Miami's "Big Three" delivers when it Counts

By Sports Authority
JR Staff Writer

The 2010-2011 season has served as retribution for the Miami Heat fans and for Dwyane Wade. Early in his career, Wade was playing in big games, as his team, the Miami Heat, boasted a strong roster.

Before the end of his third season, Dwyane Wade had established himself as the leader of the team. In the final stages of his third season, Wade single-handedly willed the Heat to an NBA title.

Following his brilliant performance, many regarded the young star as the best player in the NBA. But, the next season would be very deflating for Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat fans. Throughout the season, the Heat were tormented by the Chicago Bulls and then Wade went down with a career-threatening injury.

Obviously, without Dwyane Wade, the Miami Heat slipped and were soon the worst team in the NBA. But, during the 2008 offseason, Wade returned to form and the Miami Heat became playoff contenders, once again. However, the Heat lacked chemistry with a roster full of new players and rookies, costing them two first round series.

During the 2010 offseason, Dwyane Wade convinced Chris Bosh and LeBron James to help him take his Heat back to contention. It took very little convincing before James announced his decision to leave his longtime team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and joined the Heat. While Miami had some struggles in the regular season, namely struggles with the Boston Celtics and Bulls, they still managed to put together the second best record in the East.

In the playoffs, each of the big three have taken turns being the hero. In the first round, LeBron James led the team to their victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. But, in the major round against the Boston Celtics, Dwyane Wade stepped up and helped Miami get over the hump. Against the young Chicago Bulls, LeBron James and Chris Bosh have stepped up and have helped Miami get out to a 3-1 lead over the Bulls.

All season, critics have written the Miami Heat off in favor of the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Orlando Magic. But, at the biggest stage of the conference playoffs, these teams are watching the playoffs from home, while the Miami Heat are one win away from going to the NBA Finals for the first time in five years.