After two close, tough match-ups, the Miami Heat took a commanding 2-1 series lead against the Indiana Pacers tonight, winning 114-96.
When asked the difference between this game and the last two, Dwyane Wade commented, "Udonis Haslem, for one." This was true. The future Mayor of Miami went 8-9 from the field for 17 points and 7 rebounds, providing a resounding spark for the stagnant supporting cast of this Heat team. Four other players, Lebron James, Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers, and Wade, scored in double figures, and Chris Andersen provided 9 and continued his perfect FG% for the series. The Birdman has gone 35-41 (85%) in the playoffs.
Lance Stephenson, Tyler Hansbrough, and Roy Hibbert continued to do their best to be the most annoying Pacers on the planet, while Paul George struggled from the field and on defense against Lebron as the Pacers faltered early and often in the game. The Heat dominated from start to finish, scoring a team postseason record 70 points in the first half.
All in all the Heat proved that they are the more dominant and talented team, and solved the free throw shooting, three point shooting, and turnover problems of the first two games to easily handle the Danny Granger-less Pacers. Honestly, if the Heat play to their potential like they nearly did tonight, Indiana is just not talented enough without Granger to stand a chance, as they did in last year's quarterfinals.
The next game is Tuesday at 8:30, the second in Indiana. My prediction for the rest of the series: either a close win Tuesday for a 5 game series, or a close loss Tuesday followed by a wins in Miami and Indiana for the Heat for a 6 game series. Bank it.
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