Pacers force Game 7
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — The Pacers have been a hard team to predict this season. After the 4th quarter meltdown (to put it lightly) in Game 5, many fans thought it would be too much to overcome. Instead, the blue and gold dominated the second half on Friday night in Game 6, winning by a final score of 101-83 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse to force a winner-take-all Game 7.
Things didn’t start out so well, as Toronto began the game with an 18-6 run. Based on how the second unit has played recently, it looked to be the worst-case scenario. But the Pacers rallied with a 12-2 run to end the first quarter, and only trailed 22-20, despite Paul George only scoring two points on free-throws.
The second quarter had an identical score to the first, giving the Raptors a 44-40 halftime lead. And then, the second half happened.
Indiana played like they weren’t ready for their season to end, as they outscored Toronto 61-39 in the second half. On a night when Paul George didn’t shoot well (5-of-14), it was a total team effort that carried the Pacers to victory.
“Paul George can’t beat the Raptors. The Pacers have to beat the Raptors,” Coach Frank Vogel said.
George still finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and lock-down defense. And now, look for George to put up big numbers in Game 7 on Sunday.
“My teammates, they were the ones that did the damage tonight,” George said. “We just told ourselves we needed to keep making plays, and keep attacking.”
Rookie Myles Turner scored 15 points, nine rebounds, and four blocked shots. Monta Ellis added 14, and Solomon Hill put together the stat of the night: The Pacers were plus+32 with “Solo” on the floor.
As a 7-seed, playing in a Game 7 is all you can hope for at the start of the series. The Pacers have that chance, and they’re playing against a Raptors team that has been notorious for first-round exits in recent years. The Raptors can’t possibly be too confident, considering the Pacers have already out-played them in 3 and 3/4th games in this series. They also have the best player in Paul George.
“I really believe we’re hitting our stride at the right time, playing our best basketball of the season when it matters,” Coach Vogel said. “You’ve just got to continue to believe in who you are, and believe you can get the job done. Our guys have been there. Their guys have been there. It’s going to be a battle.”
Paul George added: “Really excited about this Game 7. We’ll be confident. In this situation, the pressure’s on both teams. It’s win or go home. It comes down to who wants it.”
The unpredictable Pacers will look to keep their season alive and advance to the second round. Game 7 tips at 8 PM ET and will be televised on TNT.
