MIAMI NEEDED THE biggest post-season comeback in franchise history to clinch Game 2 of their series against Boston 115-111 in over-time.
Despite Rajon Rondo producing a blistering display for the Celtics on Wednesday with 44 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, the Heat claimed victory and a 2-0 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference finals.
The Miami side did it the hard way, coming from 15 points down in the second quarter and recovering from an 11-point deficit early in the third.
A pair of three-pointers from LeBron James kick-started the comeback and saw Miami take the lead just before the end of the third quarter.
Despite posting 34 points and 10 rebounds, James endured a somewhat frustrating outing as he missed four free throws and failed to nail two clutch baskets in the last 30 seconds of regulation, leaving scores tied at 99-all and forcing over-time.
Time and again Rondo gave the Celtics the lead during the extra period but when he missed a lay-up with one minute, 33 seconds left, Miami took their chance as Udonis Haslem gave the Heat a 105-103 lead with a slam dunk.
Mario Chalmers took a crucial steal with less than a minute remaining to set up James for a three-pointer and a five-point advantage for the Heat.
Chalmers (22 points) had a strong game, while Dwyane Wade netted 23 points — 21 of which came in the second half.
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Along with Rondo, Paul Pierce (21), Kevin Garnett (18) and Ray Allen (13) were also strong contributors for Boston.
The Heat have come from 14 points down in post-season games on two occasions, but overturned a 15-point deficit on Wednesday.
The Celtics will rue their missed chances, especially as they led 90-85 with less than four minutes left in the last quarter, the regulation time ended with the scores 99-99 as Miami produced a run of nine straight points to steal back the advantage in a see-sawing affair.
Game 3 will take place in Boston tomorrow.
