NBA: Roy Hibbert helps Pacers level Eastern Conference series
The Indiana Pacers kept their NBA Finals hopes alive after they beat the Miami Heat 99-92 Tuesday, leveling the Eastern Conference series at 2-2.
The home side had trailed 86-83 but a Paul George three-point play was the catalyst for a late surge as the Pacers finished the game with a 16-6 run to win the game.
Roy Hibbert scored 23 points and registered 12 rebounds, while Lance Stephenson added 20 points.
“We know they are the champs and we are going to be fighting an uphill battle but we are never going to give up,” said Hibbert.
“They counted us out but those guys in the locker room were ready to play and we went out there and played our hearts out.”
The defending champions were led by LeBron James’ 24 points, while Mario Chambers had 20, but it was not enough.
“We pride ourselves on closing out games and we weren’t able to,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
“You have to overcome a lot in the play-offs.”
