Tough game. And a big win. One I didn't really see happening.
But in the end, George Hill hit the go-ahead free throw and a seemingly buzzer-beating shot by Rudy Gay was ruled to have come after the buzzer (even before the video replay confirmed it). Pacers win 82-81, snap a 4-game road losing streak and sweep the season series with Memphis.
Paul George was an assist shy of a triple double, putting up 12 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. The starters again did what they had to do — David West had 14, Roy Hibbert had 10, George Hill had 13 and Lance Stephenson had 8.
The bench was not awful and for once gave the team a boost, led by Tyler Hansbrough's 9 points. Interesting to see rookie Orlando Johnson getting more minutes over Gerald Green, who only played 6 minutes. Johnson had two threes and finished with 6 points and 3 turnovers. Not sure if it is because Green is still recovering for illness or if he is being punished for his lackluster play.
As expected, it was an ugly game between two excellent defensive but poor offensive teams. Considering how uninspiring the Pacers have been on the road thus far this season (10-13, including today's win), I honestly didn't expect them to pull this one out. It's a great morale booster and a solid start to their tough 4-game road trip out West.
The Pacers are now 26-16 and will next play Portland on Wednesday. They are just half a game behind the New York Knicks for the second seed in the East.
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