The Miami Heat looked to get back in the series with a win tonight over the top seeded Indiana Pacers. This one was very close in the first half with the Heat taking 41-37 lead into halftime. The first half really was about the defense for both teams. Miami controlled the pace in that half as well and did a excellent job in executing their game plan. The second half was much more entertaining in terms of both teams scoring. The Pacers did everything they could in the third quarter to try an win tonight. In the end they would lead after three quarters of play and seemed to have most of the momentum to win. But in the fourth quarter LeBron James led the Heat to a very productive quarter, one that they would dominate to win the game 87-83.
In what was a very important game for Miami to win, they came out and played some very good basketball tonight. Their defense, which struggled in game one, was back to stifling tonight. They pressured the ball and made the Pacers turn the ball over. The Pacers only had ten turnovers, but most of those were costly.
LeBron James didn’t have a great first half, but he turned in a very productive game tonight. James scored 22 points including seven rebounds and six assists. His defense tonight was very big for Miami. James recorded three blocks and two steals. His energy and aggressiveness were much better tonight, something he has to have in every game for Miami to have more of a chance to win. Dwyane Wade also had a solid game as he scored 25 points. In this series so far, Wade has played very good for Miami. Both James and Wade have played well in two straight games against the Pacers. With this series now going back to Miami, the Heat have a great chance at walking away with either the series lead or still tied.
The Pacers on the other hand, had their moments tonight. Lance Stephenson was great tonight. He scored 25 points and also had seven assists. His play this season alone has made him a very important player for the Pacers. In the end they lost tonight, but his play was key for them.
Paul George had a very poor game as he shot 25% from the field. George scored just 14 points. This was a very bad performance by him. He is the only player on the Pacers that has to play consistent every game. He failed to play a solid game tonight and it cost the Pacers. His play in game three has to be their if the Pacers want to win.
For the most part tonight’s game was great tonight. Other then the sloppy play at times and bad fouls the game was good. This series seems to be headed for seven games. Both teams will make adjustments, but only one will win game three. The important thing for Miami is to deny the post. The Pacers are big inside and the Heat have a weakness down there. If they can contain the points in the paint, their chance at winning will increase. Game three will take place in Miami on Saturday night.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/AJ Mast
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