In NBA action Tuesday night, the two top teams in the eastern conference faced off as the first place Indiana Pacers took on the second place Miami Heat. Indiana came into the matchup with a two game lead over the defending champs and looked to make a statement victory against the Lebron James and Dewayne Wade lead Heat.
Lead by Roy Hibbert’s 24 points, five rebounds and a blocked shot, the Pacers were able to hold off Miami getting the 90-84 win giving them a 1-0 lead in the season series. Although Indiana got the win, Miami made sure they earned it as the Heat, led by Lebron James’ 17 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, controlled most of the first half including being up by 11 late in the second quarter before the Pacers cut the lead to 7 going into the half. The second Indiana was able to change things around tying the game at 55 courtesy of a George Hill 3-point bucket at the 8:15 mark of the third quarter. Eventually the Pacers took a 1-point lead off a Roy Hibbert free throw and never relinquished it as they went on to close out the Heat 90-84. Indiana’s Paul George contributed to the win with 17 points, four assist, and two steals.
What Does This Mean: It’s clear that Paul George and the Pacers are focused on dethroning the NBA’s defending champions? After battling with Miami in last year’s eastern conference finals, only to come up short losing in game seven of the series, Indiana walked away with a bitter taste in their mouths knowing they very well could have played for the title.
Last night’s win shows that this year’s Pacers team appears determined to show the Heat that they are indeed the new kids on the block. Center Roy Hibbert said, “It’s just one game.” We’re going to learn from it. We have a lot more work to do,” which shows that the mindset of the Pacers could very well lead them to the 2013-2014 NBA Finals regardless of what team is in their path.
-Daminon Lewis
