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Ian Mahinmi put together a podium performance in Game 4 despite lingering lower back soreness, but after watching him try to walk up the three steps and sit down at the podium table 15 minutes after posting 22 and 1, there is no doubt pain is part of the everyday process for the Pacers center.
There are few movements, if any, that don't trigger discomfort when back pain is involved. That's why the Pacers are fortunate to have two full days off between both Game 5 and Game 6. Yet, while the additional treatment time will help Mahinmi, he will continue to play through the pain. As he mentioned on Monday after practice, once he is warmed up and playing on the floor it is just a matter of adjusting to the pain and he has gotten used to playing through that pain.
For the Pacers' sake, he will need to keep playing through the pain at a high level. As we've seen in the past two days with Stephen Curry and Chris Paul, one awkward play can send any player to the sidelines and with a touchy back, Mahinmi is always a risk.
As for some details on Game 5 tonight, the game will start earlier than usual at 6 p.m. ET on TNT. Also, the Pacers will have a viewing party near the Fieldhouse at Kilroy's downtown on the corner of Meridian and Georgia Street. Also, tickets for Game 6 on Friday at the Fieldhouse are on sale.
Plenty of stories from the past couple of days so check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers at Raptors (Game 5) | Indiana Pacers
Charged Up: Paul George has drawn more offensive fouls than any playoff team - Indy Cornrows
The Growth of Myles Turner - Indy Cornrows
Practice: Ian Mahinmi on His Health, Seeing Some Minutes with Second Unit | Indiana Pacers
Practice: George on Matchup with DeRozan, Preparing for Game 5 | Indiana Pacers
Miles Continues To Work and Wait | Indiana Pacers
Doyel: DeMar DeRozan shrinking in matchup with Paul George
Mahinmi, Hill Emerge in Balanced Offense | Indiana Pacers
Pacers expect counterpunch from Raptors | WFNI ESPN 1070 the Fan | Indy's SportsCenter
Raptors' confidence not waning in DeRozan, Lowry: Feschuk | Toronto Star
Raptors and Pacers Square off in Pivotal Game 5: Preview, TV Info and more - Raptors HQ
Practice: G. Hill on Returning To Toronto | Indiana Pacers
Practice: Vogel On Rotations; Game 5 | Indiana Pacers
With Stephen Curry injury, Warriors know their title defense is in jeopardy
Game Rewind: Pacers 100, Raptors 83 (Game 4) | Indiana Pacers
Practice: Myles Turner on Remaining Effective While Not Shooting Well | Indiana Pacers
Turner Takes Another Turn at Starting | Indiana Pacers
VIDEO: Pacers engage in post-practice dunk battle | Vigilant Sports
VIDEO: Ty Lawson’s crossover shakes Cory Joseph | Vigilant Sports
Pacers beat Raptors 100-83 in Game 4 to even series
Indiana rallies behind ... Ian Mahinmi? Ties series at 2-2
Frenchman Mahinmi has career game for Pacers
State of the Indiana Pacers: It's a 3 Game Series
Post-Game 4 Breakdown: When everything went wrong - Raptors HQ