The Indiana Pacers saw each of their starters score at least 15 points, as they led the entire game en route to a 107-96 win over the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Paul George led the way for Indiana, scoring 24 points to go with four rebounds and seven assists. Much-maligned center Roy Hibbert chipped in with 19 points and nine rebounds on just 5-for-13 shooting, 9-for-13 from the free throw line.
LeBron James had 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists to pace Miami. Dwyane Wade had another excellent game (27 points), but Chris Bosh struggled to a nine point, four rebound afternoon.
The game unquestionably turned on the free throw disparity between the two teams. The Pacers attempted 37 free throws on the afternoon, compared with just 15 for the Heat. Indiana used this edge to push their lead to 19 in the third quarter, effectively ending the game right then.
Game 2 will be Tuesday night, with Miami looking to steal a road win and along with it home court advantage in the series.
