Indiana Pacers Can’t Find “IT”
Apr 11, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) reacts during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Miami won 98-86. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
I saw encouraging signs of what the Indiana Pacers were last night in Miami as they were able to be right there in the first half when things could have got away. But then came the third quarter. Then came the frustrated looks. Then Roy Hibbert looked as lost as he’s been. Fingers were pointed. Guys were talking to each other, but not necessarily about how the game was working. To me, body language is so huge in the NBA, and last night, I didn’t like the body language of this Pacers’ team.
They’re still looking for answers, and it’s past the point of that. Now, you just have to figure out what to do in the playoffs. Right now, the confidence level I have in this team is not very high. Next game up is against the Oklahoma City Thunder at home on Fan Appreciation Night. If the Pacers don’t put up much of an effort, will any fans stick around to appreciate this team?
The encouraging signs were Paul George and David West. Two guys that you know can carry a load of the offensive game if need be. But where was George Hill? I could have went outside and took a shot for one more attempt than Hill last night. He’s a guy that can be known for his aggressive scoring and he didn’t even get one basket. There were times that I believe Hill should have taken the ball in his hands and made something happen.
I’ve been stating that all year. I think a more aggressive Hill can really help this team out when they’re struggling to score. Last night, when the Heat went on a huge run of 16 points, you would have thought that Hill said to himself, I’m putting the ball in the basket.
But he didn’t even get one shot of. I’ve already put together an article on just Roy Hibbert, even though I hate to call out a guy like that, but let’s face it, he’s gone. There’s something just missing with him, and it’s almost like he’s regressed back to a couple of years ago.
After a season like last year, you can’t do that when you’re one of the top guys on a team. Hibbert needs to find his way now. Or find some semblance of himself. He should easily grab 5 or more rebounds a game just because he’s near the basket so much on defense.
One rebound. One rebound. One rebound if that doesn’t bother Hibbert, who knows what would wake him up? This team all around is due some wake up call. The Pacers started to find their way last night until that third quarter, and now you really wonder if there’s light in the playoffs. Will there be that lengthy playoff run that was EXPECTED?
What would you rate your confidence level for the Indiana Pacers and the first round of the playoffs?