Chris Bosh is ready to reclaim starting job - Air Alamo

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Jan. 24, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra (left) and power forward Chris Bosh (right) during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

While Chris Bosh logged 33 minutes and 39 seconds of game time despite being assigned to the bench, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra gave a subtle hint that Bosh would reclaim his starting job.

    “The last two games he’s been able to handle more minutes,” Spoelstra said. “I think we can start to incorporate him more to who he was and his strengths right before he got injured. He was so accommodating the last three or four games just trying to fit in. But we need him to be a little bit more who he is.”

Spoelstra’s incentive to insert Bosh into the starting rotation stems from Miami’s inability to take advantage of Bosh’s skills. His shot selection wasn’t ideal as he only attempted one shot inside the paint. He attempted eight shots from 16-feet and beyond, only converting on three of his shots.

Bosh who said last week that starting was “irrelevant” will be ready to help Miami in any way he can.

    “Like I’ve been saying, if coach wants to put me out there, I’m more than available,” Bosh said. “I’ve started a bunch of games in this league. I’m ready to go.”

Miami allowed Oklahoma City to score 126.0 points per 100 possessions while Bosh was on the floor. Without Bosh, though, Oklahoma City’s efficiency dropped to a more respectable 100.1 points per 100 possessions.

Spoelstra also hinted that he would lengthen his rotation. In Game 1, Miami’s rotation extended to eight players. James Jones (migraine, unavailable for Game 1) shot 40.4% from behind the arc in the regular season and is available for Game 2. The Heat had some success in exploiting the perimeter, converting on 8-of-19 3-pointers. Jones could certainly help in that regard.

    “I’ll probably go a little bit deeper into the rotation, obviously,” Spoelstra said. “Try to get the guys a little more rest. But we’re not making any excuses.”

    Via Miami Herald

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Tags: 2012 NBA Finals, Chris Bosh, featured, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, popular