ECF, Game 6: #1 Pacers vs. #2 Heat, MIA Leads 3-2

[Jake0890]

May 30, 2014
8:30 PM EST
AmericanAirlines Arena - Miami, FL

The Skinny

Well, here we are again. For 2 years in a row, heading into game 6, the Pacers are down 3-2. Last year, lead by Paul George’s 29 points, the Pacers forced a game 7. After one of the greatest 4th quarter performances in recent history, Paul George scored 21 of his 38 points in the 4th quarter and simply seemed unstoppable, willing the Pacers to victory. The Pacers hope to, once again, force a game 7 against the Miami Heat, where they would be able to return to Bankers Life and unlike last year, will have the upperhand of home court advantage. But it won’t be easy. After a game where LeBron was forced to ride the bench with 5 fouls for most of the 2nd half, he’ll be out for blood and want to kill a Pacers comeback before it even gets started. But then again, maybe PG has hit his groove and will be able to go toe to toe with LBJ and contain him. So will the Pacers force a game 7 once again? Or will the Pacers’ season finally come to an end?

The Lineups

Point Guard

One word: average.

Shooting Guard

Lance was his usual pestering self and Wade couldn’t keep up his hot start to this series. Both took back seats to Paul George and Chris Bosh, respectively.

Small Forward

It was almost unfair how many unguardable shots PG hit in the 4th quarter. He scored 30 more points than LeBron, who was sidelined for a good portion of the game with foul trouble.

Power Forward

I guess Rashard Lewis is starting know? I don’t know. In any case, Rashard Lewis had a career game with 18 points, all from 3. He’ll retire before he ever plays like that again.

Center

Chris Bosh was Miami’s MVP in game 5 while Roy Hibbert recorded a double double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

The Bench




Ray Allen had 15. The Pacers’ bench had 6. Lol.

Injury Report

Pacers
None

Miami Heat
None

The Tradition

Spoiler:

[SmashMouthRod]

Lance; Paul and David must bring it in this game. Must keep the turnovers to a minimum and keep them off the foul line. I agree with Pauls statement that if Lebron scores 50 then we will have a chance because that means the role players are going. We need to force Lebron to do everything while making him work on the defensive end. Lock down the role players; Make Wade and James do everything. Everyone has to stay at home on their mans and make them make every contested shot. Hopefully Vogel uses a couple more than his 8 man rotation this game. He should consider giving Lavoy a couple of mins instead of Mahinmi. Also let Cope get in there and take a couple threes and sit back down. Any production from the bench will help avoid the bad offensive quarters that we seem to have every game in one of the quarters. I would go all offense for one quarter and just see if we can get some points on the board and either build a lead or stay in the game. The starters really could benefit from not having to play 44 mins each of 48.

[Wizop]

as much as I hate to agree with Sir Charles, we are at our best when Lance is pushing the tempo. we can't afford to walk the ball up court which allows Miami to set up their defense.

and I wouldn't want the second unit to define the end result. I'd let Spoelstra determine the minutes. I wouldn't rest PG when Lebron is in the game or Lance when Wade is playing. Roy plays with Bosh. West plays with Lewis. Hill may have to play 48 if CJ can't check Cole. all of which means we have to defend without fouling as we can't afford to have any of the starters in foul trouble.

[EuroPacer]

Can someone explain why all these games start at 8.30? It's such a bitch for me to watch them as that is 1.30 AM and they don't finish until 4-ish. As I can't sleep before and the wife has my number for doing stuff at 8-9 in the morning I can't really watch these games live. It Sucks

Other than that, I think it will be over tonight, unless we can actually get all starters performing like they did in game 1, I don't see how we can win. And as it is in Miami... well.

Of course, I hope I am wrong!

[MNPacersfan]

Can someone explain why all these games start at 8.30?

Because California is the most important state in the US? It's always bothered me that the teams earn the right to play this far into the playoffs and can't play at their times. It's especially frustrating in the finals when an East team has to start their games at 9PM EST, how fair is that to that team's fans?

Pacers are at their best with Lance leading breaks, but with Hill setting up the half court. Lance makes decisions way to slowly as he's dicking around dribbling between his legs. Lance is way too slow to look inside when the bigs are established in the paint. By the time they get the ball they're forced to clear the lane. Hill moves the rock. The rock needs to move!

[Jake0890]

Can someone explain why all these games start at 8.30? It's such a bitch for me to watch them as that is 1.30 AM and they don't finish until 4-ish. As I can't sleep before and the wife has my number for doing stuff at 8-9 in the morning I can't really watch these games live. It Sucks

8:30 is prime time on the east coast while still allowing the people on the west coast (namely California) to still watch the game by playing it late enough to where most people can still watch it after getting off of work/school.

[Jake0890]

And yeah, tempo is crucial. When the Pacers just walk the ball up the court, it lets the Heat set up their trap thing and the offense stagnates. There's no movement on offense and just a lot of iso ball. Lance and PG have to create turnovers and push the ball.

[SmashMouthRod]

Hopefully Cope can step in and knock down 3 or 4 threes and sit back down. Dont know why Vogel doesnt just put him on the floor. Notice that Spoelstra uses Ray Allen and rashard lewis who cant guard anyone; but they can change a game from the perimeter with a couple of shots. When you have a guy like that you find ways to get him on the court; even if its for a couple of mins.

[SmashMouthRod]

as much as I hate to agree with Sir Charles, we are at our best when Lance is pushing the tempo. we can't afford to walk the ball up court which allows Miami to set up their defense.

and I wouldn't want the second unit to define the end result. I'd let Spoelstra determine the minutes. I wouldn't rest PG when Lebron is in the game or Lance when Wade is playing. Roy plays with Bosh. West plays with Lewis. Hill may have to play 48 if CJ can't check Cole. all of which means we have to defend without fouling as we can't afford to have any of the starters in foul trouble.

I agree 100% on Stephenson; but they will need at least 10 good mins from reserves. Last game wasnt lopsided in Indy's favor because of an unlikely hero in Rashard Lewis. Indy will need good mins and an offensive jolt like that at some point becuase if guys play the whole 48 mins they will get burned out which leads to lapses that seem to be one of the teams biggest issues.

[SmashMouthRod]

Frank is master motivator. I think he is great when it comes to giving motivational speeches. "Our best can beat there best; we have what it takes to dominate this series."

[Miller4ever]

Stephenson not blowing in anybody's ear...but doing everything else in the 3rd grader book.

[Jake0890]

Holy **** this offense is terrible right now

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[LongLiveHinkie]

As an outsider observer, if Hibbert isn't getting rebounds or going strong inside, he's useless against Miami. That is where they can really exploit the Heat, as they are the worst rebounding team in the NBA.

If he's not even going to get rebounds or go up strong, I'd bench him and go with West at center and Scola at PF. At least then you'll have more of an offensive punch and their ability to shoot would open up driving lanes.

[Miller4ever]

Paul George needs to have 20+ shot attempts.

[Boneman2]

Vogel should have already ripped Hibbert a new anus. This guy is a waste of size. He'd probably struggle in the WNBA because he is such a pushover.

All I've got to say about GHill is that I knew he sucked from the moment we got him. What a total waste of cap space and a pick.

[mikepacernation]

Time to prepare for the offseason!


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[Miller4ever]

If Chris Anderson can turn into an all-business, professional player then there is hope for Lance.

[Jake0890]

Well...

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[SmashMouthRod]

Hibbert and George haven't done anything. Hill is playing like he's afraid of the moment. West is solid although the team cant seem to get a rebound. Stephenson may be doing some questionable things; but at least he's trying something. I don't understand why all the talk about him to be honest. Its no different than guys like Battier; Bruce Bowen; Patrick Beverley; Dennis Rodman; and many other veteran guys that do dirty under the radar plays to help there team win. Hell Jalen Rose tried to break Kobe's ankle on purpose. I appreciate Lance in this game more than G. Hill and Hibbert. Paul Has got to be more aggressive. Im disappointed that he isnt even looking to score to try and keep the team in the game. Lance's behavior has nothing to do with the other guys effort that is obviously missing. Lance is playing hard; making shots; and do anything to try and give the team an edge. The other guys other than West should be embarrassed about this score.

[SmashMouthRod]

What an embarrassing night..... My guests dont even want to watch this game anymore; so much for going out with a bang.