In a series between two teams that have plenty of talent in their roster, it’s the adjustments you make in your game that will give you the edge.

That was the case for the Miami Heat on Sunday night against the Indiana Pacers for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, as they put LeBron James’ work in the low post, to outscore the Pacers in the paint and secure a 114-96 win.

The Heat had a sensational offensive game, especially in the first half where they matched their highest scoring quarter of this year’s playoffs with 34, broke the franchise record for points in a half with 70 and had a fourth-best franchise playoff record for most points in a game. All of the Heat’s starters were in double figures, but the most important factor of the game was James’ efficiency in the low post.

"It was something we wanted to get to just to help settle us and get into a more aggressive attack," coach Erik Spoelstra said of the decision to post up the 6-foot-8 James. "We wanted to be a little more aggressive, a little more committed to getting into the paint and seeing what would happen. LeBron was very committed and focused not to settle."

LeBron James made up for the two costly turnovers in Game 2 as he scored 22 points, along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Dwyane Wade had a solid game with 18 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds while Chris Bosh added another 15 points and 3 rebounds. Udonis Haslem had a remarkable 8-9 shooting for 17 points and Chris Andersen once again had a perfect 4-4 shooting. Andersen hasn’t missed in 18 consecutive shots, dating back in the
Eastern Semis against the Bulls.

For the Pacers, David West led with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Roy Hibbert had 20 points and 17 rebounds and Paul George had 13 points and 8 assists. That was Indiana’s first loss in this postseason at home, after they won all their first 6 games against Atlanta and New York.

The Pacers were efficient offensively in the first half, but just couldn’t stop Miami defensively, giving up 70 points and going on the break with a 14-point deficit. The Pacers were not ready for a game like that by LeBron, who usually runs the offense in the back court and drives to the basket or dishes the ball for long ranged shots, and that came with a price.

"He (James) was in the post doing a lot of work, and I think we have to do a better job of helping Paul out," Hibbert said. "LeBron can't get five or six dribbles to get a post move. ... We have to make adjustments. He's obviously a low-post threat but we have to make adjustments."

Indiana seemed to be more focused at the beginning of the second half and tried to rally themselves out of the 14-point deficit hole. They started the 3rd quarter with back-to-back three pointers, and then George Hill converted for a three-point play. Lance Stephenson made 2 more costless throws and the deficit had been cut to 74-67.

That wasn’t enough though, as Miami wouldn’t let the Pacers gain momentum and went on a 9-4 run to make it 99-78 early in the fourth quarter. Indiana couldn’t challenge again after that.

The Heat made adjustments to take care of the big man problem they’ve been having with Hibbert protecting the Pacers paint, and James led the Heat to a win against a Pacers team that didn’t look as good as the Game 1 and 2 Pacers that challenged the defending champions.

"I made a conscious effort to get down in the post tonight, to put pressure on their defense," James said. "The coaching staff wanted me to be down there tonight, and my teammates allowed me to do that."

It’s now up to Indiana to make adjustments as they need to win Game 4 to tie the series once more, on Tuesday night.