Indiana Pacers boss Larry Bird pins 'soft' label on his squad after 32-point ... - SportingNews.com

Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird sent a strong message to his team after its 115-83 loss to the Miami Heat Tuesday night. "I can't believe my team went soft,” Bird told Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star. “S-O-F-T. I'm disappointed. I never thought it would happen."

The game was marred by three flagrant fouls, and league observers are awaiting possible suspensions handed down by commissioner David Stern. Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough bloodied Dwyane Wade in the first quarter. On an ensuing possession, Heat forward Udonis Haslem delivered payback, with a hard overhead, two-hand foul on Hansbrough.

Then, with just 19 seconds remaining in the game and Miami owning a 35-point lead, reserve Heat bigman Dexter Pittman landed an elbow to the throat of Indiana’s Lance Stephenson. Stephenson has been an irritant to the Heat this series, beginning with flashing the “choke” gesture at LeBron James after James missed two key free throws late in Game 3.

But while Bird would not elaborate on his “soft” characterization, the dirty play is likely not what he was referring to.

Wade and James ran roughshod over the Pacers for a combined 58 points. Also, Miami outrebounded Indiana, 49-35, and outscored the Pacers in the paint, 46-26.

“And-1 mix tape out there,” Pacers center Roy Hibbert said of the performance of James and Wade. “They were just dunking, having fun and doing whatever the hell they wanted.”

Game 6 is Thursday in Indiana. After the Pacers took a 2-1 series leadâ€"and with Chris Bosh out with an injuryâ€" some foresaw an early playoff exit for Miami. But after coasting to consecutive victoriesâ€"Miami won Game 4 in Indiana, 101-93â€"the Heat appear destined for the Eastern Conference Finals.