NBA Daily Blog Eastern Conference Finals: Heat win in a overtime thriller against the Celtics in Game 2 115-111. Heat now up 2-0

LeBron James drives on Mickael Pietrus

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The Miami Heat survive in overtime as they defeat the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the American Airlines Arena 115-111. The Heat trailed by as many as 15 points, and led by as many as 11 points at one stretch. They also missed free throws down the stretch, but they were able to hold off the Celtics in the final minutes of overtime. The Heat now lead the series 2-0 as the series shifts to Boston for Game 3 on June 2, as the Celtics would look to regroup on their home floor.

LeBron James led the Heat with a near triple-double 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists on 7-20 FG shooting, 2-6 3PT shooting, and 18-24 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade added 23 points (21 in the 2nd half and overtime) with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks on 8-15 FG shooting, and 7-11 FT shooting. Mario Chalmers added 22 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals on 8-16 FG shooting, and 3-6 3PT shooting. Udonis Haslem off the bench finished with a double-double 13 points and 11 rebounds with 2 steals. Shane Battier scored 9 points.

Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with a near triple-double 44 points (career high), 10 assists and 8 rebounds with 3 steals on 16-24 FG shooting, 2-2 3PT shooting, and 10-12 FT shooting while playing the whole game (53 minutes of playing time). Paul Pierce added 21 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists before fouling out in the 4th quarter while shooting 8-19 from the field and 5-6 at the line. Kevin Garnett added 18 points and 4 rebounds. Ray Allen added 13 points and 5 assists. Brandon Bass added 8 points and 10 rebounds.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:43 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder (Spurs lead series 2-0)

Game 3: June 1, 9:00 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 10:00 am PHT (replay on Studio 23 9:30 pm PHT)

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics (Heat lead series 2-0)
Game 3: June 2, 8:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 10:00 am PHT (replay on Studio 23 9:30 pm PHT)

K-Smoove