The Miami Heat dominated the second half in a 98-86 victory over the Indiana Pacers and now control the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Heat led by three at halftime, but went on a huge 20-2 run during the third quarter to take control of the game. LeBron James finished with a game-high 36 points.
Pacers vs. Heat recap: Miami controls No. 1 seed with 98-86 victory over Indiana
No Dwyane Wade, no problem. The Heat took the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a win over the Pacers.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
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Roy Hibbert was held scoreless until the mid-way point of the third quarter and Indiana struggled with turnovers throughout the game. Hibbert finished with five points and one rebound. Paul George scored a team-high 22 points. George and Lance Stephenson combined for eight turnovers.
James made 12 of his 13 free-throw attempts while leading the Heat during the dominant third quarter stretch. He scored 13 of his 36 points during the quarter. Miami out-rebounded Indiana, 40-31, controlling the glass and allowing only five offensive rebounds.
Miami controls the No. 1 seed in the East, taking a half-game lead over the Pacers. If the Heat win the remaining three games on their schedule, they will hold on to the top spot, but Indiana could have a chance at taking it back if Miami loses one of the team’s final three games.
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