2012 NBA Playoffs

Miami, FL

Dwyane Wade scored 8 of his 23 points in overtime as the Miami Heat escaped the Boston Celtics, 115-111 to take a 2-0 series advantage in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference finals showdown.

The Heat survived another close game this postseason, leaning on their two superstars to provide clutch baskets when needed most.

James led the way statistically for Miami with 34 points, 10 boards, and 7 dimes but it was Wade's heroic effort that gave the Heat upper hand in their epic Game 2 showdown with the Celtics.

Fueled by Rajon Rondo's career night, the Celtics took a 53-36 lead at halftime and engaged in a back-and-forth contest in the final five minutes of the game.

Wade split his free-throws to give Miami a three-point edge, 99-96, with 47.7 seconds left but the Celtics responded on the end with a three-point bomb from Ray Allen to even the game at 99-99 with 34.3 seconds remaining.

The Heat had a chance to take back the lead but James missed his layup attempt and then bungled a jumper as regulation expired.

Boston continued to rely on the hot-shooting Rondo in the overtime period but Miami still had enough air left in the tank to go all-out against an exhausted Celtics squad.

Rondo scored 12 of his career-high 44 points in overtime but his effort just came short to prevent the Celtics from facing a 2-0 hole in the series.

Rondo also dished out 10 dimes, 8 boards, and 3 steals in 53 minutes while Kevin Garnett scored 18 points on a sour 6-for-18 shooting. Ray Allen contributed 13 points and Paul Pierce tallied 21 but fouled out in the final seconds of the fourth quarter.

The Heat received unexpected scoring help from Mario Chalmers, who finished with 22 points and 6 assists in 22 minutes of action.

With momentum on their side, the Heat guns for a commanding 3-0 lead as the series shifts to Boston for Games 3 and 4 at T.D Garden.

 

Wade Carries Heat Past Celtics in OT; Miami Nets 2-0 Series Lead