Paul George Carries Pacers to Game 5 Victory Over Miami Heat

 

Paul George Carries Pacers to Game 5 Victory Over Miami Heat 

The Indiana Pacers live to fight for another game after winning Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals over the Miami Heat, 93-90. 

The Pacers came out with a hot start and took a 22-16 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Lebron James picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter and it was a foreshadowing of what his complete night would look like. The Heat actually rallied with James on the bench behind the hot shooting of Rashard Lewis, who had a huge night from behind the 3-point line. The Heat take advantage and head into halftime with a 42-33 lead. 

The Pacers energy was low and their home crowd seemed out of it heading into the second half. It did not look good for the Pacers to extend their series, but then Lance Stephenson's energy got the team and home crowd back into the game and gave the home team the advantage heading into the final quarter. 

Once the Pacers had their energy back and James on the bench in foul trouble, Paul George completely took the game over scoring 21 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter. He was aggressive and in the zone from inside and out, hitting a huge 3-pointer right in Lebron's face to extend the lead. 

The Pacers free throw struggles extended into the game tonight and almost gave the game away again tonight, but George's huge 4th quarter and big free throw makes from David West in the final minute were enough to help the Pacers stay alive in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Lebron James, who was in foul trouble much of the night, finished with a playoff career low 7 points in 24 minutes. Chris Bosh had 20 points and 10 rebounds and Rashard Lewis scored 18 points with 4 3-pointers for the Heat. 

For the Pacers, David West was efficient as usual shooting 7 for 11 from the field for 19 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. Roy Hibbert played 38 minutes, was only 4 of 11 from the field for 10 points, but was very active on the defensive end and grabbed a huge 13 rebounds to help the Pacers control the boards on both ends. 

With the Pacers holding off elimination for one more game, they will play the Heat in Game 6 on Friday night on ESPN for another chance to keep their season alive. 

 

 

 

Tags : indiana pacers miami heat paul george lebron james paul george big game NBA playoffs nba 2014