George scores 24, helps Pacers outlast Hawks to even series at 2-2
The Indiana Pacers benefited from power forward David West's second-ever postseason triple late in the fourth quarter to beat the Hawks by a score of 91-88.
With center Roy Hibbert ineffective for a third straight game, Pacers head coach Frank Vogel begrudgingly shifted to a smaller lineup, at times playing small forward Paul George up a position. The shift left Hibbert off the floor for the final 16 minutes of the game.
Star Performer
Paul George filled the boxscore with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. He made a rare appearance as the de facto power forward for the Pacers, who have historically been resistant to the premise of downsizing for small-ball. He also took on the challenge of guarding multiple positions, spanning from point guard Jeff Teague to center Pero Antic.
Turning Point
With less than 2 minutes remaining, the Pacers' led by a lone point and ran a surprise play for power forward David West above the three-point line. West used the element of surprise to his advantage, slipped behind a down-screen, and found himself wide open for the triple.
That was the 2nd 3-pointer of David West's postseason career, his 1st since April 22, 2008.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 26, 2014
Highlight Reel
There weren't a lot of highlights from the game, as it was a rather sloppy affair. However, George did record a rather emphatic block on Jeff Teague in the first half.
[courtesy: TNT]
Quotes of the Night (Hibbert-gate)
When in doubt, don't Hibbert? Is that the answer? RT @SekouSmithNBA: To Hibbert or not to Hibbert, Frank Vogel, that is the question ...
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) April 26, 2014
Vogel finishing with his best frontcourt lineup right now: George-West-Scola. In this series, this is how he has to play from here on out.
— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) April 26, 2014
Hibbert coulda just watched the 4th quarter from Waffle House.
— Myles Brown (@mdotbrown) April 26, 2014
Series at a glance
Game 1: ATL 101, IND 93 (Hawks lead 1-0)
Game 2: IND 101, ATL 85 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: ATL 98, IND 85 (Hawks lead 2-1)
Game 4: IND 91, ATL 88 (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: Monday, April 28 - 8 p.m. ET
Game 6: Thursday, May 1 - TBA
Game 7*: Saturday, May 3 - TBA