SB Nation Tampa Bay - Pacers Vs. Heat: Miami Advances On Dominating Performance From Dwyane Wade

NBA Playoffs 2012, Heat Vs. Pacers: Udonis Haslem Admits Tyler Hansbrough Hit Was Retaliation

2012-05-27T12:15:51Z

Via Dan Le Batard at the Miami Herald comes a report that Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem's hit on Indiana Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough was in fact in retaliation for an earlier foul on Dwayne Wade.

Hell, yes, Udonis Haslem meant to foul Tyler Hansbrough like that. Would do it again, too, if given the chance. He revealed as much after practice Saturday, stitches still on his face, right eye still dark red with blood. And damn if that wounded eye didn’t sting a little bit on this big, tough man from Miami’s meanest streets as he tried to articulate exactly what Dwyane Wade means to him. Ol’ Udonis isn’t going weak, not by a long shot, but age tends to bring perspective and appreciation, and those things can soften even a man as hard as Haslem.

"I can’t imagine anything I wouldn’t do for Dwyane," he says.

Le Batard details Wade's appreciation of the hit, as he gave Haslem the game ball from Thursday's victory. As a result of the hit Haslem was suspended for Miami's game six victory. Video of the hit can be seen here.

SB Nation Tampa Bay will have complete coverage of the Miami Heat's 2012 NBA Playoff Run. And don't miss SB Nation's dedicated Heat blog, Peninsula Is Mightier.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Pacers Vs. Heat: Dwyane Wade Ends Indiana's Season

2012-05-25T13:19:48Z

In what could have been a tricky game -- on the road, facing a team on the brink of elimination, without Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem -- a masterful performance from Dwyane Wade powered the Miami Heat past the Indiana Pacers, ending the series and propelling his team into the Eastern Conference finals.

At Peninsula Is Mightier, Diego Quezada wrote:

The 2008-09 scoring champion scored 41 points on a remarkably efficient 17-of-25 shooting from the field and 7-of-8 shooting from the foul line. Wade also grabbed 10 rebounds, a team high. Although the Pacers began double-teaming Wade in the fourth quarter, he found a way to make three crucial baskets late in the game. The last one came as Wade split two defenders on a pick-and-roll and made an acrobatic layup over two other defenders for an and-one to put Miami up 11 with three minutes left.

Wade and LeBron James were just too much for the Pacers, according to Indy Cornrows:

Respect certainly deserves to go to Dwyane Wade and LeBron James for their play, especially tonight when Wade was just unstoppable, but this shouldn't be a nail on the "team dynamic" coffin. The Pacers played hard and played well this entire series (or at least five of the games), but when Wade and James are in the zone, there isn't much you can do to stop them.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For the opponent's perspective, check out Indy Cornrows and SB Nation Indiana. And for all your news and notes on the playoffs matchups, visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Pacers Vs. Heat, 2012 NBA Playoffs: Without Bosh And Haslem, Miami Still Better

2012-05-25T12:23:23Z

Behind 41 points (17 for 25) from Dwyane Wade, the Miami Heat closed out game six of their series with the Indiana Pacers, 105-93, to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. Wade also had 10 rebounds, while LeBron James chipped in with 28 points.

Despite being without Chris Bosh for nearly the entire series and Udonis Haslem for game six, the Heat were able to end things early. Sometimes having two of the best basketball players on the planet is enough, writes Greg Cote of the Miami Herald:

Miami was the team missing major players Chris Bosh to an injury and Udonis Haslem to a suspension, and playing on the hostile road against an utterly desperate opponent - and still Miami was better.

Why? Simple. No over-analysis needed.

Miami was the team that had the best player in this series - the best player in the entire NBA.

Except LeBron James isn't always even the best player on his own team.

Sometimes that is Dwyane Wade.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For the opponent's perspective throughout the series, check out Indy Cornrows and SB Nation Indiana. And for all your news and notes on the playoffs matchups, visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Pacers Vs. Heat, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 6: Heat Advance On Dominating Dwyane Wade Performance

2012-05-25T02:58:24Z

The Miami Heat advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday night with a 105-93 Game 6 win over the Indiana Pacers. Dwyane Wade added to a career full of remarkable moments with one of his best playoff performances to date. After a fast Indiana start, Miami completely took control on the brilliance of Wade. The Heat swung a double digit deficit into a two possession lead in the second quarter. Wade and LeBron James continued to push in the second half, extending Miami's lead to double digits down the stretch.

Wade was simply amazing, scoring 20 points in the second quarter to keep Miami in it against an Indiana team that shot nearly 60 percent in the first half. He finished with 41 points, continuing in the second half as the Heat took advantage of a slew of Pacer turnovers. Miami also took advantage of Roy Hibbert on the pick-and-roll, as Wade exploited the Indiana center with set of pretty floaters in the lane. He finished 17 of 25 from the floor for the 41 points, while also grabbing 10 rebounds. Those last three quarters created a game to remember for Wade and Miami fans.

LeBron James, the MVP who deferred to the hot Wade, added 28 points of his own. He facilitated the offense through Wade, but took control when the opportunity presented itself by driving to the hole and overpowering Indiana's stout front line at the rim. The 69 combined points left the Pacers helpless, even with their strong start.

Miami now moves on to face the winner of the Sixers and Celtics, who play Game 7 on Saturday. They will have the entire weekend to rest, with Game 1 set for Monday night.

Pacers Vs. Heat, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 6: Dwyane Wade Brings Miami Back In 1st Half

2012-05-25T01:23:59Z

After 24 minutes of back-and-forth basketball, the Indiana Pacers lead the Miami Heat 53-51. As you would expect, the Pacers came out strong in front of a raucous crowd, looking to jump on Miami early after 48 hours of back-and-forth trash talk in the press. Indiana quickly took a double-digit lead but on the brilliance of Dwyane Wade, Miami stormed back in the second quarter to lead by many as five points. It was astonishing how quickly they swung the game on a 10-point run.

Wade was incredible in the second quarter, hitting an array of shots from the outside and in the lane. He scored 26 points in the first half, but it was the 20 points in 12 minutes that pushed Miami back in it. He finished the half 11 of 16 from the floor. LeBron James was not nearly as hot, but still added 11 points in support of Wade. Erik Spoelstra also got a nice contribution off the bench from the badly hobbled Mike Miller, who drained three three-pointers and was a key part of stopping the Pacers' early onslaught and turning the tide.

Indiana shot nearly 60 percent from the floor but Wade and the Heat kept it close and gave themselves a great shot to finish off the series with a shorthanded roster.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For the opponent's perspective throughout the series, check outIndy Cornrows and SB Nation Indiana. And for all your news and notes on the playoffs matchups, visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Danny Granger Injury Update: Forward Sore, But Will Start Game 6 Vs. Miami Heat

2012-05-24T16:45:56Z

While Danny Granger has reported to be sore entering Thursday night's Game 6, Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel has said that the forward will start Thursday and will log his normal game minutes according to FOX 59 Indianapolis sports reporter Jeremiah Johnson.

Frank Vogel says Danny Granger is sore, but will start, Vogel is planning to play him his normal minutes but will evaluate
— Jeremiah Johnson (@JJFOX59SPORTS) May 24, 2012

So far in the playoffs, Granger has averaged 17.2 points per game along with 5.8 rebounds per game and 2.3 assists per game. The Pacers will need some kind of an inside presence with Miami's Chris Bosh out with an injury and Udonis Haslem suspended in order to extend their season beyond Thursday.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier and and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For the opponent's perspective throughout the series, check out Indy Cornrows and SB Nation Indiana. And for all your news and notes on the playoffs matchups, visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Erik Spoelstra Is Not Happy With Lack Of Pacers Discipline

2012-05-24T15:50:19Z

On Tuesday, the NBA handed down suspensions for Miami Heat big men Dexter Pittman and Udonis Haslem for their flagrant fouls in Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. While both men probably deserved a suspension, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is not happy with the decision.

SPOELSTRA: "The league does not have a problem with hard fouls on our two main guys." #Heat #NBA #Pacers
— Joseph Goodman (@MiamiHeraldHeat) May 24, 2012

Spoelstra is likely referring to the fact that Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough also picked up a flagrant-2 foul in the same game, but unlike Haslem and Pittman was not suspended for the game. It's likely the league office viewed the flagrants as different entities, considering both Pittman and Haslem's fouls were in retaliation for Pacers fouls.

It's very likely Spoelstra will be fined by the NBA for his critical comments, but he's clearly not happy about the decision.

Heat Can Overcome Haslem Suspension in Game 6 Against The Pacers

2012-05-24T12:13:48Z

As the Miami Heat look to close out their Easter Conference Semifinals series away against the Indiana Pacers in game six tonight, they'll be without big men Udonis Haslem and Dexter Pittman as both are suspended due to flagrant fouls in game five. While Pittman has only played a bit part in the playoffs, Haslem is usually one of the first front court players off the bench for Miami.

With Chris Bosh ruled out for game six, Haslem's presence is even more important. Can Miami cope without the presence of the former Florida Gator?

While Haslem will be missed, Diego Quezada of Peninsula Is Mightier says they've already succeeded without him:

In the last two games of this series, the Heat have played well with and without Haslem. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade dominated each third quarter in Games 4 and 5 while Haslem sat on the bench, but the 6-foot-8 Miami native made four field goals in the fourth quarter of Game 4 to protect the Heat lead. It's also noteworthy to acknowledge that the team that has won the rebounding battle has won each game in this series, and Haslem is a good rebounder.

For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier.