The Sixers gave the Heat absolutely everything they could handle in game five, but it wasn't quite enough Miami defeated Philadelphia 97-91 to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Heat will next face the Boston Celtics, who swept the Knicks in round one.
That series should make it pretty much impossible for Sixers fans to have a rooting interest. Dwyane Wade claimed after the game that "We’re going to be ready, Philly got us ready."
I'm sure the Sixers were so happy to help...
Wade scored 26 points, the last two coming on a completely unnecessary dunk as the Sixers were allowing him to dribble out the clock... but maybe that was just more "getting ready." That said, Wade was complimentary of the Sixers after the game and embraced Doug Collins after the game.
"It was very tough," Wade said. "We knew it was going to be like this."
Wade outshined his more famous teammate Lebron James, who managed just 16 points, after scoring just three at the half. Prior to the game, James had referred to closing out the Sixers as "just finishing our breakfast." The more I hear from the Heat, the more I feel like I could stomach rooting for Boston. Maybe...
The Sixers got 22 points apiece from Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand.
"We fought to the finish," said Doug Collins, "as we said we were going to do."
Collins also said he has "enjoyed the ride all year" and has every intention of returning to the Sixers next season.