Pacers vs. Heat: Miami Proves They Are Tough Enough to Win NBA Finals

The Miami Heat ousted the Indiana Pacers from the playoffs last night and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. During the course of the six-game series, they displayed the toughness and resilience required of a champion.

In the decisive contest, the Heat were forced to compete without star Chris Bosh (injury), key forward Udonis Haslem and backup center Dexter Pittman (suspensions). Their absences did not matter, as Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and the rest of the supporting cast were able to will the team to a 105-93 victory.

Most importantly, the Miami players learned that they are able to take a punch (sometimes literally), get back up and keep fighting. They quickly adapted and didn’t quit or back down, even if it meant drawing a technical or chancing suspension to prove a point and get even.

Towards the beginning of the series, Indiana had gained a psychological advantage over their opponent. Danny Granger constantly confronted LeBron and his pseudo-tough guy act appeared to be making an impact on the King.

The Pacers as a whole seemed to be concentrated on consistently delivering hard playoff fouls and daring the refs to call them each time. They took a 2-1 advantage and appeared destined to pull off the upset.

Game 4 was a turning point and LeBron was clearly fed up with being bullied. He exploded for 40 points, 18 rebounds and 9 assists with Wade following suit by putting together a 30 point, nine rebound, six assist performance during a 101-93 win.

Miami did not lose a game the rest of series and finally forged an identity.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat will take on the winner of the Celtics vs. 76ers series. Both of those squads are just as, if not more chippy than the Pacers. The Heat will not let that quality affect them in that series, as they are battle-hardened and ready to win a championship after overcoming the Pacers.