Heat too much to handle for Celtics

LeBron James and the Miami Heat did not receive the memo that all the experts were proclaiming that tonight was the night that the Boston Celtics were to advance to their third NBA Finals in the last five years. Miami decided to ruin Boston’s celebration plans in the form of a Miami 98-79 victory at the TD Garden Thursday night.LeBron James was a man on a mission from the opening tip until the final whistle blew. James ended up with 45 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. James scored 30 of his 45 points in the first half. James shot 12-14 from the field in the first half and finished 19-26 for the game. James played a near perfect game other than his 5-9 from the free throw line. The score was 12-12 with six minutes left in the first quarter, Miami would go on a 10-0 run in the next 2:22 to give Miami an early 22-12 lead. Miami led 26-16 at the end of the first quarter.Boston only saw the Miami lead grow to as big as 17 in the second quarter. Boston would get as close as eight points in the second quarter, but would not pose a real threat to Miami. Miami led 55-42 at the half. Boston cut the Miami lead to 72-61 with 2:06 left in the third quarter, but that was the closest Boston would get for the rest of the game. Boston had three straight possessions where Paul Pierce missed a wide open three, Michael Pietrus missed a wide open three and Kevin Garnett missed a layup. That sequence of plays led to the end of Boston in game six. Miami dominated the rest of the game.Rajon Rondo was the lone bright spot for Boston (21 points, 19 points in the first half, 10 assists, 3 steals, 4 rebounds). Brandon Bass added 12 points of his own. Paul Pierce shot a staggering 4-18 from the field for nine points. Dwayne Wade had a quiet 17 points and eight rebounds. Boston will hope to flip the switch Saturday night as they head to South Beach for game seven at 8:30 p.m.