Monday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Game Preview: Pacers vs Hawks, Game 5
Scott Agness | April 26, 2014
Matchup
The ball's back in the Pacers’ court, figuratively and literally. Their best-of-seven series is even at two games apiece after they squeezed out a three-point victory Saturday afternoon in Atlanta, a place they’ve played poorly in recent years. In doing so, they’ve regained home-court advantage with two of the final three (Game 7, if necessary) to be played in the comforts of Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Pacers coach Frank Vogel kept his usual five starters in Saturday’s win, but for the third straight game, Roy Hibbert didn’t see the floor in the final period. Instead, coach went small, typically with a David West and Luis Scola frontline. As Atlanta continues to play five players with long-range capability, Indiana is most effective when they matchup respectively. It’s not about feelings, but simply moving on.
Paul George was able to rise to the occasion in the second half of Game 4 and they’ll need more of the same. He didn’t come out over the final 24 minutes, and posted his fourth consecutive double-double this postseason. Guard George Hill also proved to be a key contributor late, and the Pacers are at their best when he is aggressive.
During a series that stretches a couple weeks, adjustments will continue be made by both teams. However, at this point, you are who you are and it’s about playing that way for 48 minutes. The Pacers got back to their defensive ways the second half, incredibly active with their hands. There were also positive, supportive vibes coming from the bench. There’s no reason for them not to grab a hold of the series and look to finish Atlanta off in Game 6.
Downtown Indianapolis will undoubtedly be alive Monday night, with a pivotal Game 5 in primetime at 8 p.m. ET. The team looks forward to having the backing of 18,000-plus at the Fieldhouse.
Probable Starters
George Hill
Lance Stephenson
Paul George
David West
Roy Hibbert
Jeff Teague
Kyle Korver
DeMarre Carroll
Paul Millsap
Pero Antic
Injury Update
Pacers: Andrew Bynum (out, sore right knee)
Hawks: Gustavo Ayon (right shoulder surgery), Al Horford (out, right pectoral muscle surgery), John Jenkins (out, lower back surgery)
Quotable
“Usually the first team to win two games in a row in a series usually wins the series. We have an opportunity to do that, so that’s our focus (Monday) night.” – Frank Vogel
“It’s zero-zero. We got the first game in our building so we got to look to come out and take care of business.” – David West
“We got to throw the first punch. As soon as the game starts, we got to show them that we want it more.” – Lance Stephenson
“We’re back with the home-court advantage. We can’t get complacent with that. We got to be able to put this series away. This is a tough team and a team that’s going to play ‘til the end.” – Paul George
“It’s the playoffs. I’ll play 48 (minutes) if coach wants me to. I’m going to try to fight out every thought. It’s about being tough mentally from this point on.” – Paul George on if he’s fatigued
“We’re home, in front of our great fans. I’m sure this building is going to be rocking on Monday. Just happy to have Game 5 at our place.” – George Hill
Noteworthy
- Paul George is averaging 21.8 points and 11.0 rebounds per game in this series and has a recorded double-double in all four games.
- In Game 4 on Saturday, Atlanta was perfect at the free throw line, 17-of-17, for the first time in franchise history.
Last Meeting
April 26: At gut check time, the Pacers locked in on defense and strung together stops late to pull away with a 91-88 victory Saturday afternoon at Philips Arena. Atlanta used a 15-2 run in the second quarter to go into halftime with a six-point lead, but their offense dried up. Paul George nailed a 3-pointer to put the Pacers up for good, to which David West added to the cushion with one of his own. George Hill guarded Kyle Korver heavily on the Hawks’ last-ditch effort, a 27-footer from Pero Antic that had no chance.
George recorded his fourth straight double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. West had 17 and George Hill scored 12 of his 15 points in the second half, including a layup to put them ahead by three. Paul Millsap tallied a playoff career-high 29 points and Korver added 15. The Pacers forced 14 turnovers and scored 19 fast-break points. For the first time in franchise playoff history, Atlanta was perfect at the line (17-of-17).
Broadcast Information | Find Local Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Brooke Olzendam (sideline reporter/host)
NBATV – Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Steve Smith (analyst), Molly Sullivan (reporter)
Radio: FM 107.5/AM 1070 The Fan, Pacers Radio Network – Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Kevin Lee (sideline reporter/host)
Ticket Information
Limited seats remain for Game 5 Monday night. Find Tickets »
