Pacers end 2014 with a victory over Miami
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — A lot has changed since last season for both the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers. Both rosters look quite different from the rosters that took center stage in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals match-up. Nevertheless, the intensity of the games between these two clubs is still high. Despite a hot-shooting 1st half for Miami, the Pacers used a huge 3rd quarter run to eventually win the game 106-95 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. With the win, the Pacers end 2014 on a high note.
As far as the regular season goes, Indianapolis has been a tough place to play for the Heat. Their last regular season win at Bankers Life was back in February of 2012.
Miami led 51-42 at halftime thanks to a great offensive start. They shot 57.9% in the opening half, compared to Indiana’s 37.5%. The Pacers were fortunate to only be down nine considering those numbers. Miami also won the rebounding battle in the 1st half 21-14, which was a bit surprising considering the Pacers are 5th in the NBA in rebounds.
The 3rd quarter, however, was a different story. After trailing 68-61, C.J. Miles hit a tough, well contested three that started the Pacers huge run. From that point on, they finished the 3rd quarter on a 17-2 run, giving them a 78-70 lead heading into the final quarter.
“The 3rd quarter has been our achilles heel all season” Dwyane Wade said. “We played a great first half. We boxed with them early in the 3rd quarter, and they just took off from there.”
Miami Coach Erik Spoelstra added: “We just have to figure it out and have to own it. We’ve talked about it enough, but the 3rd quarters have not been good for us.”
The Heat kept things close with an 11-4 run in the 4th quarter. But George Hill connected on back-to-back three pointers, and C.J. Miles followed that up with another three of his own, and it was too much for the Heat to overcome.
Miles led the Pacers with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. He shot 5-of-10 from behind the arc, and the Pacers shot a season best 55.6% from three on the night (10-18). “We just continue to fight and play hard,” Miles said. “We know this is a game of runs. We know we can get out there and compete. When we get out there and just fight and play with confidence, we give ourselves a chance.”
Former Pacer Danny Granger made his first visit to Bankers Life Fieldhouse as an opponent. He was greeted with a nice applause and played well with 14 points. “I saw a lot of people wearing my jersey, and a lot of kids still wearing my jersey.” Granger said. “It was strange being back. Very strange, but it was nice.”
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
Coach Frank Vogel is liking the progress of late: “We’ve won four of our last six to finish the year, and George Hill is a big part of that.”
The Pacers will now play four straight games on the road, but only one of which is against a team above .500. They’ll try to build on this victory to start the new year off right.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @TylerSmith_ISL
