Miami shines in OT to put Bulls on the brink

source: AFP

MIAMI, Florida — Miami are one win away from their second trip to the NBA finals in five years as LeBron James led the way with 35 points and the Heat topped Chicago 101-93 in overtime for a 3-1 series lead.

Chris Bosh added 22 points Tuesday and Miami put the Bulls on the brink of elimination in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference final series.

"It is a great team win and great defence by us," James said. "Even though it took an extra five minutes we still held serve."

 

Dwyane Wade scored six of his 14 points in the final couple of minutes for the Heat who have won three straight games.

The series now switches to Chicago for game five.

"It always stings. It always stings to lose," said Bulls Joakim Noah. "This was a tough fight tonight and this is a tough loss right now.

"We know we are a tough team at home and nobody here wants this to end. We will be ready to fight."

The Bulls were led by Derrick Rose with 23 points. Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer each scored 20 points for Chicago, who lost three consecutive games for the first time this season.

The win extends Miami's home win streak in the post-season to eight games. They have also won a franchise record nine post-season games dating back to last season.

Mike Miller chipped in with nine of the 12 points in the fourth for the Heat, who won the NBA championship in 2006.

"It is a great win," James said. "We protected home court. We had to earn everything. We needed extra innings for this one."

James was also able to shut down Rose in the overtime as the Heat forced Chicago to make costly turnovers late in the game.

Wade struggled in regulation but stepped up his play in overtime with two superb blocks.

"My teammates kept telling me that I am going to make the biggest play of game. I stuck with it," James said.
James shot 11-of-26 from the field and went a perfect 13 for 13 from the free throw line. Bosh did his part making 10 of his 11 free throws as the Heat nailed 24 straight from the free throw line.