Random thoughts about Game 3, Pacers vs. Heat
Here are my random thoughts as the Pacers enter Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat:
-LeBron James is REALLY strong. The television announcers during Game 2 said LeBron, while playing power forward, was moving David West out of his comfort zone. Let me repeat. Somebody physically moved David West out of his comfort zone. West is a beast. LeBron is a small forward with guard skills who is capable of physically uprooting one of the league’s most intimidating forces. That’s one reason LeBron is the MVP.
-Indiana got a split in Miami with the following numbers from Danny Granger: 6-for-24 shooting, 1-for-10 from 3-point range, 9.0 points per game. Indiana’s leading scorer isn’t producing and the Pacers still got a split? What folks outside of Indiana might not realize is that the Pacers haven’t really played a good game yet. That could come in Game 3 with the home crowd.
-Roy Hibbert needs to dominate. He’s been solid and definitely a factor, but he is the most clear advantage the Pacers have. He needs to be better than pretty good the rest of the series, and he needs to stay out of foul trouble.
-Mario Chalmers flopped at the end of Game 2 and there was no call. Looks like Vogel might have gotten something out of his comments.
-Chalmers took the last shot in Miami. I’m willing to bet that won’t happen again.
-Miami has been here before, and Dwyane Wade and James are capable. Remember, LeBron has been to the Finals twice and Wade has a title. They know what it takes, and they will be in beast mode. Falling behind 2-1 with Game 4 on the road is not in their plans.
-Vogel said Erik Spoelstra is one of the most creative offensive minds in the NBA. He expects Spoelstra to have something up his sleeve for Game 3.
-When Granger got in LeBron’s face after LeBron acted as though he might hit Granger with an elbow, it was a sign that the Pacers weren’t afraid of the Heat, or of that moment.
-It’s easy to get in someone’s face when David West has your back.
-Miami’s other guys will need to be more productive or Indiana will win the series.
-My 6-year-old son, Elias, says George Hill is going to have a big game. Trust me, my little genius knows his stuff.
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Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cliffbrunt_isl.
