Game 7 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals was looking like a game for the ages, but LeBron James and the Miami Heat surged past the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter to win 101-88 and advance to the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James had a game high 31 points and 12 rebounds, but he received more help on Saturday as three other Heat players scored in double figures. Dwayne Wade added 23 points on 8-17 shooting from the floor and 7-8 from the free-throw line in the victory. Chris Bosh played over 31 minutes off the bench and scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds in his best performance since his return from injury.
All five Celtics starters scored in double-digits, but the bench players managed just two points and that led to the team’s offensive struggles in the second half. Point guard Rajon Rondo had a triple-double for Boston as he scored 22 points, dished out 14 assists, and grabbed 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough and now the Boston Celtics – and specifically team president Danny Ainge – will have some major decisions to make this off-season regarding their veteran players.
The NBA Finals present a terrific matchup as James looks to win his first championship and the young -and very talented – Thunder look to set their mark on the league. All the action begins later in the week, but the build up will surely have fans and social media all abuzz.
All of the action gets underway with Game 1 (click here for preview) on Tuesday night live from the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, and only on ABC.
