The Boston Celtics take their second stab at sending the Miami Heat packing when the two clubs meet in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at TD Garden.
With Miami facing elimination on Sunday, Dwyane Wade went off for a franchise playoff record 46 points to lead the Heat to a 101-92 victory over the Celtics. Wade, scored 19 of his points in the fourth quarter, when he sank four of his five three-pointers. He shot 16-of-24 overall and made 9-of-14 free throws in the victory, which extended the series to a fifth game. "I know a lot of people expected us to roll over," Wade said. "That weighed heavily on my mind. I wasn't ready for the summer yet. We have a fight ahead of us, but they have a fight ahead of them as well."
Wade's 16 field goals and 30 points in the second half were also Heat playoff records and the superstar has now scored in double-figures in franchise record 62 consecutive playoff games. Despite Wade's performance, the Celtics still hold a commanding 3-1 series lead and the Heat face tremendous odds, as no team in NBA history has ever rallied from an 0-3 deficit to win a seven-game series.
Wade got help from Quentin Richardson, who scored 20 points, while Michael Beasley added 15 in Game 4.Rajon Rondo led Boston with 23 points and nine assists, while Kevin Garnett added 18 points and 12 boards. The Celtics had chances to trim their deficit to one possession down the stretch, but shot only 2-of-8 from the line and 5-of-17 overall in the fourth quarter. Notably, Ray Allen and Garnett each missed a pair from the line in the final two minutes as Miami held on.
"They had a stretch where they made some baskets. Wade got hot and there was no looking back," Garnett said.
Paul Pierce, who won Game 3 with a long jumper at the buzzer, ended with 16 points for Boston. The Celtics have won eight of nine and 14 of 16 against Miami, including this set. This is the first time these two franchises have met in the postseason. Meanwhile, this could be the last game Wade ever plays as a member of the Heat. The superstar has the right to opt-out of his contract and become a free agent on July 1.
stake: 9/10
picks: 1 (-5,0)
odds: 1.795
bookmaker: paddypower
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