The Miami Heat are up 2-1 and are in control of the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers with Game 4 coming on Tuesday and one of the biggest reasons has been due to the play of big man Chris Andersen.
The man they call 'Birdman' has been fantastic for the Heat in the East finals, as he is 13 for 13 shooting from the floor and he has missed a total of six shots while going 31-for-37 in the playoffs. Andersen has been valuable in rebounding as well as second chance points and he has become a fan favorite in Miami with his tattoos and Mohawk. The former Nuggets star has been contributing bit by bit in the playoffs and he has started calling his area in the baseline the "bird box".
Andersen is averaging nearly 20 minutes against the Pacers with two blocks per game to go along with six rebounds and 10 points, all very positive for the Heat. He scored 16 points in Game 1 against the Pacers and added nine rebounds in the Game 3 win. The play by Andersen will be key if the Heat move on in the finals against the Spurs, as they have an advantage in that area.
