#NBATogetherLive: Kyle Lowry and Dwyane Wade's epic second-half duel in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2016

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Raptors vs. Heat 2016

Heading into Game 3 of this Eastern Conference Semifinals series in 2016, both teams had split the two games in Toronto.

So, a win in Game 3 could either help the Raptors re-take home-court advantage or it could help the Heat extend it's lead in the series while keeping the home-court advantage that they had stolen. 

Both teams wanted it bad and this must-win game went down to the wire. In the first-half, the Raptors held a nine-point lead (49-40) but it was the duel in the second half that had fans of both teams on edge of their seats.

Kyle Lowry and Dwyane Wade went off for 29 points apiece in the second half, both All-Stars trying to carry their team home. 

Wade, would score 18 of his 29 second-half points in the third quarter, bringing the Heat back into the game by helping them outscore the Raptors 28-19 in the third period and tie the game up at 68 heading into the fourth quarter.

However, Lowry and the Raptors had the last laugh as the point guard scored 15 in the third and 14 in the final period including 12 of the team's last 18 points. 

Watch the full game below:

Lowry, eventually, finished with 33 points (11-19 FGs; 5-8 3Ps; 6-6 FTs) and a couple of assists in 41 minutes of action while Wade would register 38 points (13-25 FGs; 4-6 3Ps; 8-8 FTs), eight rebounds, and four assists at the final horn.

The Raptors ended up winning this game 95-91, retaking home-court advantage and a 2-1 series lead. They would go on to clinch the series in seven games for their first-ever Conference Finals appearance, where they would lose in six games to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Both teams lost their starting centers in this game to injuries - Jonas Valanciunas (3rd Q; right ankle) and Hassan Whiteside (2nd Q; right knee). Whiteside wouldn't play another game in these playoffs while Valanciunas returned for the final two games of the series against the Cavs.

The views expressed here do not represent those of the NBA or its clubs.

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