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The Indiana Pacers normally enjoy taking on a challenge put in front of them and the current 11-game losing streak at Philips Arena qualifies as a solid incentive for the blue and gold. Oh, and the fact they can essentially close out their first-round series with the Hawks by winning on Saturday night.
As mighty Mike Wells reports from the beat, Frank Vogel isn't dwelling on the Pacers losing streak in Atlanta since the bulk of the current roster had nothing to do with those road losses. No since punishing his players for the sins of Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy and Earl Watson (it doesn't seem that long ago, does it?).
The last Pacers win against the Hawks in Atlanta was on Dec. 22, 2006. Stephen Jackson knocked down four three-pointers to lead Indiana with 27 points. Jermaine O'Neal chipped in 16 points and 10 rebounds. Al Harrington added 20 points. Jamaal Tinsley scored 10 points and dished out nine assists while Jeff Foster hauled in 16 rebounds. Yep, that's some winning production from the starting lineup.
Also seems like a lifetime ago.
No better time than the present to put those losing demons to rest in the ATL.
Also, Lance Stephenson has had some restless nights trying to sleep with a bruised right hip but after enduring a couple of days of treatment, he will give it a full go in Game 3.
Check out the links:
What 2 Watch 4 as Pacers-Hawks series shifts to Atlanta for Game 3 - 1070 The Fan
2013 NBA Playoffs: Pacers' Roy Hibbert turns Atlanta embarrassment into motivation | Indianapolis Star |indystar.com
Game Preview: Pacers vs Hawks, Game 3 | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Notebook: Dismissing the Streak, Keeping Hawks Out of Transition | Pacers Blogs
How David West Helps the Pacers’ Score Easy-Strike Points in Transition | 8 Points, 9 Seconds
Will Dwight Howard have any better championship options than L.A. Lakers? - SBNation.com
Pacers Playoffs Notebook: Pick your poster, Hibbert or Green? | Fox 59 News – fox59.com
Knicks push Celtics to brink of elimination; J.R. Smith ejected for elbow - AP