By CHRIS
PERKINS
FOXSportsFlorida.com Heat
writer
Feb. 7, 2011
If you've noticed Miami Heat All-Star forward Chris Bosh attacking the rim a bit more frequently lately, you've been paying attention.
"The last few games I've been trying to be aggressive and take the ball to the basket a lot more," he said.
Look for the trend to continue Tuesday against Indiana. Bosh, who is still recovering from the high ankle sprain that sidelined him for two weeks, had a small epiphany recently.
Although Bosh has made his living from his midrange jumper, he realized that if he attacks the basket it's easier to get to the free-throw line and get easy points. He averages 5.6 free throws per game, but Bosh attempted 11 free throws against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday and attempted eight against Orlando on Thursday.
Bosh's ankle still isn't 100 percent. Coach Erik Spoelstra mentioned Bosh (18.2 points, 8.0 rebounds per game) still isn't getting the lift he needs as a rebounder. However, Bosh said his ankle injury has affected his offense more than any other aspect of the game, and that's a bit out of whack.
Often, coaches say ankle injuries affect defense more than his offense. On offense, a player can compensate for the ankle injury by not cutting hard on the ankle. But defense is a reaction. You have no choice in which way you have to go to defend someone, so you might have to cut hard on the injured ankle. It turns out the Heat's demanding defensive system reversed the trend for Bosh.
"I let (the sprained ankle) affect offense more than defense because it's different here," Bosh said with a smile. "We have to play defense. I don't want to be the guy embarrassed in film sessions, so I try to make sure I'm solid on defense and worry about offense later."
He was only half joking on that matter. But he's serious about attacking the rim.
"I felt that I was settling a little bit too much in the past, and I just wanted to be more aggressive," Bosh said. "I think that puts defenses at a disadvantage, and to get to the free-throw line a lot more that really helps the team out."
