The Indiana Pacers showed the passion and aggression that have been missing in the playoffs today as they played hard a tough basketball against the defending NBA champions. This game was lost for the Heat early when they allowed the Pacers to get out to a strong start. That strong start gave the Pacers all the energy necessary to win today. After leading by 19 points at one moment during the game, the Pacers went on to win 107-96 to earn the game one win.
The starters for Indiana were too much to overcome as all five scored in double figures. They moved the ball and looked to play inside out. An example of that was when the Heat trapped the Pacers during the course of the game, the Pacers were still able to move to ball to find open shooters.
Paul George played a smart game as he never looked to force the action. He let the play develop which resulted in him racking up seven assists. George also scored 24 points. His play for the Pacers will be very important if they have any hope in knocking off the defending champions. Today he did all the things necessary to win.
Another Pacers who had an impact was Lance Stephenson. He scored 17 points and added eight assists. This was a very nice performance by him. He has struggled along with his teammates during the second half of the season, but tonight performed really well.
The Heat struggled to stop the Pacers. They tried different defensive looks, but most came up failing to stop the Pacers. They looked sluggish at times and were unable to get into their brand of basketball. The pace was set by the Pacers and the Heat were unable to set the pace to their style.
LeBron James put up the numbers today, but it didn’t equate in a win. James scored 25 points, but he never really took this game over. He seemed to disappear today, which is not common. The Heat will need James to be more aggressive as this series moves on. Today he played well at times, but it wasn’t his best game. James also added ten rebounds and five assists.
Dwyane Wade was the leading scorer for both teams today. Wade scored 27 points in 39 minutes. He shot the ball really well today as he shot 67% from the field.
The Heat had the numbers from Wade and James, but the others struggled. Chris Bosh scored just nine points in 31 minutes. His play was nonexistent today and he will need to give more for Miami to gain control of the series.
The Pacers were simply the better team today. They executed everything they did and made plays on both ends of the court. This was a huge game for Indiana. They now have the control they need to win this series. The Heat will be ready for game two, there is no question about that, but the Pacers will be too. Today was a statement by the Pacers who dominated the free throw line as they attempted 37 free throws.
This series will continue Tuesday night where the Heat will try to get back into the series. This game showed today that the Pacers are ready and willing to end the Heat’s quest for a third straight title.
Photo Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
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