In two games, each of the Eastern Conference finalists proved one thing – that they know how to play playoff caliber defense.

Game 1 saw the Chicago Bulls runaway from the Miami Heat late in the third, and early in the fourth quarters.  Aside from Chris Bosh, the Heat were handcuffed by a great Chicago team effort on the defensive end, winning 103-82.

Tonight in Game 2, also at the United Center in Chicago, it was Miami who played stellar defense to close out the contest.  An extraordinary bounceback performance from LeBron James (15-7 in Game 1; 29-10 in Game 2) propelled the Erik Spoelstra’s club to a split on the road, with a 85-75 victory.

What did we see in these two games?

Each team saw their superstars get slowed down.  Dwyane Wade and LeBron James combined for 33 points on 32 field goal attempts in the series opener.  In Game 2, Derrick Rose  scored 21 points on 23 field goal attempts.  Clearly, one key for each team is to figure out how to get their best player some good looks on the floor.  This will enhance their level of comfort in situations when they are called on to make big shots.

LeBron stared down a potential 0-2 deficit and didn't like what he saw.

Udonis Haslem stepped up at a time when Miami needed him most.  If a team allows itself to absorb an 0-2 deficit, the odds are heavily against that team to get past its opponent.  The veteran Haslem knows this, and his effort sopke volumes of the intensity that only he can give to the Heat. Miami doesn’t expect to get much off of the bench, and the Heat got a lot more than they bargained for from Haslem.  But Haslem has the postseason experience and toughness that Miami desperately needs.  And his mid-range shooting gives James and Wade another option when they attract too much attention from the Bulls defense.  Haslem will be the Heat’s x-factor for success in this series.

How can Chicago use Kyle Korver?  The series’ best shooter has been unable to get a feel for his offensive game.  His presence on the floor would give Rose a little more space to operate.  But so far, Korver is only 2-10, and he’s finding it difficult to get floor time because of his weak defensive abilities.  By running the screen and roll, Korver runs the risk of getting matched up with LeBron or D-Wade, thereby leaving the middle of Chicago’s defense vulnerable to ball penetration. 

Wade got off to the quick start (with 17 first-half points), while LeBron took over late in Game 2.  The Heat got forced some turnovers, and got some easy points out on the break – which they desperately needed.  They were more aggressive than Chicago, and it showed as they collected every loose ball – as opposed to Game 1.

As of right now, the advantage in this series lies with the Heat.  They’ll head back home with some confidence in tow, knowing that they’ve won the last game.  Winning a tough game in Chicago could give the Heat the edge that they need to do their thing at home.

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