Indiana Pacers News

Pacers vs. Heat Links: Pacers return home down to last strike in Game 5

The Pacers were run over by the Heat in Game 4, unable to match the champs' effort on the road. Following the game the Pacers were more offended by the officials than their own play which put their post-game effort on par with their game effort.

By Tom Lewis@IndyCornrows May 27, 2014, 7:00am EDT

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The Pacers were beaten to the punch to start the first and third quarters, as the Heat applied pressure early to start the game and second half which led to a series of turnovers off bewildering pass attempts.

For the game, the Heat scored 20 points off of the Pacers' 14 turnovers, but 10 of those turnovers came in the first and third quarters combined along with 18 of the 20 donation points. That quickly mutes any complaints about officiating and flopping, regardless of how maddening it might have been at times.

You have to take care of your own business before looking elsewhere for excuses. Paul George complained about "home cooking" after the game, but I can't get past the sloppy, one-handed bounce-pass turnover PG coughed up on the first possession of the third quarter.

Suddenly, this series is turning into a microcosm of the Pacers' regular season. Strong start with stretches of fantastic, championship caliber play before exhaling far too soon and then being left trying to put together a full team effort again while everyone is not up to the task.

The Pacers can play with Miami all day, but they can't beat Miami in the end with any weak links showing up. In Game 4, Roy Hibbert and Lance Stephenson didn't have what it took to beat the Heat.

Now the Pacers are down to their last strike. Game 5 at home to extend the series and the season. Going to need a better effort across the board and much better body language than this from Lance.