INDIANA 500

If tonight's game was an indication of what the Eastern Conference Finals will look like this spring NBA fans are in for a treat.

LeBron James put on a show in the first half.  King James reached the 20 point plateau before intermission for the fifth time this season.  The physical tone of this game was present from the start.  Miami held a slight one point edge at the half.

The intensity kicked up a notch in the second half.  With 6:30 remaining in the third period Lance Stevenson and Mario Chalmers got into a chest bumping match.  Dwayne Wade came over to defend Chalmers.  The scrum resulted in Wade and Stevenson both receiving technical fouls.  Stevenson played with a chip on his shoulder tonight.  Miami ended the third quarter on a furious 15-4 run to take a five point lead into the fourth period. 

LeBron is still recovering from the broken nose he suffered earlier this season.  For much of the game the Pacers played LeBron the way the Detroit Pistons defended Michael Jordan.  LeBron's elbow to Roy Hibberts's jaw may have been a retaliation to Indiana's physical approach.

Stevenson managed to get himself ejected in the fourth quarter.  After a marvelous drive to the basket,  Stevenson taunted Wade and received his second technical.  Evan Turners presence was felt for the first time in a playoff atmosphere.  Turners driving lay-up gave the Pacers a one point lead late in the fourth.

The Pacers and Heat will meet one more time this season.  Indiana has more work to do this year.  This win places them in firm control of their own destiny with 10 games remaining this season.


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