Miami take 3-2 series lead as LeBron James takes over.
The Miami Heat took a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers at the AA Arena on Thursday night.
LeBron James had a game-high 30 points to lead the Heat, while his team did a great job on the defensive end to limit the Pacers outside of their front court.
It was a tough night for both Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade as they combined for just 17 points, but Udonis Haslem and Mario Chalmers were able to contribute big numbers which essentially helped Miami find a way past their rivals.
Paul George led the way for Indiana with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Roy Hibbert had another solid shooting night as he added 22 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
The series returns to Indiana on Saturday for Game 6 where the Pacers know they must win in order to keep their hopes alive. Another defeat, and Miami will be heading back to the NBA Finals where the San Antonio Spurs lie in wait.
“It was a defensive slugfest. We saw Game 4 as a blown opportunity as we didn’t play the defence we needed to. Today, we did a great job and it was even on the boards so we have a better chance,” Bosh told ESPN reporter Stephen A. Smith.
Bosh went on to compliment James, saying that “determination” was the key factor behind his third quarter explosion, while he believes if the Heat can bring their usual intensity they will have a great shot at closing this series out on Saturday.
COMMENTS