Perkins: LeBron James is the best, and he keeps getting better

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Heat Ring tiltMIAMI – This was the best player of his generation doing what he now does best – win.

When Heat superstar LeBron James drove the lane against Indiana and made a game-winning layup with no time left to give Miami a 103-102 Game 1 Eastern Conference finals victory in overtime, he sent the crowd at AmericanAirlines Arena into a frenzy and the Pacers into a stunned funk.

“He continues to amaze, I think, the game of basketball, the world of basketball,” guard Dwyane Wade said.

That’s not easy when you’re already the consensus Best Player on the Planet.

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Perkins: I’ll never doubt Dwyane Wade again

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neveragainMIAMI – I’m through doubting Dwyane Wade.

I’ve done it a few times over the years for various reasons – knee surgery, shoulder surgery, ankle injury, etc… — and Wade, the Miami Heat’s superstar guard, always comes back strong. We saw it after his injury-shortened 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons, we saw it in last year’s playoffs, we saw it in the second half of this season.

We saw it again Wednesday in the Heat’s 94-91 Game 5 second round series-clinching victory over Chicago.

Perkins: Day After Stunning Loss to Bulls, Heat Unconcerned

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happyhatMIAMI – There’s no worry among the Miami Heat over their 93-86 Game 1 loss to Chicago on Monday.

But on the Day After, there did seem to be some steely resolve from the defending champions to do better in the “effort” areas. Blend that with a healthy mix of “we’ve been here before,” and you have the tone of the chatter that followed the Heat’s practice Tuesday at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Perkins: Heat’s bench rises again, outplays the Bucks

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MIAMI – The 12-0 run.

That was all it took to separate the men from the boys in the Miami Heat’s 98-86 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Tuesday’s Game 2 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series at AmericanAirlines Arena.

And two bench players – forward Chris Andersen, a.k.a. the Birdman, and guard Norris Cole – led the way. Not LeBron James, not Dwyane Wade and not Chris Bosh.

“It’s not surprising,” James said. “That’s what they bring, that’s what our bench brings, they bring that energy and effort.”

Heat vs. Bucks Preview: Five Key Factors

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heat small logobucks small logoThe Bucks are going to sweep the Heat.

OK, I’ve gotten your attention.

I am only joking.

This series should be a joke in and of itself, with the best team in the entire NBA taking on the team that finished with the 18th-best record in the league.