The Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers are back in action Friday evening a day after the media was congested with complaints of Frank Vogel's decisions down the stretch of Game 1. Vogel and the Pacers can redeem themselves after dropping the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals. Here is the time of the game and the most important matchups of Game 2.
Game Time: 8:30 p.m. ET for Game 2
Don't miss the action as Game 1 was probably the most intense playoff meeting between any two teams this entire postseason. Though the Heat got the win, the Pacers owned the largest lead of the night. However, there was no double-digit advantage. The biggest lead in the game was seven with 2:52 to play in the second quarter. The Heat's biggest lead was five points. Had Miami made their free throws, this game wouldn't have been as dramatic. Ray Allen missed a crucial free throw that would have made it 100-96 right before Paul George hit the game-tying three that sent the game to overtime.
Pivotal Matchups
As we saw in Game 1, the Heat and Pacers had answers for guys who had caused havoc in previous rounds. For the Heat, they were able to control George Hill. Hill was tamed in Game 1 of this series though he gave the New York Knicks a headache throughout the series. On the other end, there were plenty of times Norris Cole could have finished at the basket, but Roy Hibbert's presence in the paint prevented him from finishing with points.
King James vs. Jungle George
George played the game of his life. LeBron James, however, didn't let George bathe in his glory. Not only did James win the game for the Heat, he drove to the basket on George. Had the Pacers won, questions about George's elite-ness would have surfaced. Ridiculous comparisons as being the next LeBron James would have probably been made. However, James put a lid on it and stole the show finishing with a triple double after his 30 point, 10 rebounds and assists night.
Hansbrough vs. Birdman
When you talk about energy, hustle and making a difference from the bench, these two guys had it all in Game 1. Tyler Hansbrough was a pest. He even showed toughness as he was able to get under the Heat's skin. If Chris Andersen were truly a bird, he would be a vulture as he hung around the rim waiting for rebounds or passes from teammates to finish with the easy buckets.
Andersen finished with 16 points and three offensive rebounds. Hansbrough finished with 10 points and three offensive rebounds as well.
Wade vs. Stephenson
This matchup probably seems more one-sided since Wade is the more renowned player, but Stephenson has earned his praise during these playoffs. He is no longer the guy putting up choking signs from the bench, Stephenson is in the middle of the action and has been an intricate part of the offense averaging almost a double-double per game. Stephenson needs to score more than seven points a game if the Pacers are to get out of the Eastern Conference Finals.
There are no complaints regarding Wade. He finished at the basket (19 points), was efficient (9-15 shooting) and shared the ball (5 assists). He's playing his role as No. 2 in Miami and he's doing it well.
Frank Vogel vs. Hibbert
The only way Hibbert won't make a difference in this game is if Coach Vogel decides to sit his big man down. Benching Hibbert in the closing seconds only gave the Heat more opportunities to score, as we saw in Game 1 (twice). Vogel shouldn't get in his own way of winninga game and has to trust his stars to get the job done late in the game.
Game 2 is tonight, Friday. Don't miss out.
