Post-Game Grades: After Heat Win Game 6, Advance to NBA Finals
By JCook
Miami Heat 117, Indiana Pacers 92
Recap | Box Score
LeBron James: A+
8-12 FG, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 25 points
No need for an explanation. After being plagued with foul trouble in Game 5. The King showed Lance he can’t get in the head of the greatest in the world, and sent the Pacers Back to Indiana, back to where they started from, Jackson 5 style. The stat line speaks for itself. 25pts-6reb-4ast on 66% shooting. Long Live The King, enough said.
Chris Bosh: A
10-14 FG (1-2 3FG), 8 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 25 points
He’s one of the most undervalued players on the Heat, and genuinely surprised me tonight. I didn’t think he would be on top of his game, but boy did he prove me wrong. Bosh was right there every step of the way for the Heat, and proved why he has a right to be a member of the Big 3. KABOSH!
Dwyane Wade: A
6-12 FG (1-3 3FG), 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 13 points
His 13-6-6 night will be forgotten, but Wade’s presence on the court was all Miami needed from the 3-Time Champ. He’ll get to enjoy some hard earned rest as the Heat head towards the NBA Finals for a 4th straight year.
Rashard Lewis: A
5-11 FG (3-7 3FG), 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 13 points
He showed up when they needed it in Games 5 and 6 combining for 31 points. The 34 year old, who has been called a wasted off season move by critics, silenced everyone in these ECFs. Bravo Rashard, Bravo.
Pacers: F-
The Pacers showed their true colors tonight. Maybe one day they will make it to the promise land, but not today. Just like I said they would, the Heat buried the ’13-’14 Pacers. And if we’re lucky, it will be the last time we ever see Lance Stephenson in an Indiana jersey. He has a great rags to riches story, but he destroyed any respect I would have ever had for him after this series. Enjoy the summer Pacers. One day, maybe one day.
Miami Heat: A
After a slow start, they dominated till the very end and turned this game into the laugher I predicted last night. Posting a total of (117) and holding the Pacers to (92), Miami showed why they are the champs and why the #1 seed didn’t matter. Indiana showed no fight, and this was identical to last year’s Game 7. The Heat are now the first team since the ’84-’87 Boston Celtics to make it to 4 straight NBA Finals. And FINALLY the coffin lid is shut, good bye Lance. Goodbye ’13-’14 Pacers. Good riddance.
American Airlines Arena: A+++
Thanks to the early atmosphere, and possibly Lance’s antics, the crowd overwhelmed the Pacers as well. Championship teams win on the road, that’s why home court didn’t matter for the Heat. That’s why Game 7 last year was Game 6 this year. They might get a bad rep, but when it mattered most HEAT NATION showed up and proved why it’s nearly impossible to win in South Beach
The hope for a Trey by the Bay lives on!