With all eyes seemingly on the intriguing Western Conference, the Indiana Pacers have quietly emerged as a legitimate threat to win the Eastern Conference.
The Pacers have won back-to-back games over the second-seeded New York Knicks, giving them a 3-1 stranglehold on their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.
The wins have come despite a bit of a rocky start to the playoffs where the team struggled to find consistency.
“I just think that our focus has been better than it was,” Indiana forward David West said after their Game 4 victory. “We might have surprised ourselves going in there and getting Game 1. Naturally, we may have had a little letdown, but we talked about maintaining our home court and our focus in these two games and we were able to accomplish that. Our next goal is to compete hard with an opportunity for a close-out game in a tough environment.”
Things looked shaky early on for Indiana, as the Atlanta Hawks won Game 2 and 3 of their first round tilt in convincing fashion – evoking memories of Miami’s comeback against the Pacers in last year’s postseason.
But the tough-minded Pacers bounced back, taking the next two contests and winning the series in six games.
After a victory to open the second round, the Pacers suffered yet another setback, losing Game 2 by 26 points.
Once again, the Pacers have responded. This time by clamping down on defence and making big shots in key moments.
Indiana appears to have regained their poise, sticking to their identity as a hard-nosed defensive team known for grinding out games in what may be considered ugly fashion.
That defence has been on full display in the last two games, holding New York to 35.2 per cent shooting in Game 3 and 35.6 per cent in Game 4.
A big reason why they have been able to stifle the New York offense had been the play of their two most important players: Roy Hibbert, whose size and defensive instincts have discouraged the Knicks from attacking the rim, and Paul George, whose individual defence on Carmelo Anthony has been nothing short of fantastic.
George has hounded Melo, forcing him into a combined 25-of-67 shooting in New York’s three losses — a mark of 37 per cent. Without an effective Anthony scoring for the Knicks, they have really struggled to get production elsewhere.
“I’m not really sure how we’re doing it other than trying our best,” Pacers head coach Frank Vogel said. “Guys are giving great effort. Roy (Hibbert) and Ian (Mahinmi) are giving great protection at the rim, and Paul George is working his tail off to do the best he can to try to limit him.”
Hibbert too has contributed significantly during this playoff run, consistently outplaying Knicks centre Tyson Chandler. His presence on the defensive end is a huge asset for Indiana — one they will need should they reach the Conference Finals.
With the team firing on all cylinders defensively, they have also gotten a great all-around effort on offense.
Four out of the five Pacer starters are averaging double-figures in scoring during the playoffs, with George and David West leading with way at just over 17 points per game.
What has been most impressive about the way the Pacers have scored has been the ability of the supporting cast to step up when needed. Lance Stephenson, D.J. Augustine and George Hill have all contributed big games at crucial times.
The depth and resilience of this team is part of what makes them so dangerous in a seven-game series.
Providing they can close out the Knicks, a massive challenge will be awaiting them in the form of the reigning champion Miami Heat.
The Heat infamously eliminated the Pacers last season, winning three-straight after Indiana took a 2-1 series lead. The many Pacers holdovers from last year have not forgot that fact.
This time around, things are different. Indiana is more experienced and an improved defensive squad.
It is defence that will be key against the Heat. George will have the unenviable task of slowing either LeBron James or Dwayne Wade, while Hibbert must continue to defend the rim and force the Heat to take tough shots outside of the paint.
If they can get strong efforts out of those two players and a balanced scoring attack much like they have against New York, than the Pacers will have a legitimate chance of dethroning the champions and advancing to their first NBA Finals in 13 years.
Indiana is ready to take on the East’s best team in what is sure to be a closely-contested, hard-fought battle. Just don’t be surprised if they pull off the upset.