MIAMI, FL -- In a series that has been dominated by Jordan & the Bulls, LeBron James & co. try to get into the series at home in Game 3. And they battled in what is the best game of the series thus far.
Game link:
https://youtu.be/grY_ulbMAdY
The Bulls got off to a terrific start, doing what they needed to do in Game 3 on the road. They went up early 13-2. Pippen and Jordan were on fire, combining for 19 and the Bulls led by as much as 14. Wade caught fire late, especially as MJ sat down to rest and had Kerr on him. Wade would have 10 pts and cut the lead to 7 going into the 2nd, 27-20.
The Heat's second unit gave the team a much needed boost in the 2nd. Led by Ray Allen and Bosh, the Heat quickly tied the game in the first 2 mins of the 2nd. After a quick timeout, the Bulls regrouped and Michael Jordan was reactivated. Jordan would explode for 21 pts in the 2ndQ, scoring from everywhere on the court. Lebron would catch fire late and the lead would be kept at a manageable 5 pts going into the half.
The 3rd quarter saw the 2 superstars go head to head. Pippen would commit his 4th PF early and had to sit, leaving Kukoc and Jordan to guard Lebron. Jordan had another terrific quarter but he was matched on the other end by James. THey found themselves matched up against each other often times, and both had something to say. It led to an even period for both teams as they go into the 4th period with the Bulls still up 5.
In the 4th quarter, the Bulls seemed to be in command for the most part and about to take a 3-1 lead in this series. But the home team and the home crowd were able to cook up a comeback from 7 pts down in the final 3 mins to make it close. Mike Miller hit some big shots, and some timely baskets and defense from James on Jordan had the game tied with 22 secs left.
In the final possession, it was Jordan guarded by Lebron in the left shoulder. MJ ran down the clock and shot a fadeaway over Lebron from about 17 feet out at the top of the key. HITS THE FRONT RIM and bounces out. NO GOOD!
We go to OVERTIME.
In OT, it was, unfortunately for the Bulls, all Heat. Home crowd bolstered them to into 6/7 shooting. The Bulls struggled in OT, shot 4/9. Longley even missed a dunk on a putback. Pippen also fouled out.
Heat steal this one away with their solid play towards the end and make it a series to win Game 3.
Lebron delivered down the stretch for the Heat. He finished with 40 pts 5 rebs 4 assts 3 stls. He outplayed Michael Jordan in OT, scoring 7 on 2/3 shooting. Dwyane Wade also had a big game with 28 pts 6 assts. Bosh had 18 pts 11 rebs. Mike Miller was the X-factor in Game 3. He had 17 pts , hitting big 3-pointers in the 4thQ and Overtime.
Jordan tried to do it all, finished with 61. But he needed more help. Pippen had 20 While Kerr and Kukoc had 14 and 10 respectively.