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Miami Heat’s LeBron James’ lockdown defense takes bloom off of Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose

LeBron James once again assumed the role of stopper against Derrick Rose during crunch time Sunday.

In last year’s Eastern Conference finals, coach Erik Spoelstra put LeBron James on Derrick Rose when no one else could stop the league’s MVP.

James effectively shut down Rose, and without his lockdown defense, that series might have turned out differently.

With Rose surging late in Sunday’s game, Spoelstra once again had James guard Rose. And it worked.

Rose went off for six points and two assists in a 2 1/2-minute stretch early in the fourth quarter. With James on Rose for the final six minutes of the game, Rose managed only three points and one assist.

“[Rose] is an unbelievable talent,” James said. “He’s a great player, and a great person. I always take the challenge, and it’s good to be out there playing against him knowing he’s one of the best in the league.’’

After a pair of Miami three-pointers to begin the fourth quarter, the Bulls went on a 13-2 tear. Rose sparked the run with a pair of assists and two free throws, then finished it with a 10-foot jumper and an acrobatic layup after slicing through three Heat defenders.

That’s when James clamped down. Rose is most effective when he gets into the lane, either bulling his way to the basket or connecting on off-balance teardrops. James used his length and quickness to stay in front of Rose and force the ball out of his hands.

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BY ROBBIE LEVIN
RLEVIN@MIAMIHERALD.COM

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