Luis Scola Needs to Get Back on Track

Apr 24, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Luis Scola (4) talks to a teammate against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter in game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers took Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals from the Miami Heat by a final score of 107-96. They played their best game of the past few months, and looked dominant from start to finish. That being said, they could use a bit more production off of their bench, and that task will likely fall to Luis Scola if Frank Vogel continues with his current rotation.

Scola has been extremely inconsistent all season long, and especially in the playoffs thus far. His shot has been hold and cold to say the very least, but has been mostly cold over the last few weeks. If the Pacers want to continue beating the Heat and finally taking the step to the NBA Finals, they are going to need Scola to step up in a big way to become the second scorer off of the bench that they need.

In 13 postseason games this season with the Pacers, Scola has averaged just 6.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Those numbers simply aren’t living up to the expectations from him, and Game 1 against the Heat was even wore than those stats. The Pacers acquired Scola to be a key scorer off of the bench, and so far they only have C.J. Watson that has shown up consistently throughout the postseason.

One of the main issues with Scola has been his hesitance to fire an open shot. He seems to freeze when catching the ball, and then will decide to take it after hesitating. The Pacers need him to shoot with confidence and the ability that he has shown at times this season. His mid-range jump shot has always been his favorite weapon, but it will not work until he decides that he needs to score and to shoot the basketball quickly and with confidence when he catches it.

Overall, the Pacers are feeling very confident following their Game 1 win over the Heat, but they will need more production from their bench in Game 2 and beyond. Scola was acquired to be the difference maker off of the bench, and he needs to get things together or the Pacers will be in trouble. There is no doubt that he has the ability to improve his game and get back on the right track, but he has to prove it.

Evan Massey is an Editor for InkOnIndy.com. Follow Evan on Twitter at @Massey_Evan. Make sure to follow us on twitter, @InkOnIndy, and “Like” us on Facebook.