Indiana Pacers’ Paul George: ‘We really need Roy [Hibbert] and we need him now’

May 3, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) and center Roy Hibbert (55) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana won 92-80. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) and center Roy Hibbert (55) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana won 92-80. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 3, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) and center Roy Hibbert (55) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana won 92-80. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) and center Roy Hibbert (55) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana won 92-80. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

In the Indiana Pacers 102-96 loss to the Washington Wizards in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup on Monday night, Pacers’ center Roy Hibbert was again nowhere to be found.

In 18 minutes, Hibbert was held scoreless on 0-of-2 shooting, did not grab a rebound and picked up five fouls.

In the postseason, he has scored in double digits just once, has gone scoreless three times and is averaging 4.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in eight playoff games.

Hibbert’s teammates are now asking for him to step up.

Candace Buckner of The Indianapolis Star has the scoop.


Game 2 between the Pacers and Wizards is Wednesday night at 7:00 pm EST.