The Indiana Pacers play the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday in Game 6 of their 2014 NBA playoff series. Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. ET. Listen to the radio broadcast below.
Atlanta is one game away from advancing to the second round. They're up 3-2 on the first-seeded Pacers, something not many analysts predicted would happen. Indiana credits the system implemented by first-year coach Mike Budenholzer.
"It's just different," Pacers star Paul George told the Associated Press. "They spread us out and we're used to packing it in the paint, playing big, playing physical. But it's like playing pickup ball against them with five perimeter guys."
Pacers forward David West added: "They do a great job. They have a good team, the way they cut, the way they play. Their coach is a San Antonio guy, so they mimic what San Antonio does."
Hawks guard Kyle Korver agreed Budenholzer's system was one of the reasons the Hawks are on the verge of making a postseason run.
"There are very, very few teams who just win because they have the best talent," said Korver. "The good teams in the NBA have great systems. Even Miami has a great system, even though they also have great players. ...
"Whenever you have a great system, you can go get players who fit the system. Everybody in the NBA can play, but until you get the right opportunity and the right fit, it doesn't really work."
Atlanta is coming off their 107-97 win on Monday at Indiana. Guard Shelvin Mack, who was one of six Hawks players to score in double digits, led the team with 20 points.
George scored a game-high 26 points for Indiana, and David West, Lance Stephenson and George Hill all scored 16 points apiece.
