Game 3 Could Decide Heat’s Championship Fortitude

In no way am I trying to sound the panic alarm.

But let’s be perfectly clear right now……

Game 3 WILL be a tell tale of the direction of the rest of this otherwise glorious Miami Heat season.

With this Eastern Conference Final between Miami and Indiana deadlocked at 1 game a piece and the scenery shifting to the city of Indianapolis, I’ve begun to ponder on how the next 2 games can dictate the rest of this series for Miami and ultimately their continued championship dreams.

In conclusion: Game 3 will be the bookmark.

We were here almost at this very point last season but the narrative was a wee bit different. It was a 2nd round series,Chris Bosh was out for the majority of the battle, Miami was still trying to seek out the first title in the “Big Three” era and were trying to hound out the white noise that came with all the hype, glitz and glamour.

The reality is this, the Indiana Pacers are much more prepared and equipped for the Miami Heat this time around.

When Indy went up 2-1 last season and with the Heat reeling, it seemed like the Pacers were finally turning that proverbial corner into the elite.

Then LeBron James and Dwayne Wade happened.

After losing Game 4 at home, the Pacers never recovered.

Their confidence waned.

They were shook up.

Miami went on to win the next 3 games and continued their eventual championship journey.

These Pacers though, are ready.

That’s why while as a die hard Miami Heat supporter I remain confident they will get the job done but it will serve them right to grab momentum immediately Sunday Night in Indianapolis. If they fall 2-1 I’m not so sure the Pacers this time around will fold under the pressure. They learned alot in last season’s 2nd round event.

And it has shown through the first 2 games of this series.

It’s go time for guys like Ray Allen and Shane Battier to pick it up off the bench after a dreadful Games 1 and 2.

More importantly tt’s time for Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to remember why LeBron James did come for help after leaving Cleveland in 2010.

That’s why there is so much riding on Game 3. Miami needs to grab back momentum before Indiana sniffs the upset cause these Pacers this time around are ready and hungry.

Your move Miami.