Pacers win big, even series with Hawks
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Correspondent
INDIANAPOLIS — Tuesday night’s Game 2 was a must-win for the Indiana Pacers, and they delivered a huge third quarter to eventually win 101-85 and tie the series at one game apiece.
Things didn’t start out so well for Indiana, as the Pacers trailed 38-27 in the second quarter. It was the second straight game they trailed by double-digits on their home floor to the 8-seed. From that point on, however, the Pacers thoroughly dominated every aspect of the game, outscoring the Hawks 74-47 in the final 2 1/2 quarters of the game.
One of the key stats from the game: The Pacers had 25 assists on 36 field goals. They are now 39-5 this season when they have 20 or more assists in a game. Sharing the basketball has been a huge emphasis of late, and the results were positive at least for a night.
Luis Scola gave the Pacers a huge boost off the bench, scoring 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds. His shooting kept the Pacers alive when things weren’t looking so great in the second quarter.
“We played with more energy, and played harder. That’s what happens when you play harder,” Scola said. “If we play hard, focused, and with the energy we had today, things will go our way. We’ve got to find a way to play like this every night.”
Paul George had a big night as well, leading the way with 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. He also guarded Jeff Teague for most of the night and did a solid job.
“We’re together, we’ve got each other’s back,” George said after the game. Team chemistry has been a hot topic for about a month now, and George isn’t interested in that discussion.
After a rough Game 1, and a non-existent first half tonight, George Hill put together a very solid second half. He finished the night with 15 points. “We want him to shoot,” George said. “We need him to be aggressive to free up the whole game. He’s got to be a threat for us.”
The scene now shifts to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4. It has historically been a house of horrors for the Pacers. They did win Game 6 in Atlanta last year to win that series. The Hawks are excited to play in front of their home crowd.
“I can’t wait to get out of here, since I’m from here,” Teague said. “I’m looking forward to going home and playing in front of our fans in Atlanta. It’s going to be rocking.”
Paul Millsap added: “We did our jobs here getting a split. Now we have to do work on our home court.”
It’s hard saying which Pacers team will show up for Game 3. They will not want the pressure of a Game 4 in Atlanta trailing 2-1. The drama continues Thursday night. Stay tuned.
Follow Tyler Smith on Twitter: www.twitter.com/sports_TYs_20.
