The Heat are once again back in the NBA Finals.

This Eastern Conference Finals went the distance for the second straight year, but in the end the Miami Heat prevailed as the defending champions advance to the NBA Finals for the third straight season as they defeat the Indiana Pacers in seven games.

 Photos ©NBA

The Pacers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals after stunning their old rivals in the New York Knicks in 6 games. Led by their All-Star frontcourt of Paul George, David West and Roy Hibbert as well as players like George Hill and Lance Stephenson. The Pacers pushed the defending champions to the limit in a series to remember in this year's playoffs. Unfortunately, they lost their "Gold Swagger" in Game 7 as the Heat took them out of the building to end their bid to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since Pacer great Reggie Miller led the franchise to their lone trip back in 2000. They played their hearts out in this series, but they were unable to blow the knockout punch that would dethrone the champions out.

The Heat returned to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third straight year after dispatching the Chicago Bulls in 5 games. They were pushed to their very limits, but managed to keep their composure and dealt the knockout punch of the series. MVP LeBron James in this series showed his play during his days as with the Cleveland Cavaliers carrying the champions when they need it the most. Despite the struggles of his Big 3 companions in Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. The Heat managed to stave off the momentum the Pacers came into Game 7. Now, they'll have a shot to get back-to-back championships.

The Heat will now face the Western Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals who dispatched the Memphis Grizzlies in a four game sweep in the Western Conference Finals.

As for the Pacers, their impressive run in the NBA Playoffs comes to a heartbreaking end. They will learn from this series, especially with a team stacked with young talent. They have proven that they are one of the elite teams the Eastern Conference has to offer. I cannot wait to see the Pacers play with my team the Houston Rockets this October 10 when the NBA comes to the Philippines and play a pre-season game here.

Now here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ Miami: Pacers 102-103 Heat (OT)

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 27, West 26, Hibbert 19

Rebounds: Stephenson 12, Hibbert 9, T. Hansbrough 6

Assists: Hill 7, George 5, Stephenson 3

Heat leaders:

Points: James 30, Wade 19, Bosh 17

Rebounds: James 10, Haslem 7, Wade 6

Assists: James 10, Wade 5, Cole 4

GAME 2 @ Miami: Pacers 97-93 Heat

Pacers leaders:

Points: Hibbert 29, George 22, Hill 18

Rebounds: Hibbert 10, Stephenson 8, West 7

Assists: George 6, Stephenson 5, Hill 3, West 3

Heat leaders:

Points: James 36, Bosh 17, Wade 14

Rebounds: James 8, Wade 6, Bosh 5

Assists: Wade 5, Chalmers 5, James 3

GAME 3 @ Indiana: Heat 114-96 Pacers

Heat leaders:

Points: James 22, Wade 18, Haslem 17

Rebounds: Haslem 6, Andersen 6, James 4

Assists: Wade 8, Chalmers 4, James 3

Pacers leaders:

Points: West 21, Hibbert 20, Hill 19

Rebounds: Hibbert 17, West 10, T. Hansbrough 5

Assists: George 8, Hill 2, Stephenson 2

GAME 4 @ Indiana: Heat 92-99 Pacers

Heat leaders:

Points: James 24, Chalmers 20, Wade 16

Rebounds: Allen 7, James 6

Assists: Wade 6, James 5

Pacers leaders:

Points: Hibbert 23, Stephenson 20, Hill 19

Rebounds: Hibbert 12, West 12, Young 6

Assists: Hill 6, George 3, Augustin 3

GAME 5 @ Miami: Pacers 79-90 Heat

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 27, Hibbert 22, West 17

Rebounds: George 11, West 8, Hibbert 6

Assists: George 5, Hill 4, Stephenson 2

Heat leaders:

Points: James 30, Haslem 16, Chalmers 12
Rebounds: James 8, Wade 6, Bosh 5

Assists: James 6, Chalmers 6, Wade 4

GAME 6 @ Indiana: Heat 77-91 Pacers

Heat leaders:

Points: James 29, Wade 10, Chalmers 10

Rebounds: Anthony 8, James 7, Bosh 4

Assists: James 6, Cole 2

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 28, Hibbert 24, Hill 16

Rebounds: West 14, Stephenson 12, Hibbert 11

Assists: Hill 6, George 5, West 4, Stephenson 4

GAME 7 @ Miami: Pacers 76-99 Heat

Pacers leaders:

Points: Hibbert 18, West 14, Hill 13

Rebounds: Hibbert 8, George 7, West 6, Stephenson 6

Assists: Stephenson 5, George 4

Heat leaders:

Points: James 32, Wade 21, Allen 10

Rebounds: Wade 9, James 8, Bosh 8

Assists: James 4, Cole 4

Heat win series 4-3

K-Smoove