Not much to say. The Pacers looked crap all game but someone managed to squeeze out a 99-95 win against the Wizards in double OT. I nearly had to be hospitalized watching the game because it was so close and so frustrating and so euphoric.
Every one of their core guys made big plays in this one. George Hill was one rebound away from a triple-double and hit the biggest shot of a the game, a three pointer dagger in the second OT gave the Pacers 5-point cushion. Hibbert played like dung but hustled hard and got a crucial tip-in from a missed free throw and then nailed a 20-footer to keep the Pacers in it. West made some beastly passes and hit a crucial long-ranger of his own. Paul George exceeded his 15-minute play limit to hit the game-tying shot in the first OT. CJ Miles led the team with 25 points and some big threes, while Rodney Stuckey struggled but hit some big baskets too.
With Boston having locked up the 7th seed, the Pacers’ playoff destiny will come down to tomorrow’s game against the Grizzlies in Memphis. If they win that, they make the playoffs. If they lose and the Nets win their finale against the Magic (which you must assume they will), the Pacers go home for the summer. It’s that simple.
It’s a shame the Pacers will be battling mental and physical fatigue, being on the road on the second night of a back-to-back after having played a draining double OT game. But this is a team that has battled all year long and it’s at least comforting to know that they hold their fate in their own hands.
PS: it’s not a pointless game for the injury-plagued Grizzlies. If they win and the Rockets and or Spurs lose, the Grizzlies will rise to the 5th seed and have home court advantage against Portland, against whom they are 4-0 this season. If they lose (and or if the Spurs and Rockets both win), the Grizzlies remain at 6th and will play either the Spurs or the Clippers.
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