Miami’s will last for a while.
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It was the most critical play in the most critical game of the series so far.
Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) goes up for a shot against Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) and guard Gerald Green (14) during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball playoffs first-round series, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, in Miami.
Hassan Whiteside wanted to sound off on Purple Shirt Man, too, but thanks to a timely block from a PR guy he saved himself. The Heat showed a more balanced offense with all of Miami’s starters scoring in double figures led by Dwyane Wade, who had 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and Luol Deng, who continued to have a great series vs. the Hornets in scoring 21 points on 9 of 14 shooting.
Neither call came, and the Heat are on the brink of elimination.
The Hornets had their chance to end this series and they blew it. This is where the Heat have a similar performance to game one and two, and they get the job done rather convincingly.
Wade was even more succinct.
“I feel like tonight our offense wasn’t the problem”, Jefferson said. “It ain’t going to change anything. I think you’re going to see this entire arena at a completely different level than you’ve ever seen it before”.
The Heat overcame a playoff career-high 37 points from Kemba Walker to hand the Hornets only their 11th loss of the season at home. “We talked with D-Wade as well and they all have talked to me as well”, James said.
– Charlotte’s Courtney Lee argued he had a shot goaltended by Wade with a minute left. Down by 2, Wade grabbed an errant shot out of the air on the left baseline and made an aggressive move toward the basket. Charlotte will be ready to go, but Wade’s desire to get his team a win can not be overlooked. So I told coach if you need me in the second half, call me.
The 13-year veteran guard had not hit a 3-pointer since December, but he was looking to step up in any way he could with the game – and the series – on the line. The Raptors haven’t been out of the first round since that 2001 season, and the pressure they’ll face Sunday against a Pacers team that has held leads of 17 points in each of the last three games will be enormous.
The Charlotte Hornets and Miami heat square off Sunday afternoon for game seven at the American Airlines Arena. But Miami went cold, shooting 32 percent the rest of the way.
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Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he noticed Lee was in “the deep corner” of the court when the key sequence began.
