The Miami Heat advance to their fourth straight NBA Finals with a 117-92 thrashing of the Indiana Pacers in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Miami was hot, making 57.9 percent of their shot attempts from the floor. The Heat connected on 11 of its 26 3-point attempts and miss only three free throws (18 of 21).
The Heat held the Pacers to 13 points in the first quarter and led by 11. At halftime, Miami held a 60-34 advantage.
Miami small forward LeBron James and center Chris Bosh led the way with 25 points each. Bosh grabbed eight rebounds, and James dished out six assists.
Shooting guard Dwyane Wade and power forward Rashard Lewis both chipped in with 13 points. Wade also recorded six rebounds.
“We’ve all put ourselves in great situations,” Wade said in his postgame press conference on ESPN. “We’re just going to continue to try and enjoy this moment that we’re in because it’s an amazing moment.”
Indiana’s high-scorer was small forward Paul George. He scored 29 points, 28 of which came in the second half. He also grabbed eight rebounds.
Power forward David West posted 16 points. Shooting guard Lance Stephenson was also in double figures with 11 points, according to ESPN.
Since James, Wade and Bosh have teamed up in South Beach, the Heat have won all 10 potential series-clinching games at home.
“Our fans have been amazing,” James said in his postgame press conference on ESPN. “We just wanted to try and do our part.”
The Heat become the third NBA franchise to advance to four straight NBA Finals, joining the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Miami will begin its quest for a three-peat in game one of the NBA Finals on June 5.