NBA Playoffs 2013: Indiana Pacers Force Game Seven
Jun 1, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George (24) reacts during the second half in game six of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a best of one. Anything can happen in game seven. Game sevens are the most fun a sports team can have. It’s do or die in game seven. Did I get all the cliches out for game seven now? Can we look back at what happened last night in which the Pacers ultimately put together their best game to force this game seven? They looked like the better team most of the way as they were able to build up a 17 point lead, and keep it to that double digits margin throughout the third and fourth quarter. Once again, a third quarter is where one team excelled and the other team didn’t excel. This time it was the Pacers’ turn to turn up the Heat in the third quarter as they went on a furious run to put this game in their hands the rest of the way. 29-15 in that third quarter in favor of the Pacers, which was just the same as the third quarter in game five for the Miami Heat, where they won 30-13. Such an interesting factor playing at home is for the Indiana Pacers as they looked to have that second gear all evening. Even getting into the head of Lebron James as he picked up a technical foul at one point during the game.
Speaking of Lebron James, how about the match up between him and Paul George. Each guy matched each other for stats. Lebron gets 29 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and even 2 steals. What does Paul George get? 28 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Canceling each other out might someone else had to step up for either team, and the Pacers got a huge game from Roy Hibbert, who has been fantastic this whole series. He’s going to have to bring this effort to South Beach, if the Pacers want to finish up this series the right way. But last night’s effort of 24 points and 11 rebounds, and even better defense is what truly helped the Pacers put away the Heat. The defense of the Pacers really tuned up in that third quarter, getting in the faces of the Heat, getting their hands on the loose balls, and generally looking like they wanted it so much more than the Heat. Maybe the Heat just want to finish things in Miami, the way they played last night.
But all around, what an effort by the Pacers. It’s hard to say well the Heat lost this game because the Pacers took this game and controlled it from start to finish. You could see it in the faces of our Blue and Gold guys. They wanted this game so much more than the Heat, and that goes a long way. If they can bring just as much of this effort in Miami, we’re talking a Pacers win and a trip to the NBA Finals. Just let that sink in. I believe this season has been a success all around already, and if they could even compete in that NBA Finals, it would go over huge here in Indy. People are on board with this team, and having those pep rallies and having the Spurs visit Indy would be fantastic. But I am looking too far ahead. There is still that game seven looming on Monday night. On a night when I’m usually watching wrestling, looks like we’ll see a no holds barred match between the Heel Heat and the Face Pacers. Two teams that are looking like they could brew a fun rivalry. Two teams that want to head to the Finals. Two teams ready to lay it all out for one game. And I can’t wait.