NBA: Miami Heat see off Indiana Pacers to book place in Finals

Miami Heat booked their place in the NBA finals with a 99-76 win over the Indiana Pacers.

The reigning champions now face a showdown with the San Antonio Spurs for the title after a hard-fought 4-3 series victory in the Eastern Conference finals.

LeBron James led the way for the home team in the decider with 32 points, 18 of which came in the first half, while also pulling down eight rebounds.

Unlike in game six, the four-time MVP received solid support from some of his team-mates, Dwayne Wade had 21 points on 7-of-16 shooting to match his post-season high for the season.

“It was about finding a way to win at home,” said Wade.

“It’s game seven. You have to give everything you have got.

“My team-mates did some things to loosen me up and that got me going.”

Centre Roy Hibbert scored 18 points for the Pacers, who edged the first quarter as they looked to upset the odds on the road and reach the finals.

However, they fell apart under the weight of a 33-point second from the Heat that left the scoreline at 52-37 at the end of the opening half.

Paul George mustered just seven points for Indiana and was the only starter on their roster not to reach double figures. Their cause was not helped by 21 turnovers, while Miami also won the rebound battle by a 43-36 scoreline.

Game one of the best-of-seven finals takes place at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami on Thursday.