The Celtics weren't going down without a fight but the boys from Boston could do little in the final minutes of Game 5 to stave off a 10-point run by LeBron James. The Celtics were sent packing in a 97-87 loss. But was the Heat's commanding victory more a result of Miami's skill or Boston's bad luck? SI.com's Ian Thomsen writes that blaming the Heat's win on an injury-riddled Celtics squad would do a disservice to both teams. "Had Rondo been healthy, would the Celtics be looking forward to a Game 6 at home?" Thomsen writes. "It is neither an excuse the Celtics were offering nor one that is fair to the Heat, who come together in a short time with teammates who struggled to complement one another. The Celtics didn't collapse at the sight of them, or the sight of their own injury report. Their stubbornness gave meaning to Miami's victory."

While Doc Rivers' squad may join the powerhouse Lakers and Spurs on the sidelines for the remainder of the NBA playoffs, speculation is heating up about who the Heat has moved to the forefront.

Up tonight:

Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks - The Bulls will take the court at Philips Arena for their Game 6 showdown with the Atlanta Hawks. Chicago leads the series 3-2.

By The Numbers

$1 million - Fine received by the Fiesta Bowl in the aftermath of a recent scandal involving apparently illegal campaign contributions from various staffers and inappropriate spending by the former CEO.

3 - Number of races Daytona 500 champ Trevor Bayne has missed after an unknown illness sidelined him. Bayne is expected to return May 22 at the Nationwide Series' race in Iowa.

56 - Number of regular season games won by the Boston Celtics. Coach Doc Rivers recently said that he "probably" will return to coach Boston again next season.