22 May 2012

James and Wade lead Heat to victory

2:07 pm on 22 May 2012

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 70 points as the Miami Heat recovered from back-to-back defeats to grind down the Indiana Pacers 101-93 and level their NBA Eastern conference semi-final series at 2-2.

The Heat, who struggled in their previous games after Chris Bosh was ruled out with an abdominal injury, trailed by eight points at half-time but snatched the momentum when James and Wade took control in a dominant third quarter.

James, named last week as the NBA's Most Valuable Player, scored 40 points, with 18 rebounds and nine assists.

Wade, who was subdued in Game Three, responded with 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists as the Heat sparkled in a stunning return to form.

Forward Danny Granger led Indiana with 20 points.

The teams return to Florida for game five on Wednesday.