Heat-Pacers Series Officially Comes To The Internet

Lance Stephenson’s antics have won the internet.

In Game 5, he broke up a Heat huddle, pulled another major flop and blew into LeBron James’ ear, much to the delight of everyone who enjoys creating internet memes.

While we are all laughing, the Heat did not find any of it a bit funny, especially considering it took place in a game where Miami could have eliminated Indiana and are now instead heading to Game 6 after a three-point loss.

Expect another slew of fines to head the Pacers way later today. Add them to the $10,000 fine Stephenson already has for flopping, a $5,000 fine for Roy Hibbert flopping and a $25,000 fine that Paul George received for publicly blasting officials, all of which occurred in this series.

It is clear that the Pacers are willing to do anything and everything to avoid being eliminated by the Heat in the playoffs for the third year in a row.

While the media attention is on Stephenson’s infamous ear blow, it was George who led his team to victory with a whopping 37 points and there is no doubt the focus of Miami’s practice will be to figure out a way to shut him down.

Just like the Pacers previous victories, the key to their victory is on the free throw line.

The Pacers took 22 free shots to the Heats’ eight.

Meanwhile, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is showing that he is determined to end this circus-of-a series sooner rather than later.

Spoelstra made the rare move of having a practice today, despite the Heat squad not touching down in Miami until 3:30 a.m.

Regardless of the seeming shift in momentum, the game is still the Heats’ to win. They hold a 3-2 lead in the series and have Indiana on the verge of elimination. The game will also be in Miami. The Heat have won their last 10 playoff games when at home.

Indiana may believe they are in the Heads of the Heat, but the sportsbooks are not having it. With Miami at home and the way they have previously responded to losses-ferociously-the Heat are the huge –8 point favorites to win this according to the spread at Bovada.

The game starts at 8:30 p.m. and you can watch it on ESPN.