A trip to the Eastern Conference finals hangs in the balance when the Heat and Raptors take the court at Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Sunday afternoon for Game 7 of this Round 2 NBA playoffs series.
It's been an up-and-down series as Toronto rallied to win Games 2 and 3 after dropping Game 1 at home, while Miami evened the set up in Game 4 before falling into a 3-2 hole in Game 5. Facing elimination on their home court in Game 6, the Heat managed to force a do-or-die game.
Already enjoying their longest playoff series in franchise history, the Raptors are looking to make it to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time ever. The Heat, meanwhile, will look to get back there for the first time since 2014, which was the last of four consecutive seasons they made it to the NBA Finals.
With his team on the brink of elimination in Game 6, Goran Dragic carried the load, scoring a team-high 30 points in MIami's 103-91 victory. Luol Deng had a game-high eight rebounds in the contest, while Dwyane Wade paced the club in assists (5), steals (2) and blocks (3).
Kyle Lowry had a game-high 36 points in the loss for the Raptors, while adding three assists.
Now the pressure and pagentry comes down to one final game to see which of these teams will advance to play LeBron James and the Cavaliers in Round 3.
"This is why we're in this business, to be pushed and tested and challenged," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said Saturday, according to ESPN. "There's no greater challenge than a Game 7."
Toronto is playing in its fourth Game 7, the last of which came in Round 1 when it defeated Indiana, 89-84 at home. Miami plays in its 10th Game 7 and is 6-3 thus far. The Heat overcame a 3-2 series deficit in the opening round, taking Game 7 over the Hornets, 106-73.
The Raptors hope to draw off their experience from last round when dealing with a win or go home scenario on their own court.
"Game 7 in the first round was a little more tight," Raptors guard Kyle Lowry said,via ESPN. "This one Sunday will be 'Just go out there and hoop."
Game Details & Live Stream
Matchup: Heat at Raptors Game 7
Venue: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Radio: Miami (790 The Ticket); Toronto (1050 TSN)
Series: Tied 3-3.
Betting Odds: The latest betting odds can be found here.
Watch Online: This game can be live streamed for free here.
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