Indiana Pacers: We are not underdogs in series against Miami Heat – NBA Update
The Indiana Pacers made short work of the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs and advanced to the second round in the Eastern Conference, where they will face the mighty Miami Heat. The Heat, last season’s NBA Finalists and Eastern Conference
Champions are being viewed as the favourites for the upcoming series, but that isn’t a view point Indiana are buying.
Despite the fact that Miami have the super star trio of LeBron James, a two-time NBA MVP, Dwyane Wade, a former NBA Finals MVP, and Chris Bosh, Indiana are sure they can overcome the opponents. The Pacers believe they are by no means an underdog going into
the series, and have confidence in their abilities to put up a valiant fight against their more enamoured rivals.
"I don't know if it's about respect," Pacers forward Danny Granger said. "It's about basketball. It's about finding out who's the better team. We're a good team. They're a good team. It's going to be a battle."
"Miami has more recognition, honestly, with their big three guys, but I think we're a good team as well."
The Pacers finished third in the Eastern Conference standings in the regular season. They were clinical in their matchup against the Magic, who were missing super star centre Dwight Howard. The Pacers though have indeed made marked improvements since last
season and have quite a few players on their roster who could trouble the Heat.
Indiana head coach Frank Vogel, who only got the job permanently at the start of this season, therefore has belief in his team to do well against the Heat. He said that the Pacers had performed exceptionally during the regular season and with a third seed
in the Eastern Conference were entitled to a higher billing than they were being afforded at present.
"I think we're just embracing the challenge," he said. "I feel like we are one of the best teams in the league. We are not viewing this in any way, shape or form like a David-vs.-Goliath type of meeting. We are not the underdog here. This is two heavyweights
going toe to toe."
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