2014 NBA playoff schedule: Heat, Spurs try to close out series
Both teams have home games against their respective semifinals opponents on their home floors on Wednesday night.
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Two Game 5s take place in the NBA playoffs on Wednesday night, both involving teams from last season's NBA Finals. Miami looks like a strong contender to eliminate an inconsistent Nets team, while the Trail Blazers will need to find a little magic to beat San Antonio at home. Let's take a look at the action.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Miami Heat, Game 5
7 p.m. ET (TNT)
Miami took care of business against the Nets on Monday, albeit with LeBron James having to tie his record for points scored in a playoff game with 49. James was spectacular, but it took a three-pointer from Chris Bosh in the final minute to really seal the deal against Brooklyn.
NBA Playoffs
The Nets have been inconsistent all series, failing to play complete games against Miami, where Erik Spoelstra’s squad has looked ready to adapt and execute for a full 48 minutes. For Brooklyn, getting its offense back on track and standing up to the pressure issued by Miami late in games will be the deciding factor. From here on out, they have to play like every game is their last -- because it is.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs, Game 5
9:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
The Trail Blazers had it all on Monday night. Bench scoring, solid defense and a shifted offense that took what was given from the Spurs. Will Barton was a surprise off the bench, scoring 17 points when Portland sorely needed someone to replace the production from the injured Mo Williams. Damian Lillard was crisp, and for once, the Blazers were able to shut down San Antonio from three-point range.
NBA Playoffs
For the Spurs, things were likely more how they expected coming into the semifinals. They steamrolled Portland in the first three games, an oddity even for a team with a top-flight game plan from Gregg Popovich. San Antonio appeared frustrated after Game 4, but a tweak here or there could have them back to pulling out double-digit first half leads. Going back to Texas, the Spurs have a chance to clinch. It’s hard to count out a Tim Duncan-led team in that scenario.
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