LBJ, Wade combine for 58 to beat Indy.
Fresh from their video game-like performances in Sunday’s win over Indiana; LeBron, Wade and the rest of Heat were back in front of their home crowd for a pivotal game 5 with hopes to take back the series lead. Heat got off to a quick start setting the pace for the game going on a 19 to 8 run in the first quarter led by forward, Shane Battier who netted 3 three-pointers. Shane had been struggling with his shot the entire series heading into game 5 scored 9 points (had 8 in the entire series so far) in the first quarter to take some pressure off the big “2’s” shoulders. Things got rough at the beginning of the 2nd quarter as Tyler Hansbrough was called for a Flagrant 1 foul on Dwyane Wade. Immediately preceding that to make things even more heated, Udonis Haslem retaliated with a flagrant foul on Hansbrough. Towards the end of the 2nd period, Danny Granger injured his left ankle landing on LeBron’s foot in a 3-point attempt. He left the game but would return back in the 3rd quarter. With Indiana’s star player out of the game, Miami quickly went on an 8 to 2 run closing out the first half on a last second layup by LBJ to give Miami momentum heading into the half. That run started the beginning of the end in this game for the Pacers as the Heat came out in the 2nd half and just pummeled the Pacers. Just past the 9 min. mark in the 3rd quarter, Danny Granger had to be wheeled off to the locker room due to his ankle injury from the 2nd quarter. When Granger left the score was 56-45; but with Miami firing from all cylinders of the court literally, the lead quickly jumped from 11 points to 19 points. David West also left the game after the 3rd quarter and was diagnosed with a sprained left knee. By the 4th quarter, the Heat were ready to coast to the finish line as they poured on more points outscoring Indy 39-26.
MVP LeBron James finished the game almost dropping a triple double scoring 30 points, 10 boards and 8 dimes; while co-captain Flash chipped in 28 points. The theme for this series has been whoever wins the rebound battle normally wins the game and last night was no different as the Heat had a 49 to 35 edge in that category. Heat guard, Mario Chalmers had a team of high 11 rebounds, one less than the Pacers front court tandem of Hibbert and West combined. As the series shifts back to Indian Thursday night, the Pacers are expected to come out strong to keep their playoff hopes alive, but Miami will also look to close out this series and head back home to South Beach and prepare for the Conference Finals. Chris Bosh is still unavailable with no timetable return date set; while Danny Granger and David West who are still expected to play, will be a game time decisions.
Game 6 is scheduled this Thursday on ESPN with a tip-off set for 8:00 pm (ET).
Win Or Go Home.
Heat Lead 3-2
Game 1: Miami 95, Indiana 86
Game 2: Indiana 78, Miami 75
Game 3: Indiana 94, Miami 75
Game 4: Miami 101, Indiana 93
Game 5: Miami 115, Indiana 83
Game 6: at IND, Thurs. May 24, 8:00 p.m., ESPN
Game 7: at MIA, If Necessary