NBA Playoffs: Heat burn Sixers in Miami, Mavs misfire at Suns
Miami, Florida - The Miami Heat moved a step closer to the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals after they rolled past the Philadelphia 76ers with a 120-85 win on Tuesday.
The Heat comfortably took a 3-2 series lead as the Sixers collapsed in the third quarter, going three-of-12 from the floor for the period, aside from Joel Embiid.
While the Heat started strong, Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey were taken out with eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Jimmy Butler was able to get to his spots on the floor, going nine-of-15 shooting on the way to 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the night.
As a team, Miami had a 20-point advantage (56-36) for points in the paint while seven players scored in double figures in the 35-point win, the joint largest margin of victory in the playoffs this season.
The Heat can seal the deal on Thursday in Philly.
Suns keep misfiring Mavs down
The Phoenix Suns also claimed an important Game 5 victory on Tuesday, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 110-80.
Similar to the Philadelphia 76ers in the earlier game, the Mavericks started out ice-cold and turned the ball over following the main break, giving up a double-digit lead to start the third quarter.
What was a one-point margin lead for the Suns at half-time quickly blew out to 17 by the middle of the third, when Deandre Ayton scored to make it 67-50.
The West's first seed did not look back from there, as Devin Booker finished the game with 28 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
Dribble penetration and offensive rebounding created good looks for the Suns, who shot 37.5% from beyond the arc, while the Mavs only shot at 25%.
Game 6 is in Dallas on Thursday.
Cover photo: Collage: USA TODAY Sports