The Indiana Pacers stormed back in the second quarter of Game 3 against the Miami Heat to erase a nine-point first quarter deficit. Miami went on run in the first quarter to assert control, rebounding nicely from the ugly end to Game 2 on Tuesday night. But the Pacers evened things up at 43-43 heading into the locker room in Indianapolis.
LeBron James leads all scorers with 16 points through the first 24 minutes. James was 7 of 13 from the floor in the first half, while also grabbing six rebounds. With the Heat trailing by two, James pulled off one of his patented drives and threw down a skying one-handed dunk to tie it at 43-43. Video of the dunk below:
But as has been the case all series, the Heat had a chance to take the lead in the final possession of the half but clanked two three-pointers from their role players. Miami's bench has played an increased role so far, however, out-scoring the Pacers' bench. And Erik Spoelstra needed it because Dwyane Wade, his other superstar, was ice cold and held scoreless for the third time in 94 halves of career playoff basketball. Mario Chalmers filled in nicely with a 13-point effort.
The Heat will look to wake up Wade in the second half and reclaim home-court advantage with a Game 3 victory.
For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier and andSB 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.