Miami Heat edge out Brooklyn Nets 102-96 in crucial game 4 to take commanding 3-1 series lead.
Following their 14 point loss Saturday to the Brooklyn Nets, the Miami Heat stormed back to Barclays Center for a big game 4 victory. LeBron James would continue on from his weekend affair of leading the Heat in points, rebounds and assist to tie his career playoff high of 49 points. Spike Lee sporting his throwback Lincoln High Jersey and Mr. Jake Shuttlesworth (Denzel Washington) were in the building to witness the best game of this series. Before halftime, King James had 25 points alone and was on track for 50, scoring nearly half his team’s points. Brooklyn struggled early on, as no player was in double digits before halftime.
Hit the jump for more on the story and video highlights of the game.
Miami had minimal bench production, with only Ray Allen and Chris Anderson scoring outside of the starters; while Brooklyn saw key contributions from Andray Blatche, Andrei Kirilenko, and Alan Anderson. Prior to game 4, LeBron talked to media about having James Jones on the court for the outside shot they had been lacking; with Shane Battier having a cold streak most of the season and the lack of Mike Miller. Whether Jones was used a decoy or not, the paint opened up clearly for LeBron to take over this game in a major way. Examining this game, we thought Paul Pierce should’ve had more shots being the most efficient player when possessing the rock to be the only Net to shoot over 50% (with more than 5 attempts minimal). Joe Johson and Deron Williams shot a combined 3-10 from deep and 10 for 29 overall, which we think hindered the team down the stretch with key turnovers and missed attempts.
Miami did have a late scare playing the cat-and-mouse game with Brooklyn, but a three by Bosh would seal the outing for the away team. LeBron had a chance to pass his career high of 49 points in the playoffs, but missed his last free throw before the final buzzer sounded. Miami now heads back home to close things out Wednesday evening against a fierce Nets team, who will not be pushover. With Indiana picking up heavy steam in their series against the Washington Wizards, the Heat will be looking to finish things rather quickly than later.