Luis Scola played a big role on Tuesday night to help the Indiana Pacers trounce the Atlanta Hawks and even the playoffs first round series at one.
The Pacers led by as many as 27 points, rolling to a comprehensive 101-85 home win in Game-2 before the series shift to Atlanta on Thursday, where the Pacers have won only two times since December 2006.
The historic between Indiana and Atlanta shows that in the previous five playoffs series the Game-1 winner went on to win the series.
However, Indiana’s display on Tuesday suggested they are ready to erase such tradition.
Argentine Scola was incredibly effective in both ends of the court, scoring 20 points and contribute 7 rebounds off the bench, after being 0 for 6 from the field in the Game-1.
The secret for his performance, Scola says, was willingness to beat and continue alive in the series.
“When you played harder and with energy, everything works fine. I did nothing different from Game-1. They are the same shots. Sometimes, you make them, other times you miss them.” Said Scola who explained they should not repeat Game-1 performance if they are to advance to the playoffs second round.
Paul George had game highs 27 points and 10 rebounds, and the Pacers seemed a totally improved team from the 101-93 Game-1 loss.
Pacers head coach Frank Vogel summed up the win in a remarkable speech. “Our energy was great. Our willingness to share the basketball was great. Our willingness to runwas great,” Vogel said.
Paul Millsap, who had 15 points at halftime 52-48 lead, finished with 19 for Atlanta, and Jeff Teague contributed 14 for Atlanta.
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said their ” execution on both ends of the court wasn’t at the level” they need it to be.
