Heat Vs. Pacers: Miami Blows Out Indiana For Third Road Win In As Many Nights

In perhaps the most resounding victory in this shortened NBA season, the Miami Heat finished their back-to-back-to-back road game swing with a perfect 3-0 record, becoming the first NBA team this season to accomplish the feat. The Heat trounced on the Indiana Pacers 105-90 in Tuesday night's contest. The Heat trailed for the first 50 seconds of the game and while it would be fitting to say that they never looked back, realistically the Heat dominated the game so thoroughly that they were afforded to look back as they lapped the Pacers over and over again.

LeBron James led the Heat with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists as the Heat pulled away from the Pacers in a game that was not as close as the score indicates if you can believe that. The Heat led 90-58 after the third quarter and consequently pulled the majority of their starters for the rest of the game.

Norris Cole tied his career-high with 20 points, while Dwyane Wade had 16 points and 6 rebounds. Chris Bosh continued his porous offensive production (although that would be nitpicking after such a victory) but he finished with 13 points and 7 rebounds.

The Pacers, enjoying a surprisingly successful season, lost top player Danny Granger late in the first quarter with a sprained left ankle and did not return to the contest. While Indiana had six players who scored in double figures, they offered little resistance to the Heat's onslaught. David West had 14 and failed to record a rebound for the entire first half and finished with only 2 for the contest. Paul George and A.J. Price each had 12 points and Tyler Hansbrough finished with 11.

All-star big man Roy Hibbert had 10 points on 5 of 12 shooting but he failed to corral the Heat's explosive driving game.

Impressed By: LeBron James. LeBron pundits claimed that he would never develop a consistent post-game, a reliable jump shot, or provide the physical rebounding the Heat needed. I think it's safe to say that they were wrong. Over the last three games, LeBron has proved capable of scoring at ease in the post and simultaneously provide the Heat's point guard help and strength on the block. Kobe or LeBron? Pfttt.

Depressed By: Absolutely nothing!

Next up: The Heat take a two day break and continue their road trip as LeBron visits hell Cleveland for the first time this season on Friday (7:30 PM tip off).

If it's possible for the Miami Heat to play any better, we might have to begin considering sending the entire team to the Olympics. The Heat have taken a commanding halftime lead over the Indiana Pacers, 68-39 in a display of offensive prowess and defensive dominance. This marks the seventh time this season that the Heat have scored at least 60 points by halftime.

In a night that has the makings of a triple double, LeBron James has 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Dwyane Wade leads all scorers with 16 points, and Chris Bosh has 11 points.

Indiana's Danny Granger left early in the first half with a sprained ankle, his return is questionable. The Pacers were led by David West's 10 points but he conspicuously failed to record a single rebound in the first half.

The Heat have forced 11 turnovers and have held the Pacers to just 34% shooting, including 1 of 10 from 3-point range. The Heat have also out rebounded Indiana, 26 to 16 in what has been an all round impressive performance in the third game of Miami's back-to-back-to-back stretch; no team has won all three of their consecutive games.

Miami Heat:

Injuries:

Backup center Dexter Pittman is listed as day-to-day after bruising his left shoulder against the Hawks last night.

Starting Lineup: (PPG, RPG, APG, SPG, BPG)

Point guard: Mario Chalmers (11.2, 2.5, 3.6, 1.4, 0.2)

Shooting guard: Dwyane Wade (22.2, 4.1, 4.9, 1.8, 1.4)

Small forward: LeBron James (28.2, 8.2, 6.8, 1.6, 0.7)

Power forward: Chris Bosh (18.8, 8.2, 2.1, 0.9, 0.8)

Center: Joel Anthony ( 3.2, 4.2, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0)

Key off the bench: Mike Miller is making over half of his three point attempts in 17 games this season (24-for-45). He provides a change of pace at shooting guard or small forward, and is a deadly outside threat.

Indiana Pacers:

Injuries:

Backup guard George Hill has a fractured left ankle and is out until further notice. Backup center Jeff Foster has a back injury, and has only appeared in six games this season.

Starting Lineup: (PPG, RPG, APG, SPG, BPG)

Point guard: Darren Collison (11.4, 3.3, 5.5, 0.8, 0.3)

Shooting guard: Paul George (12.1, 5.6, 2.1, 1.4, 0.6)

Small forward: Danny Granger (18.6, 4.7, 2.0, 1.4, 0.7)

Power forward: David West (12.4, 6.9, 2.3, 0.9, 0.7)

Center: Roy Hibbert (13.3, 9.6, 1.8, 0.4, 1.8)

Key off the bench: Tyler Hansbrough has played significant time in every game this year, spelling Danny Granger and David West as needed. He is averaging just under 10 points per game.

Miami rides into town on a three game road win streak, but start tonight in the final game of a back-to-back-to-back, while the Pacers have lost three straight, but haven't played since Saturday. This game may feature a very tough second half for Miami.

Common Thread:

Neither team has any players that has played for their opponent tonight.

Team Milestones:

Team Leaders:

PPG:
LeBron James – 28.2
Dwyane Wade – 22.2
Chris Bosh – 18.8

RPG:
Udonis Haslem, Chris Bosh, LeBron James – 8.2

APG:
LeBron James – 6.8
Dwyane Wade – 4.9
Mario Chalmers – 3.6

SPG:
Dwyane Wade – 1.8
LeBron James – 1.6
Mario Chalmers – 1.4

BPG:
Dwyane Wade – 1.4
Joel Anthony – 1.0
Chris Bosh – 0.8