Bosh bashes the Bulls in Game 3 of the East Finals!

Chris Bosh was his best self in Game 3
(image by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

MIA over CHI, 96-85 (MIA up 2-1)

Carlos Boozer finally produced a double-double worthy of his image and stature.

But the Bulls still lost. Why?

Carlos Boozer had his best game of the postseason,
but it was still not enough against Miami
(image by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Chris Bosh played better than Booze. The former Toronto Raptor finished with 34 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals to lead the Miami Heat past the Chicago Bulls in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

It sucks. I don’t like it. But I kinda saw it coming.

The Heat haven’t lost yet at home in the 2011 postseason, and it seems Chicago will be hard-pressed to break that spell in Game 4 even if Boozer has another great showing.

Not with Derrick Rose shooting just 8-of-19 from the field. Not with Luol Deng making just 6 out of his 13 shots. Not with Joakim Noah finishing with 1 point and 5 rebounds. Not with the Bulls playing inefficiently despite hoisting 10 more shots and grabbing 9 more rebounds.

Suddenly, the East’s #1 seeded team is found reeling, and a loss in Game 4 might push them against the ropes.

The reigning MVP had this to say, “It’s definitely frustrating. Our will wasn’t there tonight. They still found a way to win.”

Hardly fighting words meant to inspire his teammates.

Derrick Rose has to play like the MVP if
the Bulls want to square things in Game 4
(image by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Bulls swept the Heat in their first four meetings (3 in the regular season and Game 1 in this series) before losing the next 2. Chicago still leads the head-to-head at 4-2, but, lately, Miami has shown a resilience that, coupled with their unfair depth of talent, makes them practically invulnerable.

Both Dwyane Wade and LeBron James had okay games, combining for 39 points, 15 boards, and 13 assists, but Miami still stormed past Chicago. Tom Thibodeau has got to find a way to exploit those chances. He did it in Game 1, and should’ve been able to do it here too.

Or else the Bulls will continue to lose. Even if Boozer finally restores his form. Even if Rose finds a way to be more efficient. Even if Luol Deng and Kyle Korver can regain their outside touch.

The key is not for the Bulls to be good. The key is for them to stop the Heat. Stop the Heat.