(Troy Derengowski, Indiana SRN Sports)

Despite being on vacation, I left the water to watch the Pacers in 100-degree heat on Friday night. After their OT comeback win against New York in game one, I was curious about how they would perform in game two.

I turned off the TV when the Pacers were losing by 17 in game one, then woke up to find out they won. Now I hesitate to tune out because they might stage another fourth-quarter comeback. So, I stayed with the game Friday night as most Indiana fans did. New York made a strong run late, but Indiana was able to hold on for the win. So how did the Pacers defy the odds and take two in New York?

First, sometimes it takes a little luck to win on the road. Indiana’s fourth-quarter rally was due to perseverance, not luck.  They never gave up, and that is becoming a trait of this team. In overtime, the Pacers demonstrated their superiority over New York and their likelihood of winning the series.

The Pacers lack superstars but have players who work well together. Tyrese Halliburton consistently proves his value and reliability in critical moments. He performed effectively in game one and repeated his performance in game two on Friday night after a slow start.

On Friday, Pascal Siakam scored 39 points. Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle described it as “a quiet 39 points.” A quiet 39 indeed. Siakam scored effortlessly from various positions. The Pacers play selfless basketball, focusing on completing tasks rather than seeking recognition.

“It’s why we brought him here,” Tyrese Haliburton said of Siakam. “He can get a bucket in many different ways.”

Guard TJ McConnell was another unsung hero Friday. McConnell has been a valuable part of this team all season. His ability to spark the Pacers off the bench is incredible. “This time of year you have to play with a certain attitude. You have to play with a defiance,” Carlisle said. “It’s kind of defined T.J.’s 10-year career in the NBA. … Tonight I thought he was a real key to the game.”

Coach Carlise has confidence in his bench no matter who he puts on the floor. “Our bench did a really good job,” Carlisle said. “We’re going to need everybody…”.  He is correct. New York will be playing for their lives Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The odds favor Indiana to win this series and make it to the NBA finals. In the history of the NBA playoffs, only two teams have started on the road and returned home with a 2-0 lead twice in the same year, as the Pacers did in Cleveland and now in New York. The other team? Houston in 1995.

Go Pacers!!