Game 5 of the NBA Finals goes tonight from AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami. Catch all the action on TSN beginning at 8pmet/5pm pt.
Here are five quick thoughts from across the National Basketball Association.
1. Rashard Lewis (Hornets) - Traded on Wednesday by Washington for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza. Lewis is a guy that has made a ton of money in this game and this is clearly another example of a deal that is based on economics with the salary cap. Get used to it with the new CBA. You'll see deals based as much, if not more, on money rather than ability. Cap management is as crucial as who the players you have.
2. James Harden (OKC) - Need a huge game from him tonight. Of the first four games of this series, he's only been 'right' once. The advantage of this series for OKC was their second unit. With his sub-par play, it hasn't been the case at all. He plays well again and OKC can compete to the bitter end with the Heat.
3. Dwyane Wade (Heat) - He was terrific in Game 4; assertive and picked his spots well. He didn't force his game at all, yet he's impactful in the half-court game with his explosiveness and creativity in tight quarters. His championship experience and stage presence has been quite evident.
4. Steve Nash (Suns) - Keep hearing his name and the Toronto Raptors linked. Maybe folks are just trying to connect the dots with the Canada Basketball GM spot announcement, but it wouldn't surprise me if the rumours had legitimate legs. Where do Jose Calderon and Jerryd Bayless fit in this equation? Somebody will be in a new spot if this happens. Needless to say, this will be a fun few months coming up. Expect anything and everything. Raps will be aggressive on all fronts. Risk vs. reward move. Can he still be effective for a few years? Yes. Impactful? If healthy, sure.
5. Chris Bosh (Heat) - Like the intensity he's playing with. Clearly obvious that the demanding culture (forget his numbers) in Heat organization has caused him to up his level of focus on effort plays and to his credit he's responding. Has outplayed the OKC frontcourt and his presence has been crucial since he's come back from injury.