Brooklyn vs Miami: Eastern Conference Semis

In the final seconds of Brooklyn’s victory, Kevin Garnett pats the head of former teammate Rajon Rondo. Another ex-Rondo teammate and current Net, Paul Pierce, is at left

JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF.

Brooklyn broke the bank this season with their $190 million dollar team that they put together to make a run at Miami and reach their ultimate goal of a NBA Championship. All that money being thrown around like the brinks truck is parked outside of the Barclay's and your chance is now. Tonight the Heat and Nets meet for the fifth time this season with the Nets taking all four regular season match-ups. Brooklyn won the four games by a total of three points including the Mason Plumlee controversial block of LeBron James that completed the season sweep of the Heat. It's the playoffs now and the stakes are much higher as James and his teammates are in full gear for a revenge and statement.

Miami Heat forward LeBron James raises his arms in disbelief after being block by Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee at the end of the game at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami on April 8, 2014. Charles Trainor Jr / Staff Photo

LeBron, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh may not take it personal on camera but behind the scenes they know it is a big deal. Brooklyn has had their number by slowing the game down and limiting Miami's fast break opportunities. Brooklyn held Miami to just 8.5 fast break points per contest which is well below their season average versus any other opponent. Also Miami has scored (102) points per game compared to a drop of (94) points a night when they play the Nets. Each game they have played a different reserve for the Nets have also turned it up a notch with each team's lineup changing every game. Only four Nets players have played in all four of their games this year. Miami's usual starting 5 during four games versus Brooklyn were, (James, Cole, Allen, Lewis, and Bosh), and that will not be the case come tonight. While Dwayne Wade only played in two of their matchups this season.

Miami Heat's Chris Bosh (1) blocks the shot of Charlotte Bobcats' Josh McRoberts (11) in the second half in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoff series at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014. The Heat won, 109-98, and swept the series, 4-0. David T. Foster, III / dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com

Miami is well rested after a sweep over the Charlotte Bobcats and 8 days of rest are well prepared for this match-up. LeBron James was able to rest his bruised thigh he suffered in game 4 of the Charlotte series and after averaging (30.0) points, (8.0) rebounds, and (6.0) assist all while shooting 55%, I have no idea which 30 year old and up guy for the Nets will defend James. Joe Johnson has definitely been the catalyst for Brooklyn this postseason shooting 51% and posting (21.2) points per game. Johnson may guard James periodically during this series but watch whom is guarding Joe. Johnson had struggled with DeMar DeRozan of Toronto shooting just (36%) when guarded by him unlike (64%) against the rest of the Raptors. One primary defender on Johnson may lock down the seven time All-Star. Besides James's thigh, the health of 10 year veteran Dwayne Wade seems to be progressing. Wade averaged double figures versus the Bobcats while Chris Bosh continues to go bananas from three. Bosh will likely stretch Brooklyn to the perimeter where this playoffs he is shooting (69%) compared to the regular season shooting just (33%) from behind the arc.

Corey Sipkin/New York Daily News

Nets forward Paul Pierce helped win game 7 versus Toronto with his game saving block in the final seconds of the game Sunday. Pierce was bought over after spending his first 14 seasons in Boston to be the voice and leader of this new look Brooklyn team. Pierce who is averaging just (13.9) points these playoffs has averaged (21.3) points in his games against the Heat this year. His former Celtic teammate Kevin Garnett has been limited all season due to injuries but stepped up in game 7 versus the Raptors. Garnett had 12 points and 11 rebounds to help Brooklyn as he was held scoreless in game 1 of that series. Garnett is still reliable in big games as much now as he has during his glorious 19 year career. Shaun Livingston may be the x-factor for Brooklyn though. Livingston overcame a freakish knee injury, bounced around different teams throughout his short career but has found a home in the boro. His 8.4 points may not be much however his floor awareness and ball handling has taken the load off some aging and injured Nets. Shaun stands about 6'7 with a log wingspan that can cause problems on such LeBron and Dwayne Wade. While his minutes were down this last series, trust Nets head coach Jason Kidd will insert him back in the starting role versus Miami.

Miami Heat guard Norris Cole steals the ball from Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams and scores a basket in the second quarter at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami on April 8, 2014. Charles Trainor Jr / Staff Photo

Brooklyn goes as far as Deron Williams goes. Williams played in three of the four matchups versus Miami but was not very effective. He has been hampered by an ankle injury and his (7.3) points per during the regular season versus the Heat will need to change; alongside (28%) from three this playoffs, Brooklyn will need much better than that if they want to beat the champs. Jason Kidd was the first rookie head coach to win a game seven on the road this past Sunday; however this series won't be north of the states. Miami was (32-9) at home during the regular season and head coach Erik Spoelstra has fitted James Jones and Udonis Haslem into his rotation and has equipped well with the transition. Tons of playoff basketball experience with a combination of Superstars and future Hall of Famers will be on display. This bad blood never taste so good. The Heat is (19-7) over the past two postseasons and will be (23-8) after this series is over. You heard it first, I almost called a sweep but Brooklyn will get at least one game at home. Folks, I am not being favorable to the Heat, the facts are the facts and watch what Miami will do to the “playoff” Brooklyn Nets team. Look for James to have a breakout series from the start as they move forward to a fourth straight Eastern Conference Finals.

MIAMI WINS SERIES (4-1)