Finally! Lebron James and Dwayne Wade play the way we all expected them to. James outshined Wade because of his whopping 18 rebounds and 9 assists. Oh..and he dropped 40 points, guiding the Heat to a 101-93 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Wade apparently realized that five points in a playoff game would not be enough to get Miami through this series. He added 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists, proving too much for the Pacers.
This is exactly what the Heat need and, honestly, the only way they can win if they want to get a championship. With no Chris Bosh, the Heat are in need of big games from their two stars.
Wade and James will have to dominate and lead the team in scoring. They are the most dangerous duo in the NBA and have to use their skills to win games. If they are to win in the playoffs, they will have to continue combining for 70-plus points in every game.
Maybe more than 70 will be required since, at one point, it seemed like this performance would not be enough. The Pacers had the opportunity to get the game within three points with less than 24 seconds left to play. With the score 98-93, George Hill drove the ball in but stopped short of basket, settling for an outside shot. He missed and the Heat put the game out of reach with free throws.
When Lebron and Wade are able to control the game, their teammates get better quality shots. Udonis Haslem came through for the Heat in the fourth quarter. He went 5-6 from the floor and finished with 14 points making big shots when given the opportunity.
It was Haslem in Game 4 and it could be Mike Miller, Shane Battier or Mario Chalmers knocking down pivotal shots in Game 5. Miami has the talent to win it all, but they will need Wade and James to be great every game.
Game 5 will be played in Miami Tuesday night. The Pacers have proven to be a competitive team, but if Lebron and Wade repeat their Game 4 performance, this series will be over in six games.
