In what can be argued as the biggest game in the bubble so far for the Pacers, they sure did not play like it. The Pacers started the game off slow with missed shots and turnovers. Had it not been for the second unit they may not have scored double digits in the opening quarter. Indiana somehow clawed their way back to even it up at halftime, and then you thought momentum could be swinging in the Pacers direction.
They came out in the 2nd half with the same effort as they started the game, flat. More missed shots and turnovers and the Pacers were quickly down double digits again. Indiana was never able to make a come back and were down 15-20 points for the rest of the game.
TJ Warren struggled with double teams all night and the Pacers failed to adjust. Jimmy Butler dominated the game on both ends of the floor and spent a lot of time at the free throw line. With the loss the Pacers fall a game behind the Heat and are now tied with the 76ers.
Here’s the good news for the Pacers. With two games left before the playoffs begin you still have time to regain the momentum they had coming into this game and they play Miami again. The Heat will likely be the Pacers first round match-up in the playoffs. Winning the final two games, especially one against Miami would be big confidence boost heading into a potential series.