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 George is off to a rough start offensively in the series after
being held to 14 points on 4-of-16 shooting in Game 2 but is a key
part of the defensive effort against LeBron James. George remained
in the game after catching Dwyane Wade’s knee on the back of his
head but later said he “blacked out” following the hit and was
diagnosed with the concussion on Wednesday morning due to the brief
loss of consciousness. Any deterioration in the skills of George is
a bad sign for the Pacers, who allowed James and Wade to combine for
22 points in the fourth quarter as the Heat came from behind to take
Game 2 and even the series.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
ABOUT THE PACERS: Indiana put together its best offensive
performance of the postseason in dominating Game 1, leading
wire-to-wire en route to a 107-96 victory. The Pacers led for most
of the contest in Game 2 but had a much more difficult time scoring
and ended up dropping an 87-83 decision. “It’s a split,” coach Frank
Vogel told reporters. “We’ll respond. We’ll look at the tape, make
our adjustments and come back for Game 3.” George had three full
days off to go through the concussion protocol, which includes
physical exertion on a stationary bike, jogging, agility work and
non-contact team drills, each of which had to be completed
symptom-free before moving onto the next.
ABOUT THE HEAT: James and Wade put their stamp on the series in the
fourth quarter of Game 2, scoring or assisting on every point scored
and never panicking when Miami got down. After allowing the Pacers
to go off at 51.5 percent from the field in Game 1, the Heat pushed
that number down to 40 percent in Game 2. That defense gave James
and Wade enough time to find their groove when the fourth quarter
rolled around. “However the game presents itself, I just try to take
advantage,” James told reporters. “I needed to do something in the
fourth. I was able to get some good looks for guys in the third
quarter but I needed to make a few buckets in the fourth quarter and
I was able to come through for us."
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BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Heat have won the last four meetings in their building, going
back to the 2013 East finals.
2. Pacers G Lance Stephenson is averaging 21 points on 62.1 percent
shooting, 7.5 assists and five rebounds in the series.
3. Indiana is 5-0 in the postseason following a loss.
PREDICTION: Heat 92, Pacers 90
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