NBA Playoffs 2012: Indiana Pacers Lose Hard Fought Game #1 In Miami (Pacers POV)
By Editorial Staff
NBA Playoffs – Indiana Pacers Lose Game #1
When facing a star-studded Miami Heat team, the Indiana Pacers are automatically deemed the underdog. No one expects them to win this series, let alone a single game. But don’t count these guys out, they finished 3rd in the East right behind the Miami Heat, and their depth off the bench is second to none. Sunday’s hard fought loss proved exactly how tough they can be no matter who they’re facing.
They came out with guns blazing as the Pacers were up 11-4 to start the game. By the end of the second and third quarter, there were as many as eight lead changes, and nine ties in the game. But by the fourth quarter, Miami’s duo of Lebron James and Dwayne Wade were too much for them to handle as they combined for 20 straight points in the fourth.
Foul trouble was the main issue as Roy Hibbert and George Hill both had five fouls, while Paul George was fouled out in the fourth quarter.
Key Players:
Hot – David West: 17 PTS, 11 REB, 3 AST, 37:23
David West is the most experienced out of the bunch. He was only one win away to the Western Conference Semi-Finals in his days as a Hornet. Now playing along side uprising stars like Granger, Hill, HIbbert & Collison, West will have to be the vocal leader of this team in order for them to be successful. With a strong 17 points and 11 rebounds, David West will have to continue to dominate the paint as his counter-part Roy Hibbert shadows his every move.
Not – Danny Granger: 7 PTS, 4 REB, 2 TO, 38:54
No his numbers aren’t staggering to say the least, but when you have to defend the leagues MVP for 38 minutes, it takes a toll on your offence. Danny Granger had 0 points to start the game, and finished with an uncharacteristic 7 points. If the Pacers want to pull off this upset, they will have to do it with the help of their star forward. Then again, I wouldn’t want to guard the King either.
KEY MOMENT: Another James Highlight Reel
Long shot, long rebound, that’s the rule for offensive rebounds which the Pacers failed to do. They paid the price as an ensuing 3-on-1 play led to a Lebron James highlight. Any momentum the Pacers had was sucked out of the building as they went cold for the rest of the game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRzQf013pY8 (2:00 mark)
KEY STATS:
Hot:
David West – 17 PTS & 11 REBS
Roy Hibbert – 17 PTS & 12 REBS
Not:
Danny Granger – 1-10 FGM-A
Quote of the game:
Frank Vogul on Danny Grangers game – “I don’t know if he’s going to have a huge offensive series. When you have to guard the MVP for 38 minutes, it takes a lot out of your offensive game.” (NBA.com)
Next Game:
Tuesday May 15th, 7PM @ Miami
Series:
Miami leads the series 1-0
Notes:
Chris Bosh was injured right before the end of the second quarter with what they are calling an abdominal strain. Ronny Turiaf filled in for the absence of Bosh. No word yet if Bosh will play in game two.
Not to sure if anyone else read my rant about the Miami fans in my first review of the Knicks vs. Heat series, but with 2 minutes left to play, Udonis Haslem was shooting free throws and fans started to file out; and we’re not talking about 1 by 1, there was a lineup from entrance to court side. Can someone please smack some sense into these fans? What, two minutes left in the game and you’re tired of your team winning? Please!
Follow me on twitter @JayLeung20
Pacer’s Perspective:
So here’s the thing. My fellow Sir Charles writer Joseph Nardone and I are splitting this series 50/50. He’s taking on the perspective of the Heat, while I take on the Pacers. If you believe the Pacers can pull off the upset, then join the band wagon and give Joe some smack on his Miami recap. Even he said the Heat aren’t very good without the King. So we just have to tell Danny Granger to kick him a few times when the refs not looking. =)