Game Rewind: Pacers 91, Hawks 88, Game 4

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Game Rewind: Pacers 91, Hawks 88, Game 4

The Pacers did what they needed to do in Game 4 down in Atlanta: get a win to return home with a series split, 2-2. The Pacers overcame a poor second quarter and received a big lift in the second half from Paul George, who finished with 24 points, in a 91-88 win Saturday afternoon at Philips Arena.

The Pacers were in desperation mode, according to leader David West. He liked how vocal they were defensively and how active their hands were. Indiana forced nine turnovers in the second half and got a stop on the final play, a 3-point attempt by Hawks center Pero Antic, which came up short.

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No change was made to the Pacers’ lineup to open the game, as coach Frank Vogel stuck with his five that led them to 56 regular-season wins. The Pacers scored the game’s first eight points, which was answered by an 11-2 run by the Hawks. Evan Turner, who scored all 11 of his points in the first half, replaced Lance Stephenson in the lineup and scored on three straight possessions. Indiana recorded eight points in transition, shot 67 percent and scored the quarter’s final seven points to go ahead, 29-22.

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After an efficient first quarter, the Pacers’ offense struggled mightily in the second. They missed 15-of-20 shots, many of which were great looks. Indiana suffered through a dry spell, where they scored just one field goal during a stretch of seven minutes and 12 seconds. Meanwhile, Hawks reserves Shelvin Mack (out of Butler) and Mike Scott each contributed seven points. Atlanta used a 15-2 run to take back the lead, which was six (48-42) at intermission.

Just as the Pacers’ offense struggled just before half, the Hawks went 5-of-23 from the field in the third period. George, who played the final 24 minutes, scored 11 in the period and helped Indiana score 12 unanswered points. He did it all, connecting a 3-pointer, a step-back jumper and finishing an alley-oop form C.J. Watson. The Pacers outscored the Hawks by seven in the third for a 66-65 edge entering the fourth.

Late in regulation, George gave the Pacers the lead for good with just over two minutes to play with a 3-pointer from the left side. Then, at the other end, he poked the ball away, which led to a rare outside shot from David West, just his second in his postseason career, from nearly the same spot. Hawks guard Kyle Korver was then fouled in the corner and he hit all three free throws, the latter one coming after a controversial Indiana lane violation.

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After George corralled an offensive rebound, Hill, who was just 1-for-10 from the field in Game 3, didn’t settle for a jumper but instead attacked the rim and finished. That put the Pacers ahead by three with 56 seconds left. The Hawks then turned it over and later Paul Millsap missed a jumper. Fortunately for the Pacers, it didn’t matter that George missed a pair of foul shots with 7.5 seconds left, as Pero Antic’s game-tying 3-pointer was off the mark.

The series now turns into a best-of-three series, with the Pacers once against holding home-court advantage. This series continues on Monday for Game 5 in Indianapolis.

Paul George kept his string alive with a double-double in every postseason game this season: 24 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. George played 44 minutes, his most time on the court since an overtime win in Detroit on March 15th when he played 46. David West, who had 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting, played determined as he wasn’t going to let this one get away. George Hill added 15 points and five assists.

Paul Millsap’s 29 points were a new playoff career-high. Kyle Korver scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds, a new playoff career-best. Jeff Teague was kept to 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting and seven assists.

Indiana rejected 11 shots, more than the first three games combined (10) and the most since blocking 12 shots 22 games ago (3/14 at Philadelphia). All five starters blocked at least one shot.

The Hawks were a perfect 17-of-17 at the free throw line for the first time in franchise playoff history, whereas the Pacers netted just 8-of-14.

The Pacers improved to 49-3 this season, including the playoffs, when leading after three quarters.

The Pacers beat the Hawks at their own game: on the run. They scored 19 fast-break points to the Hawks’ six.

“It’s one of those games where you have to do whatever it takes to win. You have to find a way to squeeze out a win. David West was obviously the guy who carried the load offensively in the second half. I thought our offensive motor improved. 19 fast-break points might be more than we’ve had in two months. Our guys got out and played with force and we’re pretty good when we do that.” – Frank Vogel

“(He has) the best will I’ve ever been around as a coach. He has that ‘whatever it’s called inside’ to find a way to win. Whether it’s making a three or a big bucket in the post or making a play with his hands defensively, he finds a way to win a game.” – Frank Vogel on David West

“Coach (Vogel) drew that up. It freed me up for a 3-pointer. My number was called and I had to deliver.” – Paul George on his shot that put Indiana ahead for good

“Ball movement was huge for us. We were moving the ball, sharing it very well. Guys took open shot and guys played for each other. At the time, the defensive end was phenomenal.” – George Hill

Indiana held Atlanta to 36 percent shooting and forced 14 turnovers, which led to 22 points.

The Pacers host the Hawks for Round 1, Home Game 3 (Series Game 5) on Monday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Good seats are still available. Find Tickets »

Game 5 Tickets » Secure seats for Round 1, Home Game 3 on Monday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m.