Conventional wisdom says, when a team plays well collectively, they are a tough opponent. Such sentiment describes how things transpired in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, as the Indiana Pacers redefined the term balanced scoring attack in defeating the Miami Heat by the count of 106-97.
While one might have expected joy in the Pacer locker room afterwards, it was instead businesslike with perspective superseding celebration.
“You cannot allow a team like Miami any leeway,” stated Paul George, who abused Miami’s Shane Battier, early and often. Ditto that from David West, the elder statesman of the starting five, who offered a rather blunt assessment of the situation. “We haven’t accomplished anything yet.”
While West is correct, the fact remains that winning Game 1 gives this team some much-needed confidence and removes some of the doubt about their ability to win big playoff games at home, where they have struggled mightily since the post season began.
Miami got the expected production for Lebron James and Dwyane Wade as they combined for 52 points, but James was not able to get to the foul line frequently and at times looked out of sync defensively.
When asked about the performance of his team, James took the look and see approach.
“I am not sure, this game is still fresh, so we will have to look at the film.”
When James looks at the film he will no doubt see failure to apply pressure on pick-and-roll situations and some very sloppy ball handling. All in all, Miami looked incredibly lethargic at times for a team that generally plays solid defense. Credit the Pacers for breaking down that defense with splendid ball movement, which demonstrated the willingness to make the extra pass that lead to good shot selection frequently.
Notes: Indiana’s starting five displayed the type scoring balance that made Larry Bird actually smile late in the game.
All starters were in double figures with Paul George leading the parade with 24 points. David West and Roy Hibbert added 19 points each, while Lance Stephenson and George Hill chipped in 17 and 15 respectively.
The Pacers who committed just 12 turnovers, hit 8 of 19 three-point attempts, and out rebounded Miami, 38-29.
While Miami received good production from reserves Ray Allen and Chris Andersen, Heat starters Mario Chalmers and Chris Bosh struggled against a Pacer defense that rotated well. The Heat connected on just 6 of their 23 three-point field goal attempts, and shot just 15 free throws, hitting 10. Lebron James, who pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds reached the line just twice.
Game 2 will be played Tuesday at Bankerslife Fieldhouse starting at 8:30 p.m. It can also be seen on ESPN.
Danny Bridges can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
Danny Bridges is an award-winning journalist and a longtime sports columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. He covers college, professional sports and especially all things IndyCar racing. He can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
