Wade stars as Heat drop Pacers

Apr 14, 2007, 3:05 GMT

Miami, FL - Dwyane Wade scored 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter as Miami came back to edge Indiana, 100-96, at AmericanAirlines Arena.

The superstar also recorded a big steal that led to James Posey's three- pointer, with 1:29 left, that put the Heat on top to stay.

Shaquille O'Neal added 21 points and eight rebounds for the Southeast Division-champion Heat, who captured their third consecutive division crown after handing the Washington Wizards an 85-82 setback on Wednesday in South Beach. James Posey chipped in with 18 points.

'He went through the gamut of emotions out there tonight,' Heat coach Pat Riley said of Wade. 'He was very frustrated but he just keeps playing. He made some great plays and great passes.'

Danny Granger had 23 points for the Pacers, who fell 1 1/2 games behind the Orlando Magic for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Mike Dunleavy finished with 14 points, while Jeff Foster, Troy Murphy and Shawne Williams had 10 apiece.

'Our second group did a great job getting us a lead but we couldn't finish it off,' said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. 'It's very disappointing. They made some big time plays in the last three minutes. It's a very tough loss.'

The Pacers took a slim three-point advantage into the fourth quarter but Wade took over the contest for the Heat. With Miami trailing by five, 93-88, Wade stuck consecutive jumpers before making the steal that enabled Posey to get loose for the three that put the Heat in front, 95-94.

Wade then deposited a slam with under a minute left to cap his scintillating finish and seal things for Miami.

The Heat raced out to a 26-16 advantage after the opening 12 minutes but the Pacers rebounded a bit in the second quarter and trailed by just seven, 53-46, at intermission.

Indiana then used a great third quarter to see-saw on top, 74-71, heading to the final frame.

Game Notes

The Heat are now 27-13 at AmericanAirlines Arena this season...Meanwhile, the Pacers are 13-27 away from Conseco Fieldhouse. The two teams finished the season series deadlocked at two.

© 2007 The Sports Network

Game Notes

.