Heat Cruises To 90-79 Win Over Pacers

Heat Crush Pacers With Big Second Half

(Miami, FL) -- Trailing by four at halftime, LeBron James and the Heat took over and cruised to a 90-79 victory against the Pacers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference finals. James scored or assisted on 25 of the 30 Miami points in the third quarter and finished with 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists.  James on his incredible third quarter performance.

Udonis Haslem added 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting as the Heat took a 3-2 series lead.  Indiana was held to six offensive rebounds and turned the ball over 17 times.  Paul George posted 27 points with 11 rebounds and five assists in the loss. Roy Hibbert chipped in 22 points and six boards. The starting backcourt of George Hill and Lance Stephenson combined for five points on 2-of-11 shooting with six turnovers. Indiana tries to avoid being eliminated in Game Six at home Saturday.

James, West, Stephenson All Fined For Flopping

(New York, NY) -- The NBA has fined Miami's LeBron James and Indiana's David West and Lance Stephenson $5,000 each for flopping in Game Four Tuesday. Stephenson's offense came late in the first quarter when he tried to draw a foul on Ray Allen. James and West were accused of flopping in the fourth quarter when they made contact with each other on the same play. The Heat lead the Eastern conference finals 3-2.

Kings Fire Head Coach Smart

The Kings are parting ways with head coach Keith Smart. "USA Today" reports Smart was notified of the decision by new owner Vivek Ranadive a few days ago. Yahoo! Sports says Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Malone and the Kings have reached a four-year deal to replace Smart. Sacramento went 48-93 in two years under Smart.

Thursday, May 30 Scoreboard

NBA Playoffs

Miami Heat 90, Indiana Pacers 79
(Heat lead best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals, 3-2)

Friday, May 31 Schedule

NBA Playoffs

No Games Scheduled