Miami 102, New Jersey 92 (Heat leads series, 3-1)
One thing’s for sure – if the Heat can get a combined 80 minutes out of Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O’Neal, they’re tough to beat. O’Neal stayed out of foul trouble, generating an efficient 16 points and eight rebounds in the middle, while Dwayne Wade made shots all over the court en route to 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Udonis Haslem and Antoine Walker each chipped in 20 points. In fact, the entire team played pretty well – they shot 53% from the field. Barring an injury to one of their two stars, the Heat are going to advance.
L.A. Clippers 114, Phoenix 107 (series tied, 2-2)
The Clippers shot 49% from the field and outrebounded the Suns 55-37, and the game was still tight in the fourth quarter. But the Clippers got big shots from Elton Brand and Sam Cassell down the stretch and were able to tie the series with the win. Brand (30/9/8) and Cassell (28/11/9) each flirted with a triple-double, while Corey Maggette tallied 18 points and 15 rebounds in his first start in the playoffs. L.A.’s series chances took a blow when center Chris Kaman showed up with an injured shoulder, and it is unclear if he will be available for Game 5 on Tuesday. The Clippers have the advantage in the series, but they still go through long stretches without giving Elton Brand a touch in the post and, not surprisingly, that’s when the Suns make a run. This series looks like it will probably go seven games.
