NBA Playoffs: Raptors vs. Heat Game 5 recap, full highlights

The Raptors came up huge back at home to take a 3-2 series lead over the Heat

The Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat both entered the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday night knowing what was at stake in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series in the 2016 NBA Playoffs. After having split the first four games of the series and with two games played on each home floor, the question was who would take control as it essentially became a three-game series.

From the opening tip, it sincerely appeared that the home team in the Raptors were looking to send a serious message on Wednesday night. They jumped out to a double-digit lead early in the game and carried a near-20 point lead into halftime as Kyle Lowry played by far the best two quarters of this entire series up to that point and as Bismack Biyombo was coming up enormously on the defensive end and with some big buckets at the rim.

However, Lowry went a bit cold in the third quarter and early in the fourth, thus allowing the Heat to start to fight back. Dwyane Wade was obviously heavily involved, but also really contributing to the cause in a meaningful was was rookie Josh Richardson off of the bench and Joe Johnson as well.

DeMar DeRozan kept the Raptors still ahed, though, and tried to carry them to victory. As Wade started knocking down big shots in the final moments, Toronto needed a boost and Lowry found some magic and a spark once again. He hit a bit three and then another incredible jumper in the final minute of action to push the Raptors ahead and ultimately allowed them to have enough of a cushion to get the victory in this pivotal Game 5.

Three Stars

DeMar DeRozan, Raptors – 34 points, four rebounds, two assits, two steals

Kyle Lowry, Raptors – 25 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three steals, one block

Dwyane Wade, Heat — 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists

Highlights

Next Game

Game 6 between the Raptors will be played on Wednesday will be played on Friday, May 13 at 8 p.m. ET back in Miami.

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