The NBA Standings, playoff edition, shows the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers are now tied in their Eastern Conference Finals series after Friday's Game 2. This victory ensures a Game 5 back in Miami as the Pacers have stripped home court advantage from the defending champion. Over in the West, the San Antonio Spurs will resume action as they have a chance to take a commanding 3-0 lead against the Memphis Grizzlies. Let's study the records and look at previous results and upcoming matchups.
Heat (9-2) vs. Pacers (9-5)- ECF Series 1-1
The Pacers aren't playing pretty basketball, but they continue to force the Heat's hand and has taken them from their element. There's no fast pace basketball being played in this series. The Pacers have slowed things down, but are hitting their shots, especially in Game 2. Indiana finished the game shooting 50 percent, while the Pacers were able to limit the Heat to just under 47 percent.
LeBron James seems to once again be able to do as he pleases, when he pleases. In Game 2, after playing heroics, James magic ran out as he turned the ball over twice, completely botching an semi-contested shot and attempting to pass the ball in a paint that was extremely jammed with yellow jerseys. James' killer mentality was absent and it cost the Heat in Game 2.
Roy Hibbert deserves a lot of credit for the Pacers' success and he dominated the paint scoring 29 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for the double-double. Paul George continues to etch his names in the sport of basketball as he continues to hit big shots in this series. George Hill awoke in Game 2 playing super efficient basketball hitting 6-8 from the floor and scoring 18 points.
Grizzlies (8-6) vs. Spurs (10-2)- WCF Series 2-0 SA Leads
The Grizzlies and Spurs meet for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday evening. The Spurs are in control of this series and, with a win Saturday, they could take the dominating 3-0 lead in the series. No NBA team has returned from 0-3, so it will be key for the Grizzlies to win at home at the FedEx Forum where they are still undefeated.
Memphis has battled in both games, but the Spurs have proved the stronger team down the stretch.
Game 3 is later today. Join us as we bring you different ways to follow the live action as the Spurs will look to cement their spot in the NBA Finals.
