that.  They played hard, but the Heat played harder and wanted it a bit more.  Popovich continues to be a tactical genius and who knows maybe they'll find themselves back in the Finals next year.  Like Dwayne Wade said at the end of the game, "That was the hardest game we've ever had to play."  That's no small remark coming from him in this kind of setting.  It says volumes about the Spurs and their legacy.  Duncan will go down as one of the best big men in history and he has nothing to feel bad about, and I know he'll go home proud of what he has done - the rest of the world surely will.

All in all it was a fantastic ride, and I think we got all we could ask for in a season.  Congrats to the Heat and their fans, have a happy offseason everyone!