Pacers get some Hibbert, get a win

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gthSEekzGW4

Roy Hibbert did manage to show up for a Playoff game after his goose egg performance in Game One. In fact, his performance in Game Two might have been better than any performance he has had in the last several months. If Indiana gets this Roy Hibbert, the team will be very difficult to beat. Particularly with that defense.

Hibbert scored 28 points — not a typo — and grabbed nine rebounds for the Pacers in an 86-82 win over the Wizards to even the series at one heading to Washington.

Before Wednesday’s game, Hibbert had just 37 total points in eight playoff games. Take out that 13-point performance in Game Seven against the Hawks, and that is 24 points in seven games, four less than what he scored in Game Two against the Wizards. It is good to know this Roy Hibbert was still in there. And there was certainly some relief for Hibbert as he embraced his college coach, John Thompson III, after the game.

Indiana did look to get Hibbert involved and that helped the build a lead. Washington showed it will not go anywhere though. The Wizards made this a close game and it took Paul George closing things to put the Wizards away. Marcin Gortat had 21 points and 11 rebounds and Bradley Beal scored 17 points for Washington. The Wizards uncharacteristically made only 5 of 21 3-pointers.

It appears the Pacers are going to make this a series. Of course, they have to string two of these performances in a row. A tough thing for them to do this postseason.

About Philip Rossman-Reich

Philip Rossman-Reich is the managing editor for Crossover Chronicles and Orlando Magic Daily. You can follow him on twitter @OMagicDaily

Quantcast