Heat overcome slow start to defeat Pacers in Game 3

Despite trailing by as many as 15 points to the Pacers in the first half, the Miami Heat eventually solved Indiana's stifling defensive schemes to emerge victorious in Game 3 by a score of 99-87.

The Pacers found success against the Heat early, as their defense capitalized on the Miami's lack of floor spacing. This allowed them to commit double teams on the ball handler which kept the Heat to the perimeter. Miami elected to trot out Udonis Haslem, which freed up a Pacers defender to send additional help defense towards Miami's drives. 

The Heat eventually adapted by trotting out more shooters. Most notably, guards Norris Cole and Ray Allen provided floor spacing and scoring off the bench, chipping in a combined 25 points. The Pacers struggled to capitalize on their size advantage over Miami's small lineups, as the downgrade in size provided them with an upgrade in speed. Faster rotations allowed the Heat to defend pick-and-rolls more effectively, which shunted Indiana's attack.

Miami was led in scoring by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who had 26 and 23 points respectively. Indiana was paced by Paul George, who scored 17 points in the loss.

Star Performer

LeBron James alternated between the forward positions, morphing at will to suit the Heat's needs. He spent time guarding everyone from point guard George Hill, to power forward David West. On offense, James served as the Heat's primary ball-handler and go-to scorer.

He finished with a game-high 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. He also chipped in with five rebounds, seven assists and four steals on the night.

James gave a brief scare to Heat fans, as he hobbled off the court due to a cramp in his right leg between the third and fourth quarters. However, he was able to return and record a game-high +24 in 40 minutes of play on the night.

Turning Point

The Miami Heat turned to a small-ball lineup to counter the Pacers' stifling defense in the fourth quarter, which worked to great success.

The Heat trotted out Cole and Allen along with the "Big Three", which led to a faster defense and a more potent offense. Their quickness advantage allowed Allen to find himself wide open beyond the arc on a number of occasions, especially when matched up against David West.

With eight minutes left, Cole found Allen for a triple to put the Heat up five. Two minutes later, their lead was further stretched to eight by yet another triple from Allen. Incredibly, the Pacers lost track of Allen a minute later, which allowed him to put the nail in the coffin.

Highlight Reel

LeBron Dunks.

LeBron dribbles.

Paul George completes a three-point play.

Hibbert throws down a dunk.

Ian Mahinmi denies Chris Bosh.

LeBron asks: turn down for what?

BONUS: Miami Heat fan throwing shade

Quotes of the Night

Series at a Glance

Game 1: IND 107, MIA 96 (Pacers lead series 1-0)
Game 2: MIA 87, IND 83 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: MIA 99, IND 87 (Heat lead series 2-1)
Game 4: Monday, May 26 - 8:30 p.m. ET
Game 5*: Wednesday, May 28 - TBD
Game 6*: Friday, May 20 - TBD
Game 7*: Sunday, June 1 - TBD