(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics were heavy favorites before tip-off.
However, they had to go through an extra five minutes of basketball to win Game 1 at home, and it took 20 more free throws, some incredible turnovers, and an epic three-pointer to even get them to overtime.
That’s why, as much as people like to criticize and even doubt the Pacers, Austin Rivers believes it’s about time we start giving them their flowers.
Talking on ESPN’s Get Up, the former NBA player says people should give the Pacers their due, adding that they should feel very good about their chances right now.
.@AustinRivers25 is coming to the Pacers’ defense
“At some point we have to start giving Indiana credit. … They have to go in the locker room at some point yesterday and look around like, ‘Yo, we can beat these guys.'” pic.twitter.com/6buTQHupHd
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 22, 2024
Rivers believes the Pacers may have gone to the locker room thinking they can actually compete in this series.
He also called out those who discredit every single thing the Pacers have accomplished this season, stating that they deserve credit for getting this far, and it’s not just about other teams dealing with injuries or playing poorly.
That’s right on point.
If anything, the Boston Celtics went against a Miami Heat team missing it’s two best scorers and then beat a banged-up and underperforming Cleveland Cavaliers team missing two starters, so it’s pretty much the same.
At the end of the day, teams can only play whoever is in front of them.
The Pacers didn’t reach this stage out of sheer luck and chance, and they proved that this shouldn’t be as lopsided as some initially thought, even if they still lose the series.
The post Former Player Defends Pacers After Wild Game 1 Loss appeared first on The Cold Wire.