2012 NBA Playoffs

Miami, FL

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 61 points as the Miami Heat overcame an injury to Chris Bosh early on to beat the Indiana Pacers, 95-86, in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semis series Sunday at American Airlines Arena.

After bagging his third MVP honors in four years, LeBron James was back in his office and came up with 32 points and a season-high 15 boards to help the Heat take the series-opener against the Pacers.

Wade also tallied 29 points while Bosh recorded 13 points and 5 boards before leaving after sustaining a lower abdominal injury late in the first half. Bosh is expected to undergo an MRI in an attempt to determine the extent of the damage.

Faced with a six-point deficit and Bosh's absence in the second half, the Heat leaned on their dynamic duo as James and Wade willed their team in a back-and-fourth showdown with the Pacers in the third quarter.

James continued to deliver the goods in the fourth quarter, recording 16 of his total points in the period alone. The three-time NBA MVP shot 12-for-26 from the field and applied remarkable defense on Danny Granger, who just scored 10 points on 1-for-10 shooting.

The Heat played strong on both ends of the floor in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Pacers 25-16 to build a significant lead down the stretch. The Heat grabbed 45 boards and forced the Pacers to commit 15 turnovers.

David West (17 points and 12 boards) and Roy Hibbert (17 points and 11 boards) each have a double-double for Indiana but their effort was not enough to foil down the Heat in the series opener.

Game 2 of the series will take place Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET, at American Airlines Arena.

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James talk after the Heat's win

 

 

LeBron and Wade Combine for 61 points as Heat Topple Pacers