Heat rout Pacers to make NBA Finals

The Miami Heat crushed the Indiana Pacers 117-92 to stay in the hunt for a third straight NBA title after a 5-2 series win secured them the Eastern Conference championship.

LeBron James and Chris Bosh top scored for Miami with 25 points each while Paul George had 29 points for the Pacers.

After narrowly losing out in Game Five in Indiana, Miami knew they could ill-afford another slip-up and they dominated a Pacers team that in the end was no real match for them.

The Heat fans were also charged up by the antics of Pacers guard Lance Stephenson who has attempted to wind-up James throughout the series and drew attention – and some ridicule – by blowing into James’s ear during Game Five.

Miami’s now traditional slow start allowed Indiana to take an early 9-2 lead but that was the last time they were ahead all night as the Heat, producing unselfish and smart offence, took charge.

James’ attacking influence

Miami led 24-13 at the end of the first quarter with eleven of those points coming from James.

The Heat ended the half 60-34 up with 15 points for James on six of eight shooting and Bosh with 13 points, while Stephenson had not added a single point to his tally.

The second half was purely about Miami managing their lead and they did so with little trouble as Indiana’s challenge fizzled out.

Once again Miami had found another gear when they really needed it but they know they will face a much sterner test from their Western Conference opponents in the final.