LeBron ties playoff career-high to lift Heat over Nets in Game 4

Miami Heat forward LeBron James single-handedly willed the Miami Heat to victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, tying a playoff career-high with 49 points en route to the 102-96 victory.

The teams remained relatively close through most of the second half, with neither managing anything more than a six-point lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. However, the Heat were able to out-execute the Nets down the stretch. 

Notably, the Heat were buoyed by a clutch triple from forward Chris Bosh with just under a minute left which gave Miami a lead they would not relinquish. Heat guard Ray Allen sunk four straight free-throws to seal the victory for Miami.

The Nets were led by guard Joe Johnson, who scored 18 points in the loss. He was joined by forward Paul Pierce, guard Deron Williams, guard Shaun Livingston and forward Alan Anderson, who all scored in double-digits for Brooklyn.

With the win, the Heat head back home to Miami with the 3-1 series lead, and a chance to advance into the Eastern Conference finals.

Star Performer

Who else? 

LeBron James carried his team to victory, scoring 49 points on 16-of-24 shooting from the field, 3-of-6 from deep and 14-for-19 from the free-throw line. He also chipped in with six rebounds, two assists and three steals.

James tied a career-high in playoff scoring in the win. He managed to score his 49th point in the dying seconds of the game with a free-throw attempt. However, his second try bounced off the rim, much to the dismay of a frustrated James. He previously scored 49 points in a playoff game in 2009 against the Orlando Magic.

LeBron broke the Heat's playoff-high of 46 points scored, a record previously held by teammate Dwyane Wade. James' night was also a unique occurrence in a historical context, as he is the only player dating back to 1985-86 to have scored 49 or more points on 24 or fewer shot attempts. And to think, Paul Pierce wanted to guard LeBron.

Turning Point

With Miami and Brooklyn tied at 94 apiece going into the final minute, Heat head coach drew up a play involving the Heat's "Big 3", which culminated in forward Chris Bosh sinking a key triple.

The play started with Wade inputting the ball to LeBron in the post. James' presence near the rim commanded extra attention in the form of help defenders. Nets center Kevin Garnett slid over to shade James, which successfully stemmed LeBron's desire to attack the basket. Instead, James dutifully kicked it out to guard Mario Chalmers, who instantly swung it over to Bosh in the corner, who was wide open thanks to Garnett's decision to help in the paint on James. The basket was pure, which gave the Heat the lead for good.

Highlight Reel

LeBron and James Jones turn defense into offense

James chats with Beyonce and Jay-Z, proceeds to dunk

Garnett goes back in time

Pierce joins him

"He Got Game" reunion

Jay-Z and Beyonce take in the game courtside

Thus prompting Charles Barkley to ask "where's Solange?"

Quotes of the Night

Jason Kidd states the obvious

Erik Spoelstra invents a word to describe LeBron's performance

Series at a Glance

Game 1: MIA 107 BKN 86 (Heat lead series 1-0)
Game 2: MIA 94, BKN 82 (Heat lead series 2-0)
Game 3: BRK 104, MIA 90 (Heat lead series 2-1)
Game 4: MIA 102, BRK 96 (Heat lead series 3-1)
Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 - TBD
Game 6*: Friday, May 16 - TBD
Game 7* - Sunday, May 18 - TBD