A ROY HIBBERT double-double inspired the Indiana Pacers to a 94-75 win over the Miami Heat and a 2-1 series lead in the NBA playoffs last night.
Hibbert, who is averaging 11.4 points and 10.9 rebounds in the playoffs, posted 19 points and a career-high 18 rebounds on Thursday as the Pacers won game three of their Eastern Conference semi-final series.
The 2012 NBA All-Star also registered five blocked shots, while the team gathered a total of 52 rebounds, dwarfing the Heat’s 32. And Indiana head coach Frank Vogel praised the team and Hibbert, stating the victory was a result of strong defensive work.
“The game was won once again with defense and rebounding, and that’s this team’s identity is about, led by Roy Hibbert who anchored our paint, five blocked shots, 19 points, 18 boards, one of the best games I’ve ever seen him play,” Vogel said.
Pacers guard George Hill echoed Vogel’s praise of Hibbert, labelling him their go-to-guy.
“That’s why he’s an All-Star this year. He’s a big part of this team, not just scoring but defensively,” Hill said.
For the Heat, Mario Chalmers had a game-high 25 points and LeBron James added 22 of his own. While Dwyane Wade made just 2-of-13 shots, scoring five points, but his only highlight was an argument with coach Erik Spoelstra during a third-quarter timeout.
The two teams meet again in Indiana for game four on Sunday.
The San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to 16, beating the Los Angeles Clippers 105-88 in game two. Tony Parker scored 22 points, Tim Duncan 18 and Boris Diaw chipped in with 16 points as the Spurs took a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference semi-final series.
Blake Griffin posted 20 points while Chris Paul contributed 10 for the Clippers. Game three is in Los Angeles tomorrow.
