Dwayne Wade scored 32 points—far and away his highest output in these playoffs thus far—as the Heat pulled away from the Spurs in the second half to win Game 4 109 – 93 and tie the series at two games a piece.
LeBron James (33 points,) Chris Bosh (20), and Wade were the three-man show Miami envisioned when they signed the trio three summers ago, combining for for 85 points in the decisive win.
The vintage performance from Wade, who won Finals MVP in 2006, was an about-face from his output in the first three games of the series when he averaged just 14.3 points per game, while disappearing late in each game. James, meanwhile, looked like the regular season MVP that he is in hitting 15 of his 25 shots while recording another highlight block—this time on Tim Duncan—and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Mike Miller, who started in place of Udonis Haslem after hitting all five threes attempted in Game 3, attempted just one shot and was held scoreless in 21 minutes in Game 4—but it didn’t matter as the Heat turned up their defensive pressure resulting in 18 San Antonio turnovers—and seven Miami blocks.
Tony Parker, who was questionable with a hamstring strain, showed no ill effects in the first half with 15 points and 6 assists but was then held scoreless in the second half. Consequently, the Spurs were outscored 60 – 44 after halftime following a 49-all first half.
Tim Duncan led the Spurs with a quiet 20 points, but grabbed just 5 rebounds as Miami out-rebounded San Antonio 41-36. Danny Green hit three of five threes and scored 10 points for the Spurs. Green is now a blistering 19-for-28 in the four Finals game from three-point land.
Green, though, was scoreless in the final period as the Heat turned up the defensive pressure and ran away with the game, outscoring San Antonio 28 – 17.
Game 5 will be Sunday in San Antonio.
