NBA: Celtics eliminate Heat in Game 5, on to Round 2
By JIMMY GOLEN
AP Sports Writer
BOSTON — The Boston Celtics are heading to the second round of the NBA playoffs and a potential matchup with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Ray Allen scored 24 points, making five 3-pointers in the second half, to help Boston beat Miami 96-86 in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night and eliminate the Heat. With Heat star Dwyane Wade due to become a free agent — along with James — it could be an eventful summer in Miami.
Boston advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals thanks to 16 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists from Rajon Rondo.
Wade scored 31 points — far short of the franchise postseason-record 46 he scored in Game 4 to help the Heat stave off elimination.