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The Indiana Pacers couldn't make the one or two plays they needed to beat the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. After going through a stretch with so much winning (11-1 prior to the tip last night) it seemed inevitable that the Pacers would pull out another game down the stretch.
But this time they met a desperate team in Philly, looking to lock up their playoff position and despite the final score, the end result at Bankers Life Fieldhouse was outstanding. The game was a playoffs dress rehearsal both on the court and in the stands. The near capacity crowd was rocking throughout the game while both teams spilled their guts on the floor.
That said, there were plays for the Pacers to make at the end of regulation and overtime but the execution was clunky and the results negative. Fortunately, the Pacers have the cushion to learn from the loss without losing their third spot in the standings. Now they need an Atlanta loss today against New York or a win against Detroit on Monday.
Check out the links after the jump, including David West lamenting the lack of execution down the stretch, leading to the loss for the Pacers.
Box score: 76ers 109, Pacers 106 OT
Rewind: Pacers vs. Sixers 120421 | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
No. 3 seed for Pacers is on hold after 7-game winning streak ends | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Kravitz: Can Pacers succeed without mega-star? | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Pacers changes: Hill for Collison, George for Jones | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Basketball Prospectus | The Playoff Picture
Balanced Sixers Steal OT Win Over Streaking Pacers - Liberty Ballers
Brand leads 76ers past Pacers 109-106 in OT - AP
Sixers beat Pacers in OT - philly.com