Pacers Finish Their Trip Out West

Stuffing the basket just like his nose

And what a way to finish this short trek out west with a good win over the Lakers.  Roy Hibbert showed how badly he wanted to play and win this game as he came back after getting whacked in the nose by Kobe Bryant.  Doctors said he should stay in the locker room, but he stated he wanted to play.  As a Pacers fan, that's just awesome.  It's been a bit since we've had that mentality.  Danny Granger has been playing through a small injury as well, so it's good to see this team is willing to battling through things, and not sit out unless they are absolutely not able to go.  This game definitely felt like a playoff game as I sat in my bed just listening to the wonderful broadcast of Mark Boyle.  If you haven't sat and listened to a game, do yourself a favor, and do that once in a while.  


This game did not start out pretty as the Lakers jumped out to a 13 point lead in the first quarter, but the Pacers showed their smashmouth style, and chipped away even hitting a three pointer at the end of the second quarter to get back within three points.  The Pacers put up 35 points in that second quarter after just getting 14 in the first.  The third quarter was going back and fourth and the Lakers got a one point lead heading into the final period thanks to a buzz beater by Kobe Bryant.  Once again, the Pacers stepped up and took their shots at the Lakers.  They eventually got up late in the fourth quarter, and held on thanks to some timely free throws and great defense on potential game tying three pointers.  The Pacers held on to win this game 98-96. Stand out game by Hibbert as he put up 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.  All the other starters scored in double figures as well with David West getting 15 points, Danny Granger hitting for 16 points, Paul George scores 13 points, and Darren Collison with 12 points. I said before I think this team can win without a huge superstar and the collective team effort, which is what happened last night.


Just another game that this Pacers showed their grit and came out on top.  Friday night, George Hill stepped up and made a great defensive play to score the game winning basket against Golden State.  The Pacers finished this trip on a high note after that tough loss in Sacramento to start the trip.  But coming back to beat Golden State and Los Angeles is a statement to me.  This train needs to keep rolling as the Pacers come home to play the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls back to back.  That will be a test for this team, and one I know they'll step up and ace.