After splitting the first two games in the series, the Pacers went into Miami on Saturday night to try and take the lead in the series. After a convincing win in game one and a narrow loss in game two, the Pacers certainly had some confidence heading into the game. Once Paul George was cleared to play after sustaining a concussion in game two the Pacers had high hopes about securing another victory.
The Pacers got off to a hot start and took a 17-4 run to start the game. However, the Pacers ineptness to close out the quarter would come back to haunt them. The Pacers still managed to lead after the first quarter by a score of 21-14, thanks in large part to seven Miami turnovers. The Pacers were able to carry their momentum into the second quarter and were able to pull ahead by 15.
With the score 37-22 Miami's playoff experience really showed. Instead of self destructing, the Heat were able to not only rally but dominate the rest of the way. Miami was able to close the gap by halftime and were only down 42-38 at the half. From there the floodgates really opened up. Miami outscored the Pacers 33-22 in the third quarter. Once Miami's offense got rolling it never stopped. Miami was powered in the third quarter by three point shooting as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Ray Allen all added three's. While the Pacers were able to pull it to within two with about six minutes in the game, Allen added three more three's to extend Miami's lead. Miami was able to seal the victory at home by a score of 99-87. Miami now as a 2-1 lead in the series.
The Pacers offense rather efficient, but seemed stagnant at times. The Pacers turned the ball over a whopping 17 times, something that played a large role in the momentum of the game. While they were able to shoot 47 percent from the field, they only shot 28 percent from behind the arc. Roy Hibbert started off the game hot as he had ten points in the first quarter. Hibbert finished with 16 points but only pulled down two rebounds. Paul George led the Pacers in scoring with 17 points, however; it was a very inefficient 17 points. The Pacers only had four players score in double figures and only had 23 bench points.
Once again Miami was led by Wade and LeBron who combined for 49 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. Chris Bosh struggled once again as he finished with nine points on 4-12 shooting. The Heat received some serious production of the bench from Chris Andersen, Norris Cole, and Ray Allen. Allen scored 16 points of the bench and made all four of his three point attempts. Both Norris Cole and Chris Andersen played major roles on defense limiting Hibbert and Lance Stephenson's effectiveness. The Heat shot 54 percent from the field and 55 percent from behind the arc. Miami seems to have all the momentum and is in great position to secure another victory at home Monday night.