When you shoot 27% from the field and commit 22 turnovers, I guess a 21-point loss is not that bad.
I knew the Pacers were in for a tough game after having not won in Atlanta since December 2006, but I had expected the game to be a little closer than the 90-61 stinker I just witnessed.
It was quite simple. The Hawks used their dominant big men to overpower the Pacers in isolation plays (it was embarrassing) and the Pacers couldn't hit an open shot. After giving up the lead early in the first quarter the Pacers just didn't stand a chance.
David West returned to a bit of form with 18 points on 7-14 shooting but was still complaining far too much to the officials as he has done all series. Paul George came back down to Earth with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers on 4-11 shooting. Roy Hibbert was ineffective (8 points) and George Hill was brutal (1-8), as was Lance Stephenson (1-7).
Jeff Pendergraph, DJ Augustin and Orland Johnson combined for a spectacular 0-14 from the field.
It was just that kind of a night, and the Pacers just need to get this one behind them and move on. The playoffs are about adjustments and the Hawks did their homework tonight. It will be up to Frank Vogel and his staff to make sure the Pacers are ready for the next one. If they can win the next one they'll be able to close it out at home in game 5, otherwise this could very well go 7 and it could be anyone's series.
The Pacers need to play much better on the road if they want to have a chance against the Knicks in the next round, provided both teams make it that far.
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