May 27, 2013
After Game 2, the thoughts in everyone’s mind were, where are the Miami Heat’s supporting cast and when will they show up? In both Games 1 and 2, the game weighed heavily on LeBron James to carry the team to victory. The Heat role players were absent. The starters except James were nonchalant. The bench, with the exception of Chris “Birdman” Andersen, was nowhere to be found.
In Game 2, Ray Allen was uncharacteristically missing free throws and the Heat three point shooters were not making shots. The Heat’s three point game was not on for two reasons: 1) because of the Indiana Pacer’s defense, 2) because the shooters could not find the rim. The series has been a struggle for shooters Ray Allen and Shane Battier. Some may argue that Battier has been using most of his energy on the defensive end battling David West which has caused him to not have the legs on the offensive end of the court.
Game 3 was a different storyline for the Miami Heat, all five starters posted double figures. Udonis Haslem was a big spark from the start of the game, finishing with 17pts on 8/9 shooting. After the game Haslem was quoted saying, “Any way I can contribute to get this team a win, I’m happy to do it.” He was the difference maker in this game because previously his shot was not falling and he was a liability on the offensive end and D. West and R. Hibbert were getting the best of him on the defensive end.
The Miami Heat scored a franchise record 70 points in the first half of play, shot 63 percent and committed only one turnover in that first half. Miami Bigs were big in the game, Chris Bosh scored 15 points, and Birdman continued his perfect streak with 9pts on 4/4 shooting. Dwyane Wade also had some shiny moments, scoring 18pts, 8ast.
The Heat beat the Pacers at their own game, they came out running from the beginning and outscored the Pacers 56-32 in the paint in this game. Miami outscored the Pacers in every quarter of the game and the final score was not definitive of how this game was played. For every run the Pacers had, Miami responded and pounded harder.
Coming into Game 3, the Heat had not lost two straight games since losing to Indiana and Portland in early January. They continue to make sure that they avoid consecutive losses. For the game, Miami was 55 percent from the field and posted only five turnovers.
After Game 2, LeBron James words were “Disappointed – yes, Panic – No.” He didn’t have to have a monstrous game (22pts, 4reb, 3 ast) for the Heat to win this game because the supporting cast finally showed up.
Final score: Miami 114 – 96
Series Lead: Miami 2 – 1
Game 4 – Tuesday, May 28th (8:30PM on TNT) at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse, IN.
