Eastern Conference top-seeded Indiana Pacers are leading the seven-game second round postseason series 2-1. The Pacers defended pretty well in the last game as they held the Wizards to a franchise-low 85-63, to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Indiana would be hoping to keep the momentum going and return home with a 3-1 lead. On the other hand, a loss in the fourth game would virtually end any hopes of Washington's comeback in the series.
The Pacers suddenly have started playing like the way they did at the start of the season, and guard George Hill said after a tough phase the things are getting right for the team.
"Sometimes teams go through tough stretches. We just went through ours toward the end of the year. But we were playing (great) basketball in the beginning of the year. Normally it's the complete opposite - going through struggles early and figuring it out," Hill said. "Now we're starting to get back, and things are starting to click the right way. And we're starting to get our mojo back."
Indiana's coach Frank Vogel said his team has defensively performed pretty well in the last two games, by limiting Washington to 82 and 63 points.
"That's what we want to be," Vogel said. "We had great regular-season success by being a dominant defensive team - limiting the 3-ball, keeping teams out of transition, limiting teams to one shot, being a dominant defensive rebounding team - and that's who our identity is."
The Pacers' Paul George, Lance Stephenson, and Hill slowed the Wizards by guarding John Wall ,without emphasizing on offensive rebounding.
"I wouldn't just put it all on John," said shooting guard Bradley Beal. "He's only one guy. There's four other guys out there, and there's 12 total who are able to play.
"They didn't make anything easy. They were all together on one page on the defensive end. I didn't feel comfortable."
Indiana's David West said the fourth game will be different and the players will give their best and will try to remain active on the court.
"We were engaged. Our team as a whole was locked into their schemes and what they were trying to do. Our aggression was at the right level," West said. "Our hands were active, our feet were active, our voices were active on defense."
Where to Watch Live
The game is scheduled for a 7:00 pm ET (4:30 am IST, 11:00 pm GMT) start with live coverage on TNT in the US and Sony Six and Sony Six HD in India. The game can be watched via live streaming option HERE. The game can be live streamed by international viewers, including India, HERE.
