Breakfast is over for LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Next is a lunch date with the battled-tested Boston Celtics.
76ers Vs. Heat, Game 5: Miami Overcomes Another Poor Start To Seal Series
Dwyane Wade scored 26 points, Chris Bosh had 22 and the Miami Heat eliminated Philadelphia from the playoffs Wednesday with a 97-91 victory in Game 5 of their first-round Eastern Conference series.
In three previous games of the series, the Sixers put the Heat in an early hole, something that drove Miami coach Erik Spoelstra bonkers.
It happened again in Game 5. The Sixers led 13-4 when Spoelstra was forced to call timeout. And once again, the Heat responded.
After the timeout, Miami outscored Philly 23-10 and scored 14 consecutive points at one point. That 10-point deficit was suddenly a four-point lead.
Lucky for the Heat, they were playing the Sixers and not, say, the Celtics or the Hawks, both of whom might have been able to capitalize further. Still, Spoelstra wants to make sure credit is given to Philadelphia for their effort in the series.
"People say we weren't ready, and that's a discredit to the Philadelphia 76ers...We had to fight this entire series. They pushed us the entire way and made us find different ways to win."
Now the Heat move on to the second round where they'll meet the Boston Celtics.
Check out our Heat vs. Sixers hub for full coverage of this series. For more on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For more on the Sixers, visit Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly.
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