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NBA Playoffs 2013: Pacers, Paul George let Game 1 against Heat slip away

2013-05-23T04:39:09Z

The discussion for Indiana Pacers' Game 1 loss to the Miami Heat is going to revolve heavily around Frank Vogel's decision to remove Roy Hibbert defensively in the game's final two defensive possessions, which led to two LeBron James' layups, including the final with 2.2 seconds remaining on the clock with the Pacers up a point. Regardless of the decision by Vogel, 2.2 seconds is way too much time against someone like James.

At the same time, Indiana was the benefit of a fortuitous foul with seconds left in overtime, salvaging a horrible possession as Paul George was fouled by Dwyane Wade, went to the free throw line and knocked down all three to take the 102-101 lead. Regardless, Vogel's decision to force James into a jumper failed when George was in bad position backfired in a big way, leading James towards the basket for the game winning layup. With Hibbert on the bench, it allowed an easy path to the basket instead of using Hibbert's defense to what was assuredly heading towards Chris Bosh to pop up the game winning shot instead.

Vogel played his odds that his defense could stay in front of James and came up snake eyes. His adjustments this postseason have been good enough to rebound from losses (usually anyway), yet there's something demoralizing about giving up Game 1 to the Heat when you have the lead. The Pacers didn't have to win this game, but they failed to seize the opportunities they have and not having this game could easily cost them later on in this series.

Despite the call, Vogel remained optimistic, citing Bosh as the reason he had Hibbert on the bench, also noting, "We'll probably have him in next time." Regardless of the last 2.2 seconds, the Indiana Pacers were incredibly lucky to be in the game. They did themselves no favors by committing 20 turnovers, letting Chris Andersen to rule the paint as part of 60 Miami points in the red, allowing 16 offensive rebounds, and getting virtually nothing from George Hill and Lance Stephenson offensively.

Yet there was very little the Pacers can't be expected to do in future games to continue to challenge the Heat. Unfortunately for Indiana, it's not likely the Heat have 21 turnovers themselves, but they did a lot of things right tonight despite having a number of bad spells. Paul George was clutch when he needed to be clutch, forcing overtime on a deep three pointer and finding a way to the line to drill all three of his free throws to take the lead. He finished up with a team high 27 points, scoring 25 in the second half and doing a solid job of guarding James.

James had a fairly quiet game despite stumbling into a 30 point, 10 rebound, and 10 assist triple double. Until the final four Miami points, the Pacers were still able to force James into four turnovers. What Indiana learned was the difference between James and Carmelo Anthony. "Limiting" LeBron James turns into a triple double. There's no substitute for the best player in basketball, but Indiana's did a hell of a job trying tonight.

David West had his best postseason game, scoring 26 points on 11-17 shooting, but struggled at the free throw line, hitting just 4-8. The Pacers missed eight free throws, but shot a respectable 24-32. Roy Hibbert also was a big threat on the offensive end, scoring 19. Tyler Hansbrough came off the bench for a huge 10 points, helping to minimize the play of Chris Andersen, who was a perfect 7-7 for 16 points.

All in all, the only thing to really take away from this game was Indiana giving away Game 1 in a series they need every win they can get if they hope to pull the upset in the final 2.2 seconds with a questionable coaching call. Even still, a lot of things about this series that won't go away despite tonight's loss. For the Pacers, however, this isn't going to be the one game they had a chance to win. It's one of seven. Game 2 will tip off Friday night in Miami as the Pacers look to get the series back to Indianapolis 1-1.

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Pacers Final Score: Heat escape Pacers in OT 103-102 in Game 1

2013-05-23T03:58:24Z

The Indiana Pacers were able to set the tone for this Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the Miami Heat, but they made just too many mental mistakes to capitalize on a golden opportunity to grab the Game 1 victory despite forcing overtime with a deep Paul George three pointer. The Pacers and Heat went back and forth the entire game, but the Pacers couldn't overcome 20 turnovers, allowing Miami to score 22 points off those turnovers.

Paul George was able to take the lead in overtime with three free throws before LeBron James had an easy layup to the rim with 2.2 seconds to go. Paul George led the Pacers with 27 and David West pitched in with 26. James had a 30-point, 10 rebound, and 10 assist triple double to seal the Game 1 victory for Miami.

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Halftime score: Pacers lead Heat 42-37

2013-05-23T01:46:40Z

The Indiana Pacers opened Game 1 with the first half they were hoping to have against the Miami Heat, holding the top seed in the East to 37 points, forcing 13 turnovers along the way. Neither team has been able to rattle off any sort of run as the Pacers too have struggled with turnovers, committing 12. LeBron James started the game hot, but had just nine points in the first quarter, picking up a pair of fouls.

Fouls have been a definition of tonight's game, with David West and Lance Stephenson each picking up three and Chris Bosh also sitting after his third. West has picked the perfect time to show up, scoring 18 points on 8-11 shooting with Roy Hibbert scoring 11, grabbing three of Indiana's six offensive rebounds to lead to a 19-12 advantage on the boards.

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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.

How The Pacers Can Break The Heat Defense

2013-05-22T20:02:55Z

The Pacers' biggest advantage on the offensive end is their size. But anyone who watched last year's Eastern Conference Semi-Finals knows that the Heat's speed and athleticism can make it difficult for the Pacers to exploit this advantage. Roy Hibbert and David West won't simply be able to back their man down into deep post position to create easy scoring opportunities, for a couple of reasons.

When the Heat frontcourt defenders play behind Hibbert and West, their length and quickness on the perimeter make it extremely difficult to make an entry pass. The man playing the ball handler will usually shade towards the post cutting off easy passing angles. Here's an example from earlier this season of Dwyane Wade playing a step or two off Lance Stephenson, denying an entry to Hibbert.

The one thing you can't do in this situation is try and force a pass, which is unfortunately what the Pacers' did time and again in their series against the Heat last season. But you also can't stand and watch, waiting for an angle to open up. It's incumbent on the ball-handlers, Stephenson and George Hill in particular to either create a better angle with the dribble or attack that defender who's back on their heels.

However, the Pacers may not have to deal with this situation as often because the Heat will frequently front Hibbert and West in the post, particularly when they're playing smaller lineups. Last season the Pacers also had a ton of trouble dealing with this look, but they do have some simple ways to deal with it.

This first example is from earlier this season against the Heat and shows a few really important elements. The first is that it comes off a defensive rebound. Pushing the ball after misses, as well as turnovers, is going to be really important for the Pacers in terms of finding opportunities before the defense can get set. Because they've pushed the ball so quickly, West is able to push his man high and no other Heat defenders have had time to set up behind him. It creates the angle for an easy pass and the opportunity for an easy lay-in.

While getting early offensive opportunities is a must, the Pacers also have to be careful and exhibit self-control. They made a ton of turnovers in transition in last year's playoffs against the Heat and it's something the struggled with against both the Hawks and Knicks this year.

The most simplistic way of attacking a fronting defender is by quickly swinging the ball to another big man at the free throw line. The posting big then turns and seals his man creating a clear lane for both passing and shooting right in front of the rim. Here's an example of the Pacers using this type of attack earlier this season against the Bobcats.

While this is a fairly straightforward set, I could find very few examples of the Pacers using it this season, and none against the Heat. Usually when West is catching the ball near the top of the key, the Pacers like to clear out of the lane giving him opportunity to attack off the dribble. Even though they're not that experienced with it, working in this type of high-low action may give them a way to take advantage of Miami's smaller front line. Another wrinkle would be putting Hibbert at the top of the key and West on the block. Although Hibbert is a little more limited from that spot on the floor, he may be a better passer than West and his tremendous length gives him some different angles.

Having a big man stationed near the top of the key also gives the Pacers' other opportunities for attacking the Heat defense. Even though he will usually be matched against a smaller defender, West's ability to attack off the dribble from here usually results in good shots. Even if West doesn't find opportunities for himself, the threat of him driving will often pull in a perimeter defender and create the opening for a corner three-pointer, like in this play from earlier in the season against Denver.

The Pacers are going to need to create looks in transition, from the high post and by exploiting fronting defenders because they'll have an incredibly difficult time creating shots with just dribble penetration. Even against an average defense they don't do a great job of bending the defense in the pick-and-roll, but the Heat were the stingiest defense in the league this season on possessions finished by both pick-and-roll ball handlers and screeners, according to mySynergySports.

The one place where the Pacers did find success against the Heat's pick-and-roll defense this season was by sucking in an extra defender, leaving a shooter open in the corner. Here are two terrific looks, which both happen to be missed, created by Mario Chalmers drifting a little too close to the ball handler.

The Heat's primary pick-and-roll defense is superb, but it can bend their overall shape slightly and pull in less disciplined perimeter defenders like Chalmers, Norris Cole and occasionally Ray Allen. When they do go to the pick-and-roll the Pacers' ball handlers need to be really aggressive, putting pressure on the defense and changing the shape as much as possible. From there the entire team needs to be ready to swing the ball to the open man, even if it takes two or three passes.

If all this sounds extremely complicated, that's because it is. Although they were exposed at times during the regular season, the Heat have a terrific defense and their unique tools are a really tough matchup for Indiana. Everyone needs to play well, be aggressive, and find the right spots. The backcourt has to make outside shots. The frontcourt has to draw fouls and crash the offensive glass. Everyone has to hustle in transition. But most importantly, every second of the shot clock has to be used to further the pursuit of good shots at the basket. As long as the Heat's defense is static and holding its shape, the Pacers have next to no chance of finding an open opportunity. The ball and the players have to be constantly moving, side to side and end to end. There's no room for standing around and watching.

Against the Knicks and Heat, the Pacers' defense gave their offense a generous margin for error. That margin simply isn't there against Miami and it will take significant amounts of both creativity and execution to pull out four wins in the next seven games.

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

Indiana Pacers’ Paul George embraces larger role - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Pacers-Heat Preview - AP

Indiana Pacers buck traditional team-building methods - SBNation.com

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh brace for Indiana Pacers in NBA Eastern Conference finals. - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

INDIANAPOLIS: Miami Heat guard Norris Cole must disrupt Indiana Pacers guard George Hill - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Ball Don’t Lie’s 2012-13 Playoff Previews: Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports

Greg Cote: Drama might not be real, but Miami Heat’s dominance is - Greg Cote - MiamiHerald.com

Chris Bosh-Roy Hibbert matchup could decide Heat-Pacers series - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Pacers Playoff Central: LeBron James not afraid to dunk on Roy Hibbert | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Spurs-Grizzlies: Memphis left struggling with lost opportunity - CBS Sports

NBA Draft 2013: Cavaliers will reportedly gauge trade interest with top pick - SBNation.com

Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards poised to make leaps forward after NBA draft lottery | The Point Forward - SI.com

How the lottery lost its cool - TrueHoop Blog - ESPN

NBA Mock Draft: Version 3 - Yahoo! Sports

2013 NBA Mock Draft: In top 10, beauty is in the eye of the beholder - SBNation.com

Pacers vs. Heat Links: Wait is over for Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals

2013-05-22T14:26:40Z

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

Indiana Pacers’ Paul George embraces larger role - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Pacers-Heat Preview - AP

Indiana Pacers buck traditional team-building methods - SBNation.com

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh brace for Indiana Pacers in NBA Eastern Conference finals. - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

INDIANAPOLIS: Miami Heat guard Norris Cole must disrupt Indiana Pacers guard George Hill - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Ball Don’t Lie’s 2012-13 Playoff Previews: Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports

Greg Cote: Drama might not be real, but Miami Heat’s dominance is - Greg Cote - MiamiHerald.com

Chris Bosh-Roy Hibbert matchup could decide Heat-Pacers series - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Pacers Playoff Central: LeBron James not afraid to dunk on Roy Hibbert | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Spurs-Grizzlies: Memphis left struggling with lost opportunity - CBS Sports

NBA Draft 2013: Cavaliers will reportedly gauge trade interest with top pick - SBNation.com

Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards poised to make leaps forward after NBA draft lottery | The Point Forward - SI.com

How the lottery lost its cool - TrueHoop Blog - ESPN

NBA Mock Draft: Version 3 - Yahoo! Sports

2013 NBA Mock Draft: In top 10, beauty is in the eye of the beholder - SBNation.com

NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Pacers look to slow down Heat Big Four

2013-05-22T02:47:03Z

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Miami's "Big Three" will draw the undivided attention of the Indiana Pacers' defense in the Eastern Conference Finals.

But Frank Vogel prefers to account for everyone one the floor and instead insists his team prepare for the Big Four. The "four" in this case includes all of the complimentary players for the Heat, especially those hovering around the three-point line ready to take open shots when the defense has to help.

The Pacers guard the arc better than any other team in the NBA so they don't like giving up open looks. Plus, when you have shooters like Ray Allen, Shane Battier and Mike Miller, leaving them open to knock down shots makes the Heat virtually unbeatable.

Last year the Pacers fared pretty well in slowing down the three-point shots, but the Heat have a better supporting cast this time around. The scary part is that Ray Allen and Shane Battier haven't shot the three particularly well so far in the playoffs, nor has Mario Chalmers and Mike Miller.

One guy who is playing a bigger role this year and has been a difference maker in the post-season is reserve guard Norris Cole. He's shot nearly 70 percent from three land and played a lot of minutes off the bench. Something has to give with Cole's numbers, but the second-year players is plenty confident and a big advantage for the Heat off the bench.

The Pacers best matchup is probably the starting units with Udonis Haslem on the floor. Roy Hibbert can check Haslem with David West working on Chris Bosh. When the Heat go small with Battier instead of Haslem, Hibbert will have to keep up with Bosh which means the mid-range pick n pop is in play.

The Heat are also better off the bench if they stay big with Birdman Andersen adding size and athleticism to the front court as a vast improvement over Joel Anthony and Dexter Pittman. But the main challenge for the Pacers will be keeping the shooters from getting open looks and torching the Pacers from behind the arc.

The Pacers do have a better supporting cast as well, although it is hard to tell sometimes. Still, Ian Mahinmi and Sam Young in particular were brought in this year with the primary objective of helping against the Heat. Young is physical enough to give spot minutes of defensive help on LeBron and Mahinmi can help keep a big around the rim to challenge drives through the lane.

So, yeah, the Big Three will likely get theirs in some form or fashion in each game, but not letting the Big Four all get going on the same night is the only way the Pacers can put themselves in position to win.

Then to take advantage of that position they will need to take care of the ball and score some points. The Heat will likely pressure the ball and double West and Hibbert to try and ramp up the turnovers. Coughing up the ball against Miami is a death sentence so minimizing those mistakes, again should help put the Pacers in position to win.

So can the Pacers take care of business at both ends of the floor four times? That's what it will take to get past the Heat. We'll find out starting tomorrow night.