May 8, 2014
Ceci Ferrara
Sports Writer
Sports Insider UPDATE
“We didn’t do the job… They took advantage of it, no question about it.”
— Wzards coach Randy Wittman
Though the Wizards gave a valiant effort in game 2, it wasn’t enough to overcome a revived Indiana team desperate for a win. Roy Hibbert, the Pacers’ All Star center, who had been scoreless his last few games finally delivered, scoring a game-high 28 points and nine rebounds en route to an 86-82 victory over Washington.
But the game was never a runaway, with the lead changing hands several times. Washington had a small 45-43 edge heading into halftime, but was then outscored 25-19 in the third period. They bounced back in front with a 7-1 run to open the fourth, but the Pacers wouldn’t quit. They scored on three straight possessions to put them back in a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
Bradley Beal, who had 17 points on the night, hit a three-pointer with 11.4 seconds left to pull the Wizards within two. With time winding down, Washington fouled David West in an attempt to get the ball back. Unfortunately, West hit both free throws to put Indiana ahead for good. Trevor Ariza’s final shot missed, and was grabbed by a smiling Hibbert to end the game.
Afterwards, Wizards coach Randy Wittman admitted that they didn’t do enough to cover Hibbert.
“Roy came out and had a heck of a game, one that we all know he is capable of having,” he said. “We didn’t do the job that we have of not letting him catch the ball where he wants and get him off his spot. They took advantage of it, no question about it.”
The best-of-seven series is now tied at one game apiece, and heads back to Washington for the next two. It will resume Friday night at Verizon Center.
