Heat outlast Celtics, take 2-0 series lead

Miami needed the biggest post-season comeback in franchise history to clinch Game 2 of their series against Boston 115-111 in over-time.

Despite Rajon Rondo producing a blistering display for the Celtics on Wednesday with 44 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, the Heat claimed victory and a 2-0 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference finals.

The Miami side did it the hard way, coming from 15 points down in the second quarter and recovering from an 11-point deficit early in the third.

A pair of three-pointers from LeBron James kick-started the comeback and saw Miami take the lead just before the end of the third quarter.

Despite posting 34 points and 10 rebounds, James endured a somewhat frustrating outing as he missed four free throws and failed to nail two clutch baskets in the last 30 seconds of regulation, leaving scores tied at 99-all and forcing over-time.

Time and again Rondo gave the Celtics the lead during the extra period but when he missed a lay-up with one minute, 33 seconds left, Miami took their chance as Udonis Haslem gave the Heat a 105-103 lead with a slam dunk.

Mario Chalmers took a crucial steal with less than a minute remaining to set up James for a three-pointer and a five-point advantage for the Heat.

Chalmers (22 points) had a strong game, while Dwyane Wade netted 23 points — 21 of which came in the second half.

Along with Rondo, Paul Pierce (21), Kevin Garnett (18) and Ray Allen (13) were also strong contributors for Boston.

The Heat have come from 14 points down in post-season games on two occasions, but overturned a 15-point deficit on Wednesday.

The Celtics will rue their missed chances, especially as they led 90-85 with less than four minutes left in the last quarter, before Miami produced a run of nine straight points to steal back the advantage in a see-sawing affair.

Game 3 will take place in Boston on Friday.

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