Heat & Pacers

Pacers coach Frank Vogel was heavily criticized for taking Hibbert out of Game 1 before James' game-winning layup. Vogel said he made the move because he was worried Bosh would get open for an easy jumper. The Heat spent 48 minutes showing Pacers fans why Vogel's Game 1 decision might not have been such a bad idea. That's what Miami does they space you out he said. They make it difficult to have a rim protector in the game at all times. They challenge you to keep a guy at the rim and still make them close out to an 18-foot jump shooter. We have to account for that.

While Haslem and Bosh pulled Hibbert and power forward David West away from the basket, James took over as the Heat's post presence, overpowering and dominating All-Star forward Paul George.

"I made a conscious effort to get down in the post tonight to put pressure on their defense" James said. "The coaching staff wanted me to be down there tonight, and my teammates allowed me to do that."

James bouncing back after two late turnovers cost Miami in Game 2, had 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Hours after Wade learned he would only be tagged with a flagrant foul from Game 2 and not a suspension, he finished with 18 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Bosh added 15 points and three rebounds, and all five Miami starters reached double figures.