Can the Indiana Pacers dethrone the Miami Heat?

One of the most anticipated clashes of the regular season lived up to its expectations. The Indiana Pacers got some revenge on the team that eliminated them from the playoffs for the past two seasons by beating the defending champions with a score 90-84. The Pacers outscored the Heat 50-37 in the 2nd half to set up the win. For Miami, Lebron James and Dwayne Wade scored 17 points apiece and for the Pacers Roy Hibbert scored 24 points and Paul George and David West chipped in with 17 points each. The Pacers improved to 10-0 at home in this season and now lead the Eastern Conference with a W-L record of 19-3 whereas Miami are 16-6. Some of the most important questions concerning the champions were answered through the match like the depth of Miami’s bench, how they guard centers etc.

Talking points from the game

1. Paul George: Elevated to the superstar level this year, he is delivering results. After struggling in the 1st half, he came alive in the 2nd half with back to back three pointers. Quoting Lebron James “The biggest difference in Paul [George] I think is confidence. He has the confidence of being the go-to-guy, knowing that he’s the guy that has to go out and do it every night.” George has significantly improved his 3 point shooting and remains one of the few players who can match Lebron on both ends of the floor.

2. Miami’s size disadvantage – Roy Hibbert destroyed the Heat. He scored 24 points and was totally ungaurdable by any of the Miami bigs. The trio of Hibbert, David West and Luis Scola helped Pacers get a 43 to 33 advantage on rebounds. They also limited Chris Bosh to 12 points on 6-12 shooting.

3. Greg Oden – Watch the Pacers bigs work, one had the wonder when Miami would actually Oden. A former 1st draft pick, Oden has been injured since his rookie season. Activated once this season, he hasn’t played since. He brings to the table the much needed size for Miami but it remains to be seen how Coach Erik Spoelstra uses him.

4. D-Wade returned-  After sitting out on Sunday, Wade returned to provide the routine offense. But what seems clear is that Miami is Lebron’s team with Wade reduced to a supporting unit. Wade has considerably lost his athleticism from his best days (the 2006 championship).

Though the Pacers managed to win this match, it remains to be seen how they would fare in a best of seven scenario. The Heat have a history of increasing their level of play in the playoffs which can be seen from the fact that they had losing records in the regular season to the Bulls, Pacers and Celtics – all 3 of whom they have eliminated in the playoffs (at least once in the last 2 years ). Interestingly, the Pacers pushed them to the brink last year where home court advantage came into play which Miami possessed. If the Pacers continue their good play this season, they might get the needed advantage to eliminate the champions.