A lot of people are talking about Dwyane Wade’s 4th quarter (as they should), but in my opinion the biggest play of the game wasn’t made by Wade, but by the much maligned Michael Beasley.  The Heat’s offense really became stagnant in the final minutes of the 4th quarter as the Celtics tried to make their comeback.  The Heat didn’t score a point for a good minute and a half of game time as the Celtics cut the lead to 4 points.  With about 1:45 left, the Heat had the basketball, and again forced up another shot.  However, the Celtics didn’t box out, and it allowed Beasley to make a fantastic play:

As the ball lands in Dorell Wright’s hands, take a look at the shot clock.  There is only 7 seconds for him to work with, and the Heat’s offense is once again struggling.  Udonis Haslem tries to salvage the possession by setting a screen for Wright and seeing if he can get to the lane.

As Wright comes off the screen, Paul Pierce decides to not pay attention to his man (Beasley) and help defend against the pick and roll.

As Wright forces up a fade-away jumper at the elbow, both Beasley and Haslem crash the boards.  This forces Pierce into a tough decision, who is he going to box out?

Pierce decides to box out the man closest to him and it ends up being 2 Celtics boxing out Haslem with Beasley going untouched along the baseline.

Beasley reads that it is going to be an airball, makes the catch, and puts it in all in one motion.  This was an important bucket, because if the Heat don’t score there, the Celtics have a chance to draw within 2.  Instead, the Heat go up by 6, and don’t look back.  Here is the play in real time: