NBA Playoffs - Heat dispatch Nets, advance to East Finals
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 16 May 2014
CHICAGO -- Trailing the entire second half and down 89-80 with just 5:34 left in the fourth quarter, it seemed imminent that the Brooklyn Nets would extend the Eastern Conference semifinals to a Game 6.
But like they've always done when their backs are against the wall, the Miami Heat summoned their championship will and pulled the rug underneath the Nets with a 16-5 run that stole Game 5, 96-94, and eliminated Brooklyn, 4-1.
Ray Allen sealed the improbable comeback Wednesday night at the American Airlines Arena by hitting a 3 that gave Miami a 93-91 cushion in the final 32 seconds. He added two free throws with 21.6 ticks to go to put Game 5 beyond doubt.
LeBron James had another all-around performance with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, Dwyane Wade swished home 28, and Chris Bosh added 16. Allen finished with 13 for Miami, which converted only 29 of 67 form the field and 9 of 19 triples.
"You can't get caught up in frustrations, you can't get caught up in trying to get a 10-point play. It just takes incredible focus, to concentrate one possession at a time," Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra told NBA.com after pulling off the rally.
Shooting 47.4 percent from the field (37-of-78) and 36.4 percent from 3-point range (8-of-22), the Nets controlled much of Game 5, leading 49-42 at halftime at 75-66 after three quarters.
But when the two-time defending champions Heat came roaring back with dangerous intent, the Nets wilted like the stem of a thirsty rose.
"You have to give the Heat credit. They made shots, we didn't..It happens," Brooklyn head coach Jason Kidd said.
Joe Johnson led Brooklyn with 34 points and 7 boards, Paul Pierce drilled 19, and Deron Williams accounted for 17. Kevin Garnett pulled down 8 boards, but he was a non-factor on offense with a mere 2 points. (Homer D. Sayson)
Photo: Heat stars Dwyane Wade (R) and LeBron James celebrate after advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fourth straight year.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
The Final Word: Legendary Rematches of Mexican Boxing Premieres Ahead of Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez II
Thu, 28 Nov 2024Swedish heavyweight Genti Morina Set for Professional Debut in Denmark
Thu, 28 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 286: CHARLY SUAREZ, MARK MAGSAYO, JOHN RIEL CASIMERO, AND CARL JAMMIS MARTIN IN WBO RANKINGS
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 27 Nov 2024Pinoy Fighter Blazen Rocili Remains Unbeaten with Dominant Victory in San Antonio, TX
Wed, 27 Nov 2024Filipino IM Garma trounce foes, stay in hunt for top finish
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 27 Nov 2024Camp Notes: Rafael Espinoza & Robeisy Ramirez Primed for Fight of The Year Sequel December 7 LIVE on ESPN
Wed, 27 Nov 2024Chicharito, Colocha & Manimal Take Center Stage Friday Night on ESPN KO
Wed, 27 Nov 2024Kansas super middleweight prospect 19-year-old Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Capped incredible 12-month boxing stretch
Wed, 27 Nov 2024The Past Week in Action 25 November 2024: Papot KOs Wagner; Guerfi Stops Le Couviour
By Eric Armit, Tue, 26 Nov 2024El Presidente, Grand Maestro, Kamatyas, Flash Arca and Gwapings to grace the 49th IIEE ANC and Golden sports on November 28 to 30 at SMX Pasay City
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 26 Nov 2024DC judokas win 3 golds, 1 silver in Batang Pinoy
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 26 Nov 2024Emirates NBA Cup Updates: Warriors Only Team With Clear Path to KO Round
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 26 Nov 2024Taduran defense in limbo
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 26 Nov 2024Nisa Rodriguez to return to ring Dec. 17th on “Holiday Fight Night 3” at Sony Hall in Times Square
Tue, 26 Nov 2024Lopez-Ataev main event leads international spectacular at IBA Champions’ Night Dubai
Tue, 26 Nov 2024