Maybe it just took a quarter for the Miami Heat to settle in for the playoffs. After trailing by 12 after the first quarter in Miami, the Heat were white-hot in the second quarter, and lead 54-49 at halftime.
Heat Vs. 76ers: Miami Storms Back In Second Quarter To Lead At Halftime
The Heat began the second quarter on a 26-7 run, and stifled the Sixers’ inside game with a zone defense. LeBron James scored 12 points in the quarter, mostly by driving to the basket at will and converting free throws, and leads all scorers with 15 points. He also collected seven rebounds.
Chris Bosh has been more assertive inside, too, pulling down eight rebounds to go along with his 10 points. Dwyane Wade has settled for a facilitator’s role, racking up five assists to go with six points.
And while the Big Three flourished in the second quarter, the Sixers struggled. Elton Brand had just two points in the period; Evan Turner proved inadequate as James’ defensive matchup; Thaddeus Young’s poor shooting and finishing has him at just three of 10 shots made in the first half.
If the first quarter was a roundhouse from Philly, the second quarter was a haymaker from the Heat. And, what’s more, Miami has already taken a punch today — now, the Sixers have to respond./p>
Be sure to check out our full Heat vs. 76ers series preview. For more on Miami, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For Sixers coverage, check out Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly.
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