NBA Playoffs 2014, Pacers at Wizards final score: Indiana cruises to 85-63 win, takes 2-1 series lead

There was a great deal of anticipation heading into game three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards, but when the dust settled, it was one of the uglier games in recent playoff history. Fortunately for fans of the visiting Pacers, they were able to perform far better than the Wizards despite the unfriendly venue, and they emerged with a 2-1 series lead after a 85-63 victory.

Frankly, the Wizards are an utter disaster in this game on the offensive end. Washington set a franchise playoff record with their abysmal 63-point effort, and that went along with hideous shooting percentages of 33% from the field, 25% from three and even 52% from the free throw line. Throw in the fact that the Wizards had 17 turnovers in the game (to just 9 from the Pacers), and it is easy to see how they fell short across the board.

If there was a “bright spot” for the home team, it came on the glass, where they were able to hold a 45-42 rebounding edge behind double-digit efforts from Marcin Gortat and Trevor Ariza, but that was the extent of the positives. Indiana shot just over 40% from the field in the game in route to 85 points, but that was more than enough.

Roy Hibbert continued his resurgence with 14 points on 6 for 9 shooting in the game, and once again, it was Paul George who carried the offensive torch for Indiana. George scored a game-high 23 points, snatched 8 rebounds, dished out 4 assists and racked up 3 steals as the best player on the floor, and with Washington unable to score effectively, it was a runaway win for the Pacers.

Now, the Wizards have their backs against the wall against a Pacers team that seems to be awakening before our very eyes. Washington will have the ability to remain in the series with a home win in game four, but if they fall short, it will be difficult to look back and remember when they were considered to be the favorites in this series.