Paul George leads Pacers to 3-1 series lead
TYLER SMITH
ISL Correspondent
Looking at these numbers from Game 4, you wouldn’t think the Pacers would have come out on the winning side: 20 turnovers, two points from the entire bench, outscored 29-11 in the second quarter, and just 19-of-29 from the foul line. Despite all of that, the Pacers put together a huge second-half comeback on their way to a 95-92 win, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Washington Wizards.
The Pacers were led by Paul George who scored a playoff career-high 39 points, while connecting on seven 3s and grabbing 12 rebounds. When favored teams need a big road win, they look to their star. George delivered in a big way, hitting clutch shots and also playing great defense.
Washington led by as many as 19 points, and it looked as though the Pacers were content with a road split. Then in the second half, the Pacers outscored Washington 57-37.
After making the big comeback and tying the game at 74, the Wizards regained control with a 9-0 run. The Pacers kept fighting and threw the final punch.
Roy Hibbert had his third consecutive big game, scoring 17 points, grabbing nine rebounds, blocking two shots and altering several other shots at the rim. As Hibbert goes, the team goes. With his confidence back, this Pacers team is starting to regain its identity from earlier in the season. They are one win away from a second straight trip to the Eastern Conference finals.
Since trailing 3-2 to the Hawks and having their season on the line, the Pacers have responded by winning five of their last six games. They’ve also won four straight games on the road.
Game 5 is Tuesday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @sports_tys_20
