Jun 9, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat fans show a large picture of Chris Bosh during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics in game seven of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference finals at the American Airlines Arena. The Heat defeated the Celtics 101-88. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

This year the NBA Finals will be full of superstars and exciting match ups. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook highlight the show, but there are two great players who have been labeled as “The Third Wheel” for their respective teams. Chris Bosh and James Harden might be playing different positions, but their efforts and contributions remain key to their team’s success. Let’s take a quick look as to what the two guys bring to the table.

Chris Bosh is a perennial all-star and, when healthy, a top 15 player in the league. It is silly that his importance still has to be stressed, regardless of his past accomplishments and his skill level. Chris Bosh sacrificed the most out of the big 3 when he signed with Miami. Not only was he no longer the first offensive option, he wasn’t even the second.

These past two years no one really realized the actual importance of a healthy Chris Bosh, until Miami faced the tough and gritty Boston Celtics in the last round. When Bosh was out and Wade and James couldn’t get it going offensively, Miami’s offense often became stagnant, relying mostly on jump shots. Bosh came back in game 5, but only played 14 minutes. His playing time increased in games 6 and 7, and game 7 was really an eye opener. In 31 minutes off the bench, Bosh went for 19 points and 8 boards, on 8-10 shooting.

Jun 9, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh (1) shoots a three point shot over Boston Celtics power forward Brandon Bass (30) during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference finals at the American Airlines Arena. Bosh hit three 3-point shots in the game. The Heat defeated the Celtics 101-88. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

However, Bosh brought a lot more to the table that night than efficient numbers. His ability to make timely baskets when the team needs it, and his ability to stretch out the floor was key in game 7. He knocked down 3 three pointers, and after the game admitted that he, while it might surprise people, had been working on the shot during the season. With that shooting ability he was able to stretch out the Boston defense, and force Kevin Garnett out of the paint. With no shot blocking presence in the paint for Boston, James and Wade were free to take over and get easy baskets. This season Bosh is averaging 49.5% from the field 10-15 feet away from the basket, but his offensive repertoire is greater than that. Despite his size, he is able to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket, making him unpredictable and very dangerous.

Without Bosh, Miami has no reliable big man on the roster. Sure, Anthony is a hard worker and always hustles, but we all saw how KG got whatever he wanted on both ends of the floor in the Eastern Conference finals, in the absence of Bosh.

June 9, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh during the post game press conference after game seven of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference finals at the American Airlines Arena. The Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 101-88. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Bosh joked around when he was asked if he was 100% following the game 7 win. Coming off his abdominal strain injury, Bosh said that he is at 99.2% and is hopeful that he will feel even better come Tuesday night.

The question remains whether Erik Spoelstra will decide to start Chris Bosh, or let him come off the bench. There have been several star players who have successfully come off the bench this season following injuries. Avery Bradley was inserted into the starting lineup in place of Ray Allen for Boston, while Danny Green was starting in place of Manu Ginobili for the Spurs. Bosh coming off the bench provides an interesting dynamic for the Heat, and the ability to always keep at least 2 of their big 3 on the floor. It remains to be seen how Spoelstra utilizes Bosh, but his play will have major impact on the series regardless.

Jun 2, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden (13) drives against San Antonio Spurs guard Gary Neal (14) during the first half in game four of the Western Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder beat the Spurs 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

James Harden isn’t an all-star (yet) and is only 22-years-old. Even so, the 2009 NBA Draft 3rd overall pick, has been a key player for the franchise ever since he arrived in OKC. In his rookie season he averaged just under 10 points per game, and helped the Thunder make the playoffs, winning 27 more games than they had the season before. He has improved every year, and averaged 16.8 points per game this season, most by any reserve in the league, landing him the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. He is currently averaging 17.6 points per game in this year’s playoffs.

Harden is a true professional who has embraced his role. He most certainly has the quality to start for most teams in the NBA, but gives the Thunder exactly what they need off the bench. He is a great shooter, but has the ability to mix it up and attack the basket. You can sometimes contain Kevin Durant, and Westbrook might struggle with his shot, which is when Harden steps in and keeps the team afloat. Having a guy on the bench who can score the basketball on demand takes a lot of pressure of Westbrook and Durant.

Jun 2, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden celebrates a three point basket in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the Western Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

When Harden is on the floor at the same time as Durant and Westbrook, OKC is virtually unstoppable. While they shoot a lot of jumpers, they still form one of the scariest triple-threats in the league. The 3 guys are young and quick and love getting out in transition. Despite shooting a lot of jumpers, Harden is very consistent, averaging just under 50% in field goal percentage.

James Harden and Chris Bosh will not only be the x-factors for their respective teams, but also for the outcome of the series. While they won’t be directly matched up against one another on the floor, Bosh vs Harden is certainly a match up to look forward to.

June 7, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) shoots the ball over Boston Celtics center Greg Stiemsma (54) during the first half in game six of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE

Tonight is no ordinary game in South Beach. The team that comes out victorious will earn that elusive ticket to the biggest stage of basketball – the NBA Finals. It’s Game 7, it’s everything on the line, it’s come out and perform when it matters the most or go home.

In game 6 we witnessed one of the greatest individual performances of all time in NBA history, and the author was a certain LeBron James. James scored 45 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out 5 assists on 19-26 shooting. James joined Wilt Chamberlain as the second player to ever put up a 45-15-5 stat line in a playoff game.

June 7, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) reacts during the third quarter of game six of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Despite the mind-blowing numbers, there was something else that was even more impressive with LeBron’s performance. Miami was in an elimination game on enemy ground. A loss and an early exit in the playoffs would have meant catastrophe for Miami Heat. Everyone knows that LeBron James would have been the scapegoat had Miami lost, and would have received endless amounts of unfair criticism. But there was something about him, you could see it in his eyes. He was locked in, focused and determined from the very start of the game. You could see and sense the killer instinct, one some say he lacks. No smiles, no emotion, just business. With the pressure at it’s highest LeBron went absolutely crazy, hitting fade-aways and turnarounds, forcing the Boston defenders up in the air and drawing fouls, and having a complete performance overall.

Keys to the game

You know this is going to be a good one. Most people thought the Heat were done after game 5, and now most think that the Celtics are done. The fact is that this could go either way. Both teams have had their ups and downs, and that is why we have a game 7 on our hands.

It will be interesting to see what kind of a game LeBron James has, as you know Boston will have made adjustments, and won’t allow a one man show to beat them again. He might be forced to distribute the ball more if Boston trap him but, LeBron being one of the best players in the league passing out of double teams, it could work to Miami’s advantage, as long as everyone knocks down open shots.

I would really like to see Dwyane Wade have a stronger first half, although it will depend on how LeBron plays. Wade is averaging 5.8 points per game in the first half this series, almost always struggling with his shot early in the game. Luckily, Wade has quite consistently been able to turn it on in the 4th quarters and make big plays down the stretch. If Boston’s defense puts their focus on stopping James, Wade will need to be better early.

June 7, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce (34) reacts during the third quarter against the Miami Heat in game six of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

As for the Celtics, Pierce really needs to step up. Despite making some big shots, he has struggled from the field in the series, and shot 4-18 from the field in game 6. He needs to knock down his shots, and most importantly try and avoid foul trouble. He got an early 3 fouls, and had to take a seat in the second quarter in game 6. Pierce has been in foul trouble throughout the series, and it really disrupts his rhythm, especially on offense.

June 7, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Miami Heat forward/center Chris Bosh (1) reacts during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in game six of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Chris Bosh gave Miami 28 quality minutes off the bench, and looked pretty solid. He gave Miami the size they need so much, and played solid defense, blocking 3 shots. Look for him to come off the bench again to give Miami a nice lift.

At the end of the day, this will come down to who wants it the most. We know LeBron and Rondo will both play 48 minutes if needed, and both teams will leave it all out on the floor. The fans have made it clear – a Heat-Thunder finals would be the most attractive and competitive series, let’s see if Miami can make it happen.