Heat finish off Sixers with LeBron, Wade and Bosh double-doubles

The Miami Heat closed out their first round series against the Philadelphia 76ers in dramatic fashion, pulling ahead in the final minute of Game 5. The Sixers made their last run in the final moments of the game, but ended up falling to the Heat 97-91.

The Sixers showed a lot of heart in their final game against the Heat, motivated by comments made by LeBron James earlier during the day. While talking to reporters, LeBron referred to the Sixers as breakfast, while the Boston Celtics were lunch.

Players on Philadelphia's roster took LeBron's analogy personal, and that was rather clear during the game. They bothered LeBron on virtually all his shots, forcing him to a 38 percent field goal percentage. Still, LeBron was only two assists shy of a triple-double, finishing the game with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Dwyane Wade led both teams in scoring, finishing the game with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Wade struggled shooting the ball as well, but was still productive for the Heat when they needed him. Forward Chris Bosh had better luck shooting the ball, converting on 7 of his 16 shots. Bosh finished the game with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

The Heat struggled offensively, shooting 40 percent from the field. They got an unexpected boost from Mario Chalmers, who finished the game with 20 points for the Heat. Chalmers was also the only player on Miami's roster to finish the game shooting 50 percent or better from the field.

Miami will get a few days rest before meeting up with the Celtics in the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs. Game 1 will be played on Sunday, May 1^st. The Celtics have been kryptonite to the Heat, winning three of their four matchups during the regular season. The Heat did win the final encounter between the two teams, dismantling the Celtics at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida.

Realistically, the winner of this series will probably represent the Eastern Conference in the 2011 NBA finals. While the Chicago Bulls have been impressive all season especially at home, their youth and inexperience might pose problems for them as the NBA playoffs intensify.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years.

Sources:

Associated Press," Dwyane Wade leads Heat into Eastern Conference semifinals "