2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals vs Miami Heat

Lore & Background

The Miami Heat entered the 2013 playoffs as the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals. The Heat were led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, and had won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.

In Their Own Story

The arena smelled like popcorn and floor wax, the kind of thick, humid air that builds before a series-clinching possession. You could feel the vibration in the hardwood under your feet — ten thousand people breathing in unison, the bass of a drumline somewhere in the upper deck shaking the rafters. On the court, David West stood at the free-throw line, W-shirt tucked in, eyes locked on the rim. Paul George stood at the top of the key, hands on his knees, watching the Heat inbound. Roy Hibbert, all elbows and concentration, set a screen so hard the ref had to call a timeout. And somewhere in the crowd, a kid in a faded #15 George jersey was screaming so loud his throat hurt. This was not a game. This was a coronation, or a funeral, depending on which side of the court you stood on.

Reader's Guide

The Pacers and Heat met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Heat ultimately won the series and went on to win the 2013 NBA championship.

Did You Know?

• The Miami Heat won back-to-back NBA championships in 2012 and 2013.
• LeBron James won two consecutive NBA MVP Awards while playing for the Heat.
• The Heat set a record for the NBA's third-longest winning streak, 27 straight games, during the 2012–13 season.