Pacers blown out in Game 4
TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
So, that’s it?
That’s the question that comes to mind after the Pacers dropped their third straight game in the Eastern Conference finals to the Miami Heat. After last year’s seven-game series, all signs pointed to another series for the ages this season between these two teams. It’s not over yet, but the defending champions aren’t playing along with what everyone wanted to see.
The Pacers fought hard all season long to get Game 7 of this series at home — but will be facing elimination already in Game 5. In the biggest game of their season, the Pacers never had a lead. The Heat controlled the game from the tip, with a 102-90 victory to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
After winning Game 1, the Pacers had three opportunities to earn another victory and head home again with the series tied. Instead, they’re staring down a highly improbable task of needing three straight wins over a team which never even loses two straight.
Chris Bosh got things going early for the Heat. Even after sitting down, he stayed hot after returning to the court. He scored 17 of his 25 points in the first half.
The Pacers still only trailed 49-44 at halftime. They were extremely fortunate to be that close. The Heat then won the third quarter 31-20 and pulled away for good.
Lance Stephenson and Roy Hibbert combined for just nine points (all Stephenson). The Pacers were minus-23 with Hibbert on the floor. With Chris Andersen out due to injury, the Pacers’ size advantage should have been even more exposed. But as we’ve seen in this postseason, the Pacers have been unable to handle small ball from the opposition.
LeBron James was dominant in the win. He had 32 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Any time the Pacers got close, James made a big play. He scored 14 of his points in the third quarter, and it was lights out for Indiana.
Though things are looking bleak, the Pacers still will have a chance to make things interesting if they’re able to win at home on Wednesday night. They can’t worry about winning three games. They can only worry about one.
“We know that once we lost Game 2, we needed to win one time here (in Miami), and then take care of our home court,” Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. “We have three opportunities to do that, and we didn’t do it in Game 3 or Game 4. Our belief is strong that we’ll go back and get Game 5, and then come back and fight in Game 6.”
We’ve heard the big brother-little brother comparisons for these teams lately. Little brother talked about wanting to have another shot to beat big brother all season long. Be careful what you wish for.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @sports_tys_20.
