Heat Eliminate Celtics

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and the Miami Heat eliminated the Boston Celtics from the NBA playoffs on Wednesday night with their 97-87 victory in Game 5. Wade led the way for Miami, finishing with 34 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. James chipped in 33 points of his own, including a series sealing 3 pointer with 40 seconds left in the game. Here is more from the AP and espn.com.

"It was a series that all of us wanted, really since training camp," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Wade was knocked over into some courtside seats trying to snare the final rebound, but that only prolonged the moment. James knelt in prayer for several seconds, then ran over to wrap Wade in a long embrace as the fans screamed loudly.

This is why he stayed in Miami, while James and Chris Bosh came to Miami, to chase a championship.

Heat eliminate Celtics

The Heat now await the winner of the Bulls vs. Hawks series. As much as the Heat will steal the headlines from this game, and rightfully so, one has to wonder if the game also marked the end of an era for the Celtics. Garnett, Pierce, and Allen are all past their prime. Boston Coach Doc Rivers will most likely retire. Add the uncertainty of the next collective bargaining agreement, and one has to question if the Celtics can contend with their current core of all-stars.