Had To Haslem

Haslem brings something
Miami has lacked all
season, heart!

He's back, and in a big way. Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem was a major reason why the Heat were able to steal Game 2 in Chicago Wednesday night, and even up the Eastern Conference Finals at a game a piece. After only playing seven total minutes in the postseason thus far, Haslem logged 23 minutes in the 85-75 victory. During his time on the floor Haslem made his presence felt by shooting five of ten from the field, scoring 13 points, and grabbing 5 rebounds, but it's his hustle that drives this Miami team.

    The emotionally leader of this team, Haslem suffered a tear of the Lisfranc ligament in November causing him to miss most of the regular season. For a team that had such high expectations heading into the season, Miami desperately missed the leadership the seven-year veteran brings to the table.

    Head coach Eric Spoelstra had not been playing Haslem much in this years postseason for the simple fact, he did not want to mess with the chemistry this squad had built all year. Centers Joel Anthony and Jamaal Maglorie had been taking up most of Haslem's regular minutes, but both got into foul trouble early, opening the door for the 6-foot-8 forward.

      Haslem is a Florida native and played his college ball at the University of Florida. After leaving the Gators in 2002, Haslem suffered some weight issues and went undrafted. Haslem spent a season playing in France before coming back to the States and later signed by his hometown Heat. In limited playing time Haslem recorded a good rookie season being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, averaging 7.3 points per game along with 6.3 rebounds in 2004.

    Two years later, Haslem found him self in the middle of a championship run with legendary head coach Pat Riley. Haslem started all 22 games for Riley during the 2006 postseason, scoring 17 points in the title-clinching Game 6 against the Dallas Mavericks, becoming a viable part in helping the Heat hoist their first Larry O'Brien Trophy in franchise history.

    Haslem has been there and done that, knowing now at age 30 what it takes it get atop the basketball mountain. After being out rebounded by the Bulls in all four meeting this season, Miami finally won the battle on the glass grabbing 45 to Chicago's 41. "No rebounds, no rings," Haslem stated following their Game 2 win, "We can't win the series without controlling the boards."

    Miami will need to continue to out hustle the young athletic Bulls and control the glass if they want to ultimately reach the NBA Finals. Having Haslem in the lineup could provide the spark Miami has been searching for all season and the key component you can't replace, HEART!