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The Indiana Pacers picked up another game on the Miami Heat in the race for the top spot in the East which was the most important take away from the Pacers win on Tuesday night. But even the importance of one game in December isn't enough to get too excited about in the big picture.
What is exciting is how the Pacers stepped up to the challenge of beating the Heat after a rough start and far too many turnovers from reliable sources (13 alone from David West and Paul George). The Heat were without some of their supporting cast and the effort LeBron James had to exert in the first half appeared to wear him out for winning time.
Add LBJ to the list of opponents the Pacers have run into the ground and then run past in the second half for a win. But as David West likes to say, it was just one win. The subdued locker room following the game also made one thing clear -- this team is over making statements.
They enjoy the challenge of winning each game and finding the motivation to do so, but they are doing so to impress themselves, not anyone else. Nothing will change that until they can get to those games in the playoffs that matter most to their goal of winning the East and then taking the NBA Finals.
As Paul George mentioned, until the Pacers get past the Heat in the playoffs there is really nothing to celebrate. They certainly have moved past the point of trying to earn respect or caring whether or not their actions ruffle the feathers of opponents. They don't care, no matter how hard some in the Miami or national media try to make a story out of quotes from Paul George or Lance Stephenson or Frank Vogel.
"I think 'statement' wins are for you guys to write about and not for me to talk about." Vogel said after the game.
The win sets up a fun rematch next week in Miami which should be plenty spirited once again and likely a lot different. The Heat could have Michael Beasely off the bench and may employ Udonis Haslem who always seems to give the Pacers problems when you least expect it. Of course, the Pacers could have Danny Granger available off the bench, as well.
So last night, the Pacers physically overwhelmed the Heat but this matchup will continue to evolve as we head toward the playoffs. And it will be a blast to follow each step of the way.
Oh, and after putting down LeBron and the Heat, PG went back on the court to battle Justin Timberlake in a game of PIG. Pretty good night at the Fieldhouse, indeed.
Check out the links:
Game Rewind: Pacers 90, Heat 84 | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Pacers' Only Statement: One Game at a Time | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Pacers rally again, this time against Heat | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Kravitz: Pacers make a point, not a statement | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Pacers C Hibbert rises to occasion again | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Pacers dominate second half to beat the Heat - 1070 The Fan
Pacers rally in 2nd half to beat Heat, 90-84 - AP
Granger says he'll likely play Friday | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Granger: "Very Good Chance" He Plays Friday | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Like Vogel, Pacers show value of work, confidence in beating Heat - NBA - Chris Mannix - SI.com
Daily Dime: Heat and Pacers renew rivalry - ESPN
Miami Heat, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James take on Indiana Pacers - Sun Sentinel
Breakdown: How Hibbert, Pacers bruised their way to win over Miami - CBSSports.com
Recap: Heat hold heads high as they lose to Pacers - Hot Hot Hoops
Post-Game Grades: Pacers Defeat the Heat | 8 Points, 9 Seconds
Paul George says he and LeBron James are competitors
First step in Paul George's path to stardom came in unlikely setting - Yahoo Sports
Indiana comes back to down Miami in a postseason-styled battle | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo Sports
Paul George has postgame shootaround with Justin Timberlake after beating the Heat | For The Win
Danny Granger could return to the Pacers’ lineup as soon as Friday | The Point Forward - SI.com
David West nails Roy Hibbert square in the face with pass - SBNation.com
Offseason Acquisitions Prove Their Worth | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Miami’s Big Three on the Rise of Paul George | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Bulls frontrunners to sign D.J. Augustin - Yahoo Sports
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