SB Nation Denver: All Posts by Tom Lewis

NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Pacers look to slow down Heat Big Four

2013-05-22T02:47:03Z

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Miami's "Big Three" will draw the undivided attention of the Indiana Pacers' defense in the Eastern Conference Finals.

But Frank Vogel prefers to account for everyone one the floor and instead insists his team prepare for the Big Four. The "four" in this case includes all of the complimentary players for the Heat, especially those hovering around the three-point line ready to take open shots when the defense has to help.

The Pacers guard the arc better than any other team in the NBA so they don't like giving up open looks. Plus, when you have shooters like Ray Allen, Shane Battier and Mike Miller, leaving them open to knock down shots makes the Heat virtually unbeatable.

Last year the Pacers fared pretty well in slowing down the three-point shots, but the Heat have a better supporting cast this time around. The scary part is that Ray Allen and Shane Battier haven't shot the three particularly well so far in the playoffs, nor has Mario Chalmers and Mike Miller.

One guy who is playing a bigger role this year and has been a difference maker in the post-season is reserve guard Norris Cole. He's shot nearly 70 percent from three land and played a lot of minutes off the bench. Something has to give with Cole's numbers, but the second-year players is plenty confident and a big advantage for the Heat off the bench.

The Pacers best matchup is probably the starting units with Udonis Haslem on the floor. Roy Hibbert can check Haslem with David West working on Chris Bosh. When the Heat go small with Battier instead of Haslem, Hibbert will have to keep up with Bosh which means the mid-range pick n pop is in play.

The Heat are also better off the bench if they stay big with Birdman Andersen adding size and athleticism to the front court as a vast improvement over Joel Anthony and Dexter Pittman. But the main challenge for the Pacers will be keeping the shooters from getting open looks and torching the Pacers from behind the arc.

The Pacers do have a better supporting cast as well, although it is hard to tell sometimes. Still, Ian Mahinmi and Sam Young in particular were brought in this year with the primary objective of helping against the Heat. Young is physical enough to give spot minutes of defensive help on LeBron and Mahinmi can help keep a big around the rim to challenge drives through the lane.

So, yeah, the Big Three will likely get theirs in some form or fashion in each game, but not letting the Big Four all get going on the same night is the only way the Pacers can put themselves in position to win.

Then to take advantage of that position they will need to take care of the ball and score some points. The Heat will likely pressure the ball and double West and Hibbert to try and ramp up the turnovers. Coughing up the ball against Miami is a death sentence so minimizing those mistakes, again should help put the Pacers in position to win.

So can the Pacers take care of business at both ends of the floor four times? That's what it will take to get past the Heat. We'll find out starting tomorrow night.

Pacers vs. Heat Links: David West sits out of practice as Pacers prepare for Game 1

2013-05-21T11:00:00Z

The Indiana Pacers went back to work at the Fieldhouse to prepare for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night in Miami.

David West sat out the practice as the training staff tended to a calf strain that isn't considered serious, according to reports. In fact, he did shoot around on the court after practice. Jeff Pendergraph also missed practice but for a far more exciting reason -- to witness the birth of his daughter. Congrats, Pendy!

Meanwhile Frank Vogel went through the media drill of responding to questions about LeBron James' response to his non-comments. That made for a pretty easy day for Vogel and allowed him to leave the silly stuff behind in Indy before the team heads down to South Beach today...for the Eastern Conference Finals.

Seriously, I can't say that enough. Seems like just yesterday I was trying to squeeze stories out of Troy Murphy and Travis Diener. This is a fitting day to appreciate where this team sits prior to starting their series in Miami since the NBA Draft Lottery is tonight and we don't really care. These are good times Pacers fans.

Check out the links including some great Fan Posts:

Pacers Host "Pacers Playoffs Rally Alley" Tuesday | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Coach Vogel Responds to LeBron James | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Pacers forward Paul George is looking forward to matchup with LeBron James a year after struggling vs. the Heat | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Bob Kravitz: LeBron James' interpretation of Frank Vogel's comments is silly, but wonderful | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Pacers try to distance themselves pre-game chatter vs Heat | Fox 59 News – fox59.com

Matchups favor Heat, but Pacers have a chance - 1070 The Fan

Time for Stephenson to Move On | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

David West of Indiana Pacers expected to play in Game 1 - AP

Larry Bird is quite proud of his Indiana Pacers, and he’ll text you to tell you so | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports

A comprehensive preview of the Eastern Conference Finals - Hot Hot Hoops

Bosh aiming to be impactful against Pacers - AP

Heat face improved and experienced Pacers team - Hot Hot Hoops

Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel clarifies his Miami Heat comments - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel clarifies comments that riled Miami Heat forward LeBron James. - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

NBA playoffs 2013: Blueprint for Indiana Pacers to beat Miami Heat in Eastern Conference finals | The Point Forward - SI.com

2013 NBA playoffs -- Frank Vogel of Indiana Pacers responds to LeBron James, respects Miami Heat - ESPN

Indiana's Best Shot Against Miami: Lance Stephenson - Indy Cornrows Response By Lebron to Vogel Just Another Expression of Arrogance by Heat - Indy Cornrows

Why The Pacers Can Beat The Heat (Part 1) - Indy Cornrows

Strategies for Defending Miami - Indy Cornrows

5 ways Indiana Pacers can keep up with Miami Heat - USA Today

The affordability of an elite NBA defense - SBNation.com

Miami Heat supporting cast is a benchmark - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Dan Le Batard: Support is what keeps Dwyane Wade afloat - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel clarifies his Miami Heat comments - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Worst record offers no lottery guarantees - TrueHoop Blog - ESPN

Lance Stephenson: Nature and nurture combine to give Pacers a positive impact

2013-05-21T02:08:40Z

Lance Stephenson scored 16 of his career-high 25 points in the first half of Game 6 and late in the second quarter, Tyson Chandler had already seen enough. When the opportunity presented itself with Stephenson roaming into the lane, Chandler body slammed the Pacers guard.

Surprisingly, Stephenson quickly bounced back up on his feet with no reaction other than a little "that's all you got" bounce in place.

This from the same guy who leads the league in a lack of pain threshold, appearing to suffer a career-threatening injury whenever he hits the floor. In fact, Stephenson's failure to get back on defense after laboring to get off the floor in Game 5 drew a sharp rebuke from the Pacers radio crew of Mark Boyle and Austin Croshere. Cro's essential message was, this is the playoffs, if you can't play get off the court, if you can then get back on defense.

The change in Stephenson's reaction in Game 6 is yet another indication of the young talent learning from those around him and continuing to add more and more professionalism to his game which is loaded for pro-level talent. Monday on the Grady and Big Joe Show, Slick Leonard shared the rest of the story, relaying what he saw at a practice between Games 5 and 6 which offered a simple example of the way the Pacers organization has taken Stephenson's raw and incredible NBA talent and continue developing his value as a professional basketball player.

Towards the end of the off-day practice with Stephenson watching courtside, Brian Shaw and a few other players engaged in a heated half-court game. Shaw started hitting the floor on bumps and exaggerating his pain level on the floor. The Shaw act became high comedy for everyone watching, but the message was sent and apparently digested by Stephenson.

Such messages, big and small from players, coaches and even Larry Bird, have been a constant companion during Stephenson's NBA career in Indiana. The first signs of hope came during the lockout when Stephenson couldn't go inside the Fieldhouse or work with the coaches during the offseason but still remained in Indy and took care of business on his own. This article from Adrian Wojnarowski breaks down the chance the Pacers took on Stephenson and how they have made it work so far.

This is a great story of the Pacers skipping the nature vs. nurture psychology debate and instead combining the two to create a budding, big time player to make a positive impact for the Pacers at age 22. The coaches and front office have been working on the Lance's rough edges since he was drafted. The players have been on him, as well which Stephenson didn't always appreciate. Now the players continue to stay on Stephenson but they also believe in what he can bring to the team while he also understands the veteran advice is intended to help him help the team.

Stephenson is far from being a consistent beast on the floor but he can be a beast. Just ask any opponent who has seen Lance coming at him with the ball at full speed. When Stephenson gets it going and enjoys the moment, the entertainment value is off the charts.

But even then, the kid still needs a reminder to keep the big picture in view. After getting to the rim to score his final bucket in Game 6, answering a score by Carmelo Anthony to put the Pacers up seven with under two minutes to play, the Knicks called a timeout and Stephenson stopped at midcourt to share his excitement with the Fieldhouse faithful who were lapping it up.

That's when Brian Shaw casually got to Stephenson to slow down the premature celebration and get him to the team huddle. Just another effort to nurture that talent which was exploding all over the Fieldhouse to make sure Stephenson was ready to finish off a big team win over the Knicks.

Now as the stage grows for the Eastern Conference Finals, against a Heat team that is ready and willing to keep tabs on Stephenson, the young fella will gather some high-level experience to continue his growth as an NBA player.

And everyone at the Fieldhouse will be standing right behind him, ready and willing to give him a hand when needed. Oh, and as this tweet from Stephenson shows, he appreciates how things have worked out for him in Indiana.

I'm so blessed I want to thanks GOD,my family, my kids, my team, LARRY BIRD, pacers fans and everyone that believed in me. Thanks
— Lance Stephenson (@StephensonLance) May 19, 2013

Pacers vs. Heat Links: NBA Eastern Conference Finals schedule set

2013-05-20T11:00:00Z

The Indiana Pacers took Sunday off after closing out the New York Knicks on Saturday night. On Monday, they'll return to the Fieldhouse to begin preparing in earnest for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat.

Thanks to LeBron James taking the bait from his local reporters regarding Frank Vogel daring to say his team was playing for a championship, Vogel will now have to endure a round of silly questions about a comment he really didn't make. Also no doubt he'll respond with a smile.

The ECF schedule is set with a nice every-other-day rhythm to the series regardless of travel time between Indy and Miami.

Here's a look at the schedule.

Wed. May 22 @ Miami - 8:30 p.m. TNT

Fri. May 24 @ Miami - 8:30 p.m. TNT

Sun. May 26 @ Indiana - 8:30 p.m. TNT

Tue. May 28 @ Indiana - 8:30 p.m. TNT

Thu. May 30 @ Miami - 8:30 p.m. TNT (if necessary)

Sat. June 1 @ Indiana - 8:30 p.m. TNT (if necessary)

Mon. June 3 @ Miami - 8:30 p.m. TNT (if necessary)

Before getting to the links, check out this tweet which I'm sure everyone has seen. If ever a playoff series was captured in one photo, this is it from Matt Kryger of the Indy Star.

PHOTO: Pacers Roy Hibbert blocks the dunk attempt by the Knicks Carmelo Anthony. @indystar #Pacers twitter.com/MattKryger/sta…
— Matt Kryger (@MattKryger) May 19, 2013

Check out the links:

Can the Pacers actually beat Heat? - 1070 The Fan

Pacers playoffs: LeBron James takes exception with comments from Frank Vogel | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

2013 NBA playoffs -- LeBron James responds to Frank Vogel's comment on Miami Heat as 'just the next team' - ESPN

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says Indiana Pacers greater challenge in this season's NBA playoffs. - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Frank Vogel's comment doesn't sit well with LeBron James - Hot Hot Hoops

Verbal Shots Fired In Heat-Pacers Series " NBA.com | Hang Time Blog

Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers begin verbal sparring in advance of NBA Eastern conference finals. - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Comments from Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel get LeBron James’ attention - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Three-Pointers: Lance Stephenson runs wild as Pacers eliminate Knicks | The Point Forward - SI.com

Stephenson's Best Lifts Pacers Past Knicks - ESPN

The Lance Stephenson Game | 8 Points, 9 Seconds

Built to win now, Knicks didn't get close - AP

Melo can’t win four series all by himself - NYPOST.com

For Knicks, Already Out of Playoffs, Magic May Run Out - NYTimes.com

Another Failed Year, and Knicks Fans Are Still Stuck With James Dolan - NYTimes.com

2013 NBA playoffs: San Antonio Spurs defang Zach Randolph in Game 1 - ESPN

LeBron James proves dense with reaction to Frank Vogel's comments

2013-05-20T01:21:44Z

Is LeBron James serious? Post-game comments by Frank Vogel upset him?

How dumb is the king?

After the Pacers beat the Knicks to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, Vogel, with a daughter sitting on each knee, was asked about the chance to take on the Miami Heat in another playoffs series after last season's disappointing collapse after leading 2-1. Vogel's response:

"It's exciting, but this is not about getting back at Miami," Vogel said. "If you're in the final four you're competing for a championship. And they're just the next team that's in our way. That's how we're approaching it."

Yep, the Pacers are striving the win an NBA championship. To do so they have to beat the Heat, so they are going to, um...try.

Well, LeBron James apparently seized on the "they're just a the next team" line and (no doubt helped by the media) thought Vogel meant the Heat were just another team. Here are James' comments in response.

"We're not just another team," James said. "I don't understand what he's saying. But we're not just another team. That's not true. He said we're just another team in their way. We're a great team. If we're just another team, you really don't prepare for just another team. You have to prepare for us."

Have you stopped laughing yet? Really, all he needed to say was, "I don't understand what he's saying." That much is obvious. Heaven forbid and competitor doesn't bow down at the feet of the Heat. Did he really say, We're a great team? Usually the greats don't talk about it they show it.

James IS the greatest basketball player on the planet, apparently not the greatest thinker, though.

Great way to start the first off day before Game 1 of the ECF on Wednesday!

Pacers vs. Knicks Links: Pacers advance to face Heat after Game 6 to remember

2013-05-19T11:17:07Z

The Indiana Pacers came up big at winning time in Game 6 against the New York Knicks to pull out an epic win at Bankers Life Fieldhouse that won't soon be forgotten.

In fact, there were enough big highlight plays in this one that folks will be telling "remember when..." stories for years to come.

It will also be known as "The Lance Game" thanks to Lance Stephenson getting the Pacers going early and then stepping up to make plays (and free throws) down the stretch while also throwing the Fieldhouse crowd into a frenzy. Stephenson and George Hill combined to make seven consecutive free throws to put the Pacers in control which turned a series weakness into a strength at just the right time.

Then there was the Roy Hibbert block on Carmelo Anthony. Hill returning from a concussion. David West finding his touch in the second half and Paul George continuing to grind on Carmelo Anthony as the scoring champ faded down the stretch.

A monster team effort that saw all five starters score in double figures compared to the Knicks with Anthony's 39 points. A late third quarter three-point barrage from Iman Shumepert and J.R. Smith gave left them as the only other Knicks in double figures.

So it was fitting that the starting five shared the podium after the game, an overt sign of the team unity that drives this team led by David West.

"This is the most together group I've ever been a part of," West said. "We don't have a bunch of I guys, we have a bunch of We guys."

And now, together, they get to take on the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals and they can't wait!

Check out the links:

Knicks at Pacers - Game 6 box score and highlights

Game Rewind: Pacers 106, Knicks 99, Game 6 | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Larry Bird's faith in Lance Stephenson pays off for Pacers in vital moments against Knicks - Yahoo! Sports

Lance Stephenson's career-high 25 points sends Pacers to the Eastern Conference finals | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Bob Kravitz: These Pacers a true team with a big heart | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Pacers knock out Knicks with 106-99 win in Game 6 - AP

Hibbert Denies Anthony | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Young rewards Vogel’s faith | Pacers Blogs

Pacers: This was all about the team | Pacers Insider

Stephenson’s career game lifts Pacers into East Finals - 1070 The Fan

Pacers 106, Knicks 99: It's over. - Posting and Toasting

Knicks’ Path Through Playoffs Is Blocked by Pacers - NYTimes.com

Carmelo Anthony and Knicks have season end to Lance Stephenson and Pacers in Game 6 loss - NY Daily News

After Lance Stephenson steal in fourth quarter, Carmelo Anthony and Knicks can't stop Pacers - NY Daily News

Knicks’ season ends with flat tire in Indy - NYPOST.com

Mike Vaccaro: New York Knicks’ season of promise ends with Game 6 loss at Indiana Pacers - NYPOST.com

J.R. sings ‘stay’ tune on way out - NYPOST.com

My, How Lance Has Grown | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Together, Pacers advance | Pacers Blogs

NBA Eastern Conference finals schedule: Pacers vs. Heat | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Indiana pulls together at home, downs the Knicks to move onto the Eastern Conference finals | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports

NBA Playoffs 2013: Knicks vs, Pacers Game 6: Indiana holds off late rally, wins 106-99 - SBNation.com

Pacers vs. Knicks, Game 6: Game thread, lineups, TV info and more

2013-05-18T22:00:06Z

2012-13 NBA Playoffs
(2-3)	@	(3-2)
May 18, 2013 - 8:00 p.m. ET
Bankers Life Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, IN
TV: ESPN ---- Radio: AM 1070/107.5 FM The Fan
Probable Starters
Raymond Felton	PG	D.J. Augustin
Pablo Prigioni	SG	Lance Stephenson
Iman Shumpert	SF	Paul George
Carmelo Anthony	PF	David West
Tyson Chandler	C	Roy Hibbert

Win or lose, the Indiana Pacers will play their next game on the road following Game 6 at the Fieldhouse on Saturday night. They just hope that next flight lands in Miami instead of New York. If the Knicks win on Saturday, the Pacers will face a brutal Game 7 scenario back in Madison Square Garden.

This time Patrick Ewing won't be around to short-arm a layup and the Pacers will be stuck fighting to keep their season alive in a place they have struggled mightily in the last two games. Nope, the Pacers need to put forth their Game 7, no tomorrow effort in tonight's Game 6 in front of their own crowd at the Fieldhouse. Regardless of if and/or how much George Hill can play, the Pacers have to find a way to close out the series and advance.

For more on the Knicks, check out Posting and Toasting. Also, leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.

Want to go to some upcoming Pacers games? Indy Cornrows is your source for Indiana Pacers tickets.

2012-13 NBA Playoffs
(2-3)	@	(3-2)
May 18, 2013 - 8:00 p.m. ET
Bankers Life Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, IN
TV: ESPN ---- Radio: AM 1070/107.5 FM The Fan
Probable Starters
Raymond Felton	PG	D.J. Augustin
Pablo Prigioni	SG	Lance Stephenson
Iman Shumpert	SF	Paul George
Carmelo Anthony	PF	David West
Tyson Chandler	C	Roy Hibbert

For more on the Knicks, check out Posting and Toasting. Also, leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.

Want to go to some upcoming Pacers games? Indy Cornrows is your source for Indiana Pacers tickets.

Pacers vs. Knicks, Game 6: Game coverage

2013-05-18T16:52:29Z

George Hill is a game-time decision as he continues to go through concussion tests. With or without Hill the Pacers will try to close out the Knicks in Game 6 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Assuming the Indiana Pacers keep the status of George Hill under wraps until game time, expecting D.J. Augustin to start at point guard again while Hill remains out seems prudent. Any news to the contrary will be a pleasant surprise.

The Pacers did play four games without Hill during the regular season (not counting the final game of the regular season). The Pacerse were 3-1 in those games which Augustin started, with all three wins at home. The team and Augustin showed up well, too with wins over the Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks. Beating the Grizz and Hawks was indeed impressive as both wins were tight games that the Pacers found a way to close out down the stretch.

Obviously, the playoffs are a different beast but that past success is what gives the Pacers confidence they can come up with a winning effort at the Fieldhouse even if Hill isn't available.

I'm scrambling to the ballpark this morning, so please add more links to the comments if you see any good stories or updates.

Check out the links:

Knicks-Pacers Preview - AP

Combine Measurement Analysis | NBADraft.net

Hill remains “day-to-day,” scheduled to take concussion test late Friday | Pacers Blogs

Roy Hibbert thinks the Pacers played like, um, kittens in Game 5 loss to Knicks | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports

We Went There: A Fine Mess at Madison Square Garden - The Triangle Blog - Grantland

The view from Seattle - TrueHoop Blog - ESPN

The arguments for NBA expansion and a new team in Seattle - SBNation.com

Like Patrick Ewing did in 1994, Carmelo Anthony can carry Knicks over Pacers - NY Daily News

KnicksTape: The D.J. Augustin Effect - Posting and Toasting

Knicks and Pacers’ Game 6 Past Dates to 1990s - NYTimes.com

Brain Injuries and When George Hill Will Play Next | 8 Points, 9 Seconds

NBA playoffs 2013 - Without George Hill, the Indiana Pacers can't close out New York Knicks - ESPN New York