MIAMI, FL -- Lebron and the Heat have not lost at home in this series. Can they make one more home stand to force Game 7? Only 2 teams have forced Jordan to a Game 7 in their 6 title runs. Can the 2013 Heat do the same?
Game link:
https://youtu.be/EYvyKAbvAaQ
It was a high scoring 1stQ as both teams came to play. Michael Jordan was feeling it early, 7/10 from the field for 15 pts while Pippen also finished in double digits. Wade and James combined for 17, and it was a 2-pt lead for the Bulls after a buzzerbeating 3 from The Birdman at the end of the period.
Things slowed down in the 2nd quarter as shooting percentages went down. The Bulls had more success with Jordan and led by as much as 7 pts late. But a late surge by the Heat, including another buzzerbeating heave, this time from Mike Miller, from the opposite side of the court had both teams tied again going into the half.
Still anybody's game at the break. 51-51.
With Lebron aggressive early, the Heat got up 3 pts on the Bulls midway thru the 3rd. But the Bulls would go on a 9-0 run that would put the Bulls firmly ahead. Jordan would score 14 pts in the 3rd, including a buzzerbeating fadeaway over Ray Allen as the 3rd quarter closed. Bulls lead by 8, 82-74 heading into the 4th and final quarter.
Pippen and Wade led their teams to start the 4th as both Lebron and Jordan started on the bench to rest for the final push. Pippen outplayed Wade on both ends and had the Bulls up by as much as 11. When both MJ and Lebron came back, the Bulls would go on a dominating run defensively and offensively. Bulls would hold the Heat to just 2 pts in a 4 minute span while MJ scored 8 in a 19-2 run that completely broke the back of the Heat. Lebron was extremely quiet, and even got overworkedby Wade in the final minutes who was the only aggressor the whole game.
Bulls win convincingly 99-92.
The 2 Bulls superstars showed up to play. Jordan led everyone with 46 pts 10 assts. Pippen was solid with 27 pts 9 rebs 6 assts 2 stls 1 blk. Rodman grabbed 14 boards.
Wade led the Heat with 25 pts 3 rebs 7 assts 3 stls 1 blk. Lebron was mostly a no-show with 19 pts on 7/19 shooting.