MIAMI, FL – When these teams met a year ago in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Indiana came fresh off a six game series win against Orlando and finishing one day before discovering that they would play Miami (who beat the Knicks in that predetermined series). This year, they won the Central Division title and again placed third in the East taking both Atlanta and New York in six games. Things may be different in the playoffs, but the Pacers won both regular season game at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse by double digits and lost by four or so possessions in South Beach to close out the season series right in the middle of the 27 game winning streak.
http://www.nba.com/playoffs/2013/eastseries7/index.html?ls=pot
In addition to the above, Paul George was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player and George Hill returned to help defeat the Knicks in game six after missing just one game. The Pacers this season also happened to be third in the NBA in total rebounds, an area where Miami was statistically last this season. Indiana also happens to be ranked as th NBA’s number one defensive team. To counter, they’ll be going up against the NBA’s number one offense in Miami.
The big problem here for the Heat is that the man who got hot in game four last season, is not healthy. Dwayne Wade was the only real issue for Indy. LeBron wasn’t the deciding factor in any of the games even when he played well and Mario Chalmers only had made his impact in the final game of the series. Hill showed that his clearance to play after his concussion was no fluke, he will have a significant impact to the series. Hill has been able to create turnovers and knock down free throws – something the Pacers haven’t been doing well with in the post-season so far (or at least against the Knicks). If the Pacers need anyone to step up though, it has to be Tyler Hansbrough as he is the one who will probably get the most time on the court coming off the bench.
If all the cards fall their way, the Blue and Gold from the Hoosier State can make their first trip to the Finals since loosing to the Lakers in 2000. While this series may tire them out, they’d likely play better against Memphis than the Spurs. But this certainly won’t be a walk in the park. Maybe, just maybe the Pacers will get their long awaited championship banner this season.
-Ricky
http://www.nba.com/playoffs/2013/eastseries7/index.html?ls=pot
In addition to the above, Paul George was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player and George Hill returned to help defeat the Knicks in game six after missing just one game. The Pacers this season also happened to be third in the NBA in total rebounds, an area where Miami was statistically last this season. Indiana also happens to be ranked as th NBA’s number one defensive team. To counter, they’ll be going up against the NBA’s number one offense in Miami.
The big problem here for the Heat is that the man who got hot in game four last season, is not healthy. Dwayne Wade was the only real issue for Indy. LeBron wasn’t the deciding factor in any of the games even when he played well and Mario Chalmers only had made his impact in the final game of the series. Hill showed that his clearance to play after his concussion was no fluke, he will have a significant impact to the series. Hill has been able to create turnovers and knock down free throws – something the Pacers haven’t been doing well with in the post-season so far (or at least against the Knicks). If the Pacers need anyone to step up though, it has to be Tyler Hansbrough as he is the one who will probably get the most time on the court coming off the bench.
If all the cards fall their way, the Blue and Gold from the Hoosier State can make their first trip to the Finals since loosing to the Lakers in 2000. While this series may tire them out, they’d likely play better against Memphis than the Spurs. But this certainly won’t be a walk in the park. Maybe, just maybe the Pacers will get their long awaited championship banner this season.
-Ricky
