The Miami Heat are headed to the second round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, are cleaning up in Game 5 to finish off the New York Knicks 4-1 in their opening round series. The Heat pulled away in the second half to cruise to a double-digit victory, 106-94. The Knicks had no answers for Miami on the defensive end, with the Heat shooting 44 percent from the floor and the Big 3 all putting in significant work on offense.
LeBron James led Miami with 29 points, but the likely MVP had a complete floor game an added eight rebounds and seven assists to eliminate the Knicks. Dwyane Wade had an array of highlights throughout the evening, twisting through traffic and pulling off multiple circus shots. Both he and Chris Bosh finished with 19 points for Erik Spoelstra, who's looking to follow up on last year's Finals appearance with an NBA title.
The Knicks ended their NBA record postseason losing streak in Game 4, but the series was still well in hand for the Heat. Carmelo Anthony added 35 points in Game 5 but New York couldn't stop Miami yet again.
Miami moves on to face the No. 3 seed Indiana Pacers with Game 1 set for Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Stick with this StoryStream for news and updates throughout the first round series between the Heat and Knicks. For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For the opponent's perspective throughout the series, check out Posting And Toasting, SB Nation's Knicks blog. And for all your news and notes on the playoffs matchups, visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.