Jun 1, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Heat players including Ray Allen (34) , Dwyane Wade (3) and Shane Battier (right) react on the bench during the second half in game six of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 91-77. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
1. Why did the Heat lose Game 6?
Kris: The Heat lost Game 6 because the Pacers took it from them. The Pacers made all the big plays that Miami didn’t. Again, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were pretty much no-shows (as they have been for all of the playoffs). It’s getting to the point where the Heat are almost underdogs, even with their home court advantage. They should still win, but it’s not guaranteed anymore.
DJ: They lost because Lebron James once again received no help. The entire Heat team save Lebron shot just 31% from the field. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were once again useless, with Wade scoring just 10 points on 3-11 shooting, while Bosh scored just five points on 1-8 shooting.
2. Will the Game 6 loss have any effect on the Heat in Game 7?
Kris: It’s more than possible. Dwyane Wade said after the game, that the team needs to do better at getting him and Bosh more involved in the offense. That is something I have never heard him say before. Maybe the uncertainty of his injury has him looking to place blame, but it’s unlike Wade. However, they are a veteran laden team, and they should still feel they will advance.
DJ: It depends. I don’t expect the loss to weigh heavily on the Heat, because it’s a veteran-laden team with a load of playoff experience and a championship under their belts. On the other hand, it will have an effect on the Heat if Wade, Bosh and company continue to “no-show” and not complement Lebron in leading the team to victory.
3. What is the probability of the Heat winning Game 7?
Kris: It’s a 50/50 proposition at this point. It sadly hinges on whether Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh can put some points on the board and put some pressure on the Pacers defense. This is one game to save a season, and we will see how the team responds.
DJ: I still think the Heat win this series. They have the best player on the planet, and I expect Wade and/or Bosh to do just enough to aid Lebron in leading the Heat to victory in Game 7. Factor in that the Heat are playing at home, and that they’ll likely receive some favorable calls (it’s gone back and forth with favorable officiating), and it’s hard not to see the Heat winning this game. Factor in that Chris Andersen will be back, and that the Heat are still the better team, it’s gonna have to take great games by Roy Hibbert, Paul George and at least one of the backcourt members of Lance Stephenson and George Hill for the Pacers to pull off the upset.