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Pacers vs. Heat, Game 2: Game thread, lineups, TV info and more

2013-05-24T21:30:07Z

2012-13 NBA Playoffs
(0-1)	@	(1-0)
May 24, 2013 - 8:30 p.m. ET
AmericanAirlines Arena - Miami, FL
TV: TNT ---- Radio: AM 1070/107.5 FM The Fan
Probable Starters
George Hill	PG	Mario Chalmers
Lance Stephenson	SG	Dwyane Wade
Paul George	SF	LeBron James
David West	PF	Udonis Haslem
Roy Hibbert	C	Chris Bosh

The Indiana Pacers head to tip time in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals with plenty of room for improvement after losing to the Miami Heat in Game 1. Of course, the Heat have similar thoughts but since we care more about the Pacers here are a few areas the Pacers need to improve:

- The Pacers had 20 turnovers which was actually one less than the Heat but entirely too many for the Pacers to absorb going forward. Even worse, 19 of those 20 gifts were donated by the starting unit, 10 by Paul George and David West alone. Appreciate the possession.

- The Pacers won the rebound battle 43-38 but that's not enough of an advantage. The Pacers have to control the glass much better and limit the Heat on the offensive glass where Miami grabbed 16 extra chances.

- George Hill and Lance Stephenson combined to make just four of 19 shot and miss all seven of their three-point attempts. These guys are Indiana's X-factor players and they were outplayed by Miami's backcourt. Stephenson seems particularly too amped up at times and had some wild shot attempts. Good, open shots but just wild misses. He's done a good job of bouncing back and getting comfortable as he finds himself in these situations with escalating importance. He'll have to grow up quick.

- The Pacers have to win the hustle plays. No play illustrated how the Heat were a step quicker to the ball than when Roy Hibbert blocked Dwyane Wade's shot only to have Norris Cole beat Paul George and David West to the ball and then turn it into a quick LeBron three-ball. Killer.

- The Pacers bench was "only" outscored 25-18 in Game 1, but Chris Andersen had 16 of those bench points for Miami. Again, a lot of that goes back to the hustle plays but a guy who averages five points per game can't get loose like that, again.

- Oh, and "Old School" David West had a monster first half and strong overall offensive effort for the Pacers. That's something that can't change.

So what other improvements are you hoping to see from the Pacers?

For more on the Heat, check out Hot Hot Hoops. Also, leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.

Want to go to some upcoming Pacers games? Indy Cornrows is your source for Indiana Pacers tickets.

2012-13 NBA Playoffs
(0-1)	@	(1-0)
May 24, 2013 - 8:30 p.m. ET
AmericanAirlines Arena - Miami, FL
TV: TNT ---- Radio: AM 1070/107.5 FM The Fan
Probable Starters
George Hill	PG	Mario Chalmers
Lance Stephenson	SG	Dwyane Wade
Paul George	SF	LeBron James
David West	PF	Udonis Haslem
Roy Hibbert	C	Chris Bosh

- Oh, and "Old School" David West had a monster first half and strong overall offensive effort for the Pacers. That's something that can't change.

So what other improvements are you hoping to see from the Pacers?

For more on the Heat, check out Hot Hot Hoops. Also, leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.

Want to go to some upcoming Pacers games? Indy Cornrows is your source for Indiana Pacers tickets.

Pacers vs. Heat, Game 2: Game coverage

2013-05-24T18:09:58Z

The Pacers have another chance to bring home a win from Miami when they face the Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Happy Carb Day! Those heading out to IMS today should have plenty of time to continue the party this evening while finding a spot to watch the Pacers and Heat square off in Game 2.

The Pacers fell one play short in Game 1 with "The Layup" delivering a stunning loss. Time to officially move on today and put the pedal to the metal for another 48 minute battle. Consider in Game 1, the Pacers biggest lead was seven points while the Heat's largest advantage was five points. The game was tight and intense throughout, a serious pleasure to watch, final result notwithstanding.

What makes the NBA playoffs so difficult is trying to maintain that physical and mental intensity throughout a series. That will be the challenge for the Pacers tonight, especially for their younger players soaking in the spotlight of the Eastern Conference Finals. They have to step up to a higher level of play than they showed on Wednesday since LeBron and friends will be ready.

Check out the links:

The World Snarls and Vogel Smiles | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Pacers playoffs: 4 things the Indiana needs to do to even their Eastern Conference finals series with the Heat | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Bob Kravitz: It's not fair everybody now knows Frank Vogel's name for the wrong reasons ... but it's also deserved | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Roy Hibbert is in LeBron James' head - TrueHoop Blog - ESPN

Pacers have no more margin for error in Miami - 1070 The Fan

CourtVision: Roy Hibbert, the Protector - The Triangle Blog - Grantland

Pacers Playoff Central: Roy Hibbert calls out Shane Battier for dirty play | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Roy Hibbert of Indiana Pacers calls Shane Battier of Miami Heat dirty - ESPN

James, Bryant voted to All-NBA first team - AP

Heat’s D Exposes Granger’s Absence " NBA.com | Hang Time Blog

2013 Playoffs: Pacers-Heat Game 2 viewer's guide - Indy Sports Legends

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel expect more in NBA Eastern Conference finals. - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Miami Heat’s Ray Allen going back to work - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com Miami Heat’s Ray Allen going back to work - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Roy Hibbert Says Shane Battier Kneed Him In The Dick On Purpose - Deadspin

The Pacers Did Everything Wrong On LeBron's Buzzer-Beater - Deadspin

Heat-Pacers Game 2 Preview: Keep calm and don't lose the ball

A few thoughts about Roy Hibbert - TrueHoop Blog - ESPN

NBA Playoffs 2013: 5 things that ruled about Heat-Pacers Game 1 - SBNation.com

LeBron James, Kevin Durant headline All-NBA First Team | The Point Forward - SI.com

Pacers vs. Heat Links: Pacers have to rev it up again for Game 2 on Carb Day

2013-05-24T11:00:00Z

Happy Carb Day! Those heading out to IMS today should have plenty of time to continue the party this evening while finding a spot to watch the Pacers and Heat square off in Game 2.

Check out the links:

The World Snarls and Vogel Smiles | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Pacers playoffs: 4 things the Indiana needs to do to even their Eastern Conference finals series with the Heat | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Bob Kravitz: It's not fair everybody now knows Frank Vogel's name for the wrong reasons ... but it's also deserved | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Roy Hibbert is in LeBron James' head - TrueHoop Blog - ESPN

Pacers have no more margin for error in Miami - 1070 The Fan

CourtVision: Roy Hibbert, the Protector - The Triangle Blog - Grantland

Pacers Playoff Central: Roy Hibbert calls out Shane Battier for dirty play | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Roy Hibbert of Indiana Pacers calls Shane Battier of Miami Heat dirty - ESPN

James, Bryant voted to All-NBA first team - AP

Heat’s D Exposes Granger’s Absence " NBA.com | Hang Time Blog

2013 Playoffs: Pacers-Heat Game 2 viewer's guide - Indy Sports Legends

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel expect more in NBA Eastern Conference finals. - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Miami Heat’s Ray Allen going back to work - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com Miami Heat’s Ray Allen going back to work - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Roy Hibbert Says Shane Battier Kneed Him In The Dick On Purpose - Deadspin

The Pacers Did Everything Wrong On LeBron's Buzzer-Beater - Deadspin

Heat-Pacers Game 2 Preview: Keep calm and don't lose the ball

A few thoughts about Roy Hibbert - TrueHoop Blog - ESPN

NBA Playoffs 2013: 5 things that ruled about Heat-Pacers Game 1 - SBNation.com

LeBron James, Kevin Durant headline All-NBA First Team | The Point Forward - SI.com

Paul George named to All-NBA third team, LeBron James tops All-NBA first team

2013-05-24T02:21:21Z

Indiana Pacers forward Paul George had a devastating end to his night at AmericanAirlines Arena after LeBron James slipped by him for the game-winner in Game 1.

Things improved for PG on Thursday as he was named to the All-NBA third team as voted on by a panel of 119 media members. Of course, LeBron earned the most votes to headline the All-NBA first team where he was joined by Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul. Heat guard Dwyane Wade also made the All-NBA third teams with PG.

Roy Hibbert and David West were among the players also receiving votes.

Here are the full results:

ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM

LeBron James, Miami: (119 votes) 595 points

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City: (102) 555

Tim Duncan, San Antonio: (45) 392

Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers: (91) 521

Chris Paul, LA Clippers: (97) 537

ALL-NBA SECOND TEAM

Carmelo Anthony, New York: (24) 397

Blake Griffin, LA Clippers: 132

Marc Gasol, Memphis: (38) 295

Tony Parker, San Antonio: (16) 273

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City: (20) 306

ALL-NBA THIRD TEAM

David Lee, Golden State: 79

Paul George, Indiana: 73

Dwight Howard, LA Lakers: (17) 203

Dwyane Wade, Miami: (3) 145

James Harden, Houston: (5) 253

Also receiving votes, with point totals: Brook Lopez, Brooklyn, 132 (7 First Team votes); Stephen Curry, Golden State, 72; LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland, 62; Chris Bosh, Miami, 59 (4); Joakim Noah, Chicago, 56 (3); Zach Randolph, Memphis, 45; Al Horford, Atlanta, 31 (2); Paul Pierce, Boston, 24; Al Jefferson, Utah, 20 (1); Tyson Chandler, New York, 19 (1); Roy Hibbert, Indiana, 9; Luol Deng, Chicago, 8; Kevin Garnett, Boston, 8; Ty Lawson, Denver, 8; Josh Smith, Atlanta, 7; Deron Williams, Brooklyn, 6; Pau Gasol, LA Lakers, 4; Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City, 4; Omer Asik, Houston, 3; Kenneth Faried, Denver, 3; Raymond Felton, New York, 3; Kyrie Irving, Cleveland, 3; Carlos Boozer, Chicago, 2; Mike Conley, Memphis, 2; David West, Indiana, 2; Rudy Gay, Toronto, 1; JJ Hickson, Portland, 1; Andre Iguodala, Denver, 1; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas, 1; Nikola Pekovic, Minnesota, 1; Rajon Rondo, Boston, 1; Nikola Vucevic, Orlando, 1.

Pacers vs. Heat Links: Pacers must move on quickly from brutal loss to Heat

2013-05-23T20:15:07Z

The Indiana Pacers surely like the Eastern Conference Finals schedule with one off day between games. After playing well in spurts and not so well throughout Game 1, the Pacers were in position to win in overtime after a miracle three from Paul George.

An equally miraculous three-point foul with 2.2 seconds allowed Paul George to show some serious stones by making all three freebies and putting the Pacers in the lead by one point. Unfortunately, PG was distracted by a shiny Ray Allen on the final play of the game. When he recovered too aggressively LeBron James trotted in for the game winner.

I really would've liked to have seen what would've happened with Roy Hibbert on the floor. My guess, the best-case scenario would've been a foul and two shots for either LeBron or Chris Bosh. Either would've been better than a layup. After the foul for PG at the other end, the whistles were ready for LBJ. But he didn't need it.

So many problems and errors along the way that it is hard to leave it all on PG and that final play, but still that was the game. But James is a tough cover with 2.2 seconds to go and interestingly, according to Prediction Machine's ScoreCast, with 2 seconds remaining in OT and down 1, the Heat were 50.3% more likely to win than lose. The percentages fell in their favor. Ugh.

The Pacers should be plenty confident heading into Game 2. But they need to turn that confidence into execution on the court if they want to take a win home to Indiana.

Check out the links:

Pacers at Heat - Game 1 - Box score and highlights

Game Rewind: Pacers 102, Heat 103, Game 1 | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Five takeaways from the Pacers’ Game 1 loss in Miami | Pacers Blogs

Bob Kravitz: Pacers will rue the day they let this one get away | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Coach Frank Vogel's decisions cost Pacers in 103-102 overtime loss to the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Mistakes by Vogel, players cost Pacers golden opportunity - 1070 The Fan

Pacers Playoff Central: Coach Frank Vogel will play zone in Game 1 situation next year | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Pacers playoffs: Paul George admits 'I slipped up at the end' | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Roy Hibbert probably wouldn't have stopped LeBron James' amazing Heat buzzer beater - SBNation.com

In Defense of Frank Vogel | 8 Points, 9 Seconds

LeBron clutch as Heat take 1-0 series lead over Pacers in ECF - Hot Hot Hoops

Pacers: Ouch. Double ouch in Game 1 | Pacers Insider

Miami’s Second-to-Last Possession and Defending the Guard/Guard Pick and Roll | 8 Points, 9 Seconds

Winderman: LeBron Wins Game 1 at Buzzer

Dan Le Batard: LeBron James takes the chaos of victory with an inner calm - Dan Le Batard - MiamiHerald.com

After LeBron James' last-second layup beats Pacers, Roy Hibbert vows not to sit quietly again - Yahoo! Sports

James, Bryant voted to All-NBA first team - AP

Pacers vs. Heat, Game 1: Game thread, lineups, TV info and more

2013-05-22T22:00:06Z

2012-13 NBA Playoffs
(0-0)	@	(0-0)
May 22, 2013 - 8:30 p.m. ET
AmericanAirlines Arena - Miami, FL
TV: TNT ---- Radio: AM 1070/107.5 FM The Fan
Probable Starters
George Hill	PG	Mario Chalmers
Lance Stephenson	SG	Dwyane Wade
Paul George	SF	LeBron James
David West	PF	Udonis Haslem
Roy Hibbert	C	Chris Bosh

The Indiana Pacers don't have to worry about overwhelming expectations heading into Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Finals matchup with the Miami Heat. Few NBA observers outside the 317 give the Pacers much of a chance, but the team usually embraces their role as an underdog. Although Paul George may have gone a bit far saying the Pacers would be underdogs if they played the Bobcats.

So while the pressure may be on the Heat as favorites, the Pacers do have to play every game with a sense of urgency and work to put themselves in position to win in the fourth quarter. That means avoiding a knock out run by the Heat, something that requires taking care of the ball and playing stout defense without fouling excessively.

Of course, LeBron can just go otherworldly and throw out all of the X factors for both teams. Not to mention, the Heat have been rolling for months. On Feb. 1, the Pacer beat the Heat at the Fieldhouse. The Heat then rattled off 27 straight Ws and have only lost three game since, compiling a 45-3 record to date. Not bad.

Regardless, this is gonna be a blast.

For more on the Heat, check out Hot Hot Hoops. Also, leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.

Want to go to some upcoming Pacers games? Indy Cornrows is your source for Indiana Pacers tickets.

2012-13 NBA Playoffs
(0-0)	@	(0-0)
May 22, 2013 - 8:30 p.m. ET
AmericanAirlines Arena - Miami, FL
TV: TNT ---- Radio: AM 1070/107.5 FM The Fan
Probable Starters
George Hill	PG	Mario Chalmers
Lance Stephenson	SG	Dwyane Wade
Paul George	SF	LeBron James
David West	PF	Udonis Haslem
Roy Hibbert	C	Chris Bosh

Regardless, this is gonna be a blast.

For more on the Heat, check out Hot Hot Hoops. Also, leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.

Want to go to some upcoming Pacers games? Indy Cornrows is your source for Indiana Pacers tickets.

Heat vs. Pacers 2013: SB Nation Eastern Conference Finals Preview

2013-05-22T20:41:00Z

After a grueling 6-game postseason battle a year ago, the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers will meat up again for the right to represent the Eastern Conference in the 2013 NBA Finals. Ben Golliver of SB Nation and SI.com breaks down the key factors, storylines, and matchups with the series set to tip off on Wednesday evening.

Pacers vs. Heat, Game 1: Game coverage

2013-05-22T19:04:10Z

The Eastern Conference Finals tip off tonight in Miami with both teams rested and ready to go.

Last season the Indiana Pacers outplayed the Miami Heat for two and a half games which wasn't nearly enough to get by the eventual champs. The two teams tip of a new series tonight in the Eastern Conference Finals and the Pacers need to put together four strong performances to stun the NBA world and beat the champs.

Both teams have had more than enough time off to make sure they are physically ready to begin the grind of their third playoff series. If Dwyane Wade's knee is a problem, it won't be in Game 1. The Pacers need to find a way to win one of the first two games in Miami as they did last year.

Easier said than done, but at a minimum the Pacers have to maintain their defensive disposition (and hope the refs have read up on the rule of verticality). They also have to limit the turnovers which will in turn help slow down the Heat transitions freight train that can quickly overwhelm any opponent. Then get Roy Hibbert and David West going around the hoop and the Pacers will be playing their game not Miami's.

No problem.

Check out the links:

Game Preview: Pacers at Heat, Game 1 | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Pacers Viewing Parties presented by Budweiser - ECF, Game 1 | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Bob Kravitz: Pacers will need more plays like 'The Block' from Roy Hibbert to upset the Heat | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

On The Pulse podcast with Indy Cornrows

From advance scout to Pacers head coach, Frank Vogel's surprising journey | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Pacers’ success surprising even to Walsh - 1070 The Fan

Miami Heat can be beat and LeBron James knows it - NBA News | FOX Sports on MSN

Heat-Pacers Series Preview: Who are the beasts of the East? - CBSSports.com

Bob Kravitz: 3 things I'm curious about before Game 1 | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Ten burning questions for the upcoming Miami Heat-Indiana Pacers series - Grantland