Pacers prepare for first round matchup with Toronto
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana is back in the NBA playoffs after a year away and they think they can do some damage.
The Pacers open the NBA playoff schedule Saturday afternoon in Toronto against the Raptors, who’ve struggled in postseason play. Toronto did win the season series with Indiana 3-1, but all games were close, decided in the fourth quarter or beyond.
The Pacers also come into the playoffs playing some pretty good basketball. They’ve won six of their past seven games, but this is different. They know it’s not going to be easy trying to knock off the Raptors but they’re ready for the challenge.
“Honestly, I’m not concerned with what happened with them in the past,” said coach Frank Vogel. “We look at them as a great basketball team, we’ve just got to do everything we can to win a basketball game. Obviously to win the series, we’re going to have to win at least one game up there to win the series.”
That includes a strong second team that’s crucial to slowing down Toronto’s bench strength. But it’s an inexperienced group. Ty Lawson’s been there, but veterans C.J. Miles and Rodney Stuckey have sat on the sidelines for the past six years.
“I’m just excited man,” said C.J. Miles, who hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2010 with Utah. “Ready to get a crack at trying to put ourselves in position to get close to the goal that every team starts the season with.”
Rodney Stuckey has waited even longer, 2009 in Detroit.
“Going to be a good experience, it’s been awhile, but it’s what we play for. Postseason basketball. I think we’re all excited for the opportunity that lies ahead of us,” Stuckey said.
As for rookie Myles Turner? There will be nerves embarking on his first playoff experience, but never intimidation.
“I think we match up with them very well,” said the 20-year old Turner. “I feel like with the exception of the last game, we’ve been in every game with them, we won one of those games, and have been in every game with them. So, I think we’ll give them trouble too.”
All-Star Paul George thinks his team can get the job done, if they wipe out the past.
“We’re ready, fresh start, zero-zero. Great opportunity to forget about the regular focus on what’s important,” George said.
The Pacers think if they can push the tempo in Toronto and keep their All-Stars off the free throw line, they can sneak away and win the series as an underdog. Time will tell.