NBA Playoffs 2012: The Heat Is on in Miami vs. Indiana Series

Dwayne Wade summoned up the D-Wade of old and poured in 30 points to assist Lebron James' 40 points, 18 rebound 9 assist performance to lead the Miami Heat to a 101-93 win over the Indiana Pacers and tie the series at 2-2.

The beginning of the game started to look like a repeat of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals when the Pacers came out to a 25-18 first quarter lead. The Pacers then kept that lead going into the half with an 8-point spread.

Then it happened.

In the second half, James and Wade exploded with 38 consecutive points and served notice to everyone that had doubted them:

They were not ready to go away just yet.

Wade stepped up hitting jump shots, slashing layups and some extremely difficult shots. In one play, Wade fell down, passed out of it, received the ball back and nailed the three-pointer. He then ran down the court with his finger raised in the air seemingly to say “number one.”  He went on to complete 22 of 30 in the second half.

It wasn’t just the “dynamic duo” that brought home the win for the Heat. They received a significant contribution from Udonis Haslem, who chipped in 14 points off the bench.

So have the Pacers and critics alike awaken the sleeping giant? Hard to tell, but it seems that James and Wade grew tired of the criticism and may have decided to take matters into their own hands. Either way, it’s making for a great series.