NBA Playoffs 2013 schedule: LeBron James buzzer beater gives Miami 103-102 win

The Pacers and Heat engaged in a pretty physical battle all night long. Shane Battier got things started when he accidentally landed a knee in Roy Hibbert’s groin. Say it with me now: ouch.

The game only got more nasty from there. As usual, Tyler Hansbrough got into it with some opponents.

The first time, LeBron James drove by George Hill to get to the basket for an easy layup that put the Heat ahead, 101-99, with :10 seconds remaining. After Indiana’s Paul George was fouled on a three-point attempt and hit all three free throws, the Heat would have the ball with just two seconds remaining. Again, Vogel subbed out Hibbert for Tyler Hansbrough. Again, James broke to the hole past the Pacers defense for an easy layup.

After the game, Vogel was the target of plenty of criticism for his decision to take out his prized rim protector. Hibbert’s reaction on the Pacers’ bench summed up what ever NBA fan was trying to say. You know the old saying: a .GIF is worth 1,000 tweets.

And here’s the video, via CBS’ Eye on Basketball:

Here’s what could sway the series opener.

The Heat’s small lineup could be equally deadly. Bosh has been quiet this postseason, averaging 13.2 points per game, but he could find himself with many opportunities as a stretch center. Bosh is shooting 46.7 percent from three-point range, though he’s been selective in his attempts. His influence on the perimeter could pull Hibbert away from his shotblocking duties, all while giving Miami a consistent and efficient scoring option.

George’s development didn’t stop in April. Last spring, he seemed overwhelmed on the playoff stage, shooting less than 40 percent and averaging fewer than 10 points per game. LeBron dominated him in the second round, scoring three times as often.

This postseason, George has continued to score even when his shot has abandoned him by getting to the free throw line almost eight times a game. His defense, particularly against Melo, has been superb. It takes a short memory to be a defensive stopper and George didn’t let Anthony’s periodic hot streaks affect the rest of each game.

The Heat host a more mature group of Pacers this year, and the Eastern Conference finals tip Wednesday in Miami at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Quick, name the last time a team made the NBA Conference Finals with no top-eight draft picks anywhere on the roster.

If you correctly guessed the 1983 Spurs, you can have all my blogger cash.