James and Wade team up to rally Heat late on to clinch crucial road win.
The Miami Heat secured a win in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers to level the series at 1-1.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade responded to their team’s call, with the All-Star duo combining down the stretch to take the game from the Pacers and with it goes their home-court advantage for now.
James scored the first six points in a decisive 12-2 run, and then combined with Wade for Miami’s final 20 points in the win to leave the series tied at a game apiece with the former finishing with 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists while Wade added 23 points.
Pacers point guard George Hill rued the inability of his team to see out the game despite controlling proceedings throughout, while James insisted that there was never going to be any “pretty basketball” involved as the tension and rivalry continues to heat up.
Meanwhile, Lance Stephenson tied his playoff career high with 25 points for the hosts while Paul George scored 14. However, perhaps a key adjustment for the Heat was Udonis Haslem starting in place of Shane Battier, which gave the two-time defending champions more presence inside the paint.
Nevertheless, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will be grateful for his duo of James and Wade being able to execute on the offensive end, but another key difference was Miami’s ability to get stops at the other end.
The visitors were poor in Game 1 and allowed the Pacers numerous easy baskets inside while suffering from beyond the arc, however, this win changes the momentum heading to Miami for Games 3 and 4, and now the Heat will want to protect home court and establish a commanding lead in this series.
NBA Results:
Miami Heat 87-83 Indiana Pacers
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